We were parking our car in a Chinatown lot 
near the Philadelphia Convention Center when my sister called. We had tickets for Springtime in Paris, the 2011 Philadelphia Flower Show. Paula’s voice held a note of urgency. She asked about our oldest son living in San Francisco, an untimely concern I thought. We had not yet heard of Japan’s earthquake and the resulting tsunami reportedly headed toward the West Coast.
Walking into the flower show’s main gate seemed surreal. A possible tsunami was hours from San Francisco. 
The lines to the show were long and moved slowly. We could only wait. We entered under the arch of the Eiffel Tower, painted a light color against the black ceiling and awash with spotlights. Our son would return my call. Feathered and flowered carousel animals ran wild among blossoming cherry trees. He would call soon; soon he did. Everywhere people stood in awe at the surrounding beauty. He and the rest of California were safe.
Surreal morphed into a vision, a landscape artist’s fantasy recreated inside the huge convention center. 
We strolled beyond the tower’s imposing structure and into a Parisian-inspired dreamland.
Sixty large scale gardens were featured. We gazed on a Victorian salon adorned with flowers under glass, a floral decorated Patisserie, a carousel stage, an artist’s studio, a water lily pond and fountains, and an amazing shack inspired by the Louisiana Bayou and built by students. There was a topiary carved into Rodin’s The Thinker and another exhibit inspired by a painting of Edgar Degas.
After a few hours, we left the show and wandered across the street for lunch. 
The Reading Terminal is a fragrant, busy Marketplace dating from 1892. It is filled with multiple markets — meats, fish, fresh produce, Philly Cheesesteaks, Amish bakeries, dining counters, and more. Walking through the Reading Terminal alone would have been worth our trip to Philadelphia, but we had more flowers to see.
On our return, we encountered two polite protesters carrying a large banner. They were part of a group protesting what they called PNC bank’s “environmental crimes” in Appalachia. I later learned more about their protest in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Once back inside, we wandered by prize-winning miniature gardens, then among the one-hundred and eighty unique vendor booths. 
Wood patio furniture, unique light fixtures, metalwork, a myriad of seeds and bulbs, and quality jewelry. I was attracted to a stall featuring intricate carved porcelain night lights. The artist was Marty Kubicki from Irvine, California. I admired his gorgeous artistry then he and I spent several minutes discussing news from Japan and the west coast.
Finally, with feet aching from long hours on concrete, my husband and I left for the parking lot, then drove out of the city. Late that day, as we settled into our suburban hotel room, we watched broadcasts of the heart-breaking devastation in Japan.
My stories are set in other time periods, before thoughts and pictures could fly around the world in seconds. 
On Friday, in the course of a few hours I learned of a horrific earthquake and a possible tsunami, but that my son and the state of California were safe.
What must it have been like for those who lived in earlier times? How did a woman cope when her husband or sons went off to fight in the Civil War? Not knowing. How did 18th century parents manage when their children moved to the new world, not knowing if they would see them again?
Writing historical fiction takes more than just research. It takes immersing oneself into a different time and culture. The creators of the gardens at the 2011 Philadelphia Flower Show immersed themselves in the Parisian culture, and were inspired to create awesome scenes. As writers we must do the same. Doing so brings life to our vision of the world.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those lost in Japan. ∞
Stringing Beads 
Such a beautiful post, Deb. And the photos, as usual, are spectacular!
Your whole day sounds fantastic and I’m more than a bit envious.
Like you, my thoughts and prayers have flown westward to the Japanese people and the horrific events of the last few days. Hawaii and our west coasts were spared which allows us to grieve and pray for those in Japan.
Deb —
Glad your son was safe and it is terrible about those devastated by this quake and its aftermath.
I do envy your going to the Flower Show — I have such horrible spring and flower and growing thing allergies that I doubt there is enough medication to get me through it — and still be breathing. But I do so want to go….
Loved your photos — thanks for sharing!
Terri B
Oh, I would have loved to have seen this show Deb! The Victorian Salon looks gorgeous and the patisserie sounds wonderful. This has me thinking spring–and in Paris would be even better!
Lovely post, thanks for sharing!
Beth
Thank you, MJ. It was a beautiful show. Hope to post photos on FaceBook but it takes time and I’m trying to finish another chapter…and some nasty thief stole an hour of time from us!
Terri, so sorry about the allergy thing. I didn’t go near the orchids because of the way I reacted to them at Longwood Gardens. Other than that I was fine. Maybe if you were to really really load up on allergy meds…no, like you said, probably not a good idea. There are always masks, and they did have a dvd there.
One disappointment in the show…there was no real sense of fragrance. I expected there would have been more. And (confession time) despite the exquisite beauty, I really do like outdoor gardens better. More natural – but that didn’t seem to work its way into my post. 🙂
Beth, the Victorian salon was EXQUISITE, one of my favorites of the show. That and the carousel animals. I also liked the Louisiana Bayou shack. Of course mosquitos and alligators would have made it more authentic, but the fact they didn’t include them was just fine. 🙂 Will try to get some pics onto FaceBook in a few days.
Great, thoughtful essay, Deb.
Thank you, Roni. I’m glad you liked it. The whole day was…well, surreal. But so beautiful.
Hope to see you soon.
A lovely and thoughtful post, Deb, and the pictures were delightful. I’m glad your son is safe. Watching the news about Japan over this weekend has been heartbreaking. But in some ways, I suppose we’re lucky to be living in an age where information is so readily available. Unlike times gone by.
Gail
Thanks for stopping by, Gail, and for your comments. Reading and writing about the past is intriguing to me but, I agree with you. Having information so readily available is useful. Thanks again!
Wonderful post Deb. It is very creatively structured and the musings of people from early times not getting news very quickly or at all was thought provoking. We tend to forget many times how quickly things have changed in the world of communications. Loved the pictures and the show sounded delightful!!!
Paula, just saw your comment. Thanks so much. The show was delightful. I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy it since I’ve been away from gardening for a few years but it was truly remarkable. Loved the creativity and moods created. Wished you could have been there with us.
Remember to take time to smell the lilacs and roses! Love, dear sister.