A Woman in Search Of...

Wendy followed Scott as he put his coffee cup and plate down and headed for the door.

“See you later,” he said as he left.

Wendy watched as he walked out. She took a break from the festivities and went into her office, closed the door, collapsing into her chair. He made major changes and talked more, the way he was when they dated and during the first part of their marriage. She now saw him with renewed interest, more than the last time they talked. She liked his new job and his attitude toward it. The question was, would the conversations stay as stimulating if they got back together? Would they stay in “feel” with each other?

Wendy left the office and went to speak with some familiar customers. Two men stood next to her as she visited with a customer who was interested in a hanging plant she held. When the conversation ended the men asked if they could talk to her a minute. She went with them to the counter.

“Hi, my name is Mitchell, and this is Alan”

“Nice to meet you both.”

Mitchell spoke, “I understand you are the owner and designer of this nursery.”

“Yes, I’m Wendy Murray.”

“Alan and I represent the California Shade Plant Association. A while ago we visited your nursery when we read about it in the paper.”

Alan continued, “We found your nursery a unique design and a lush haven. It looks even more incredible now.”

“Thank you so much.”

The men looked at each other for just a second. Mitchell spoke, “We would like to nominate your shade plant nursery for a special award from our association. It’s called ‘Best Shade Plant Garden of California. ’ We include indoor spaces if they look as amazing as yours.”

Stunned and speechless Wendy finally spoke, “I don’t know what to say. This is such an honor for me and my nursery. So nice of you to consider it.”

“Just so you understand,” Alan said, “You’re one of five nominated. If it’s okay, we will take some pictures and a short film to share with the nominating committee.”

“Yes, of course.”

Mitchell added, “The committee will vote in about two weeks. There will be an award’s ceremony at the Los Angeles Hotel downtown. If possible, we’d like all the nominees to attend.”

“Amazing, this is a lot to take in. I’m very gratified you find my nursery to be worthy of a nomination. And, of course, I will attend the award’s ceremony. Once again, thank you.”

Each man shook her hand and said, “You’re welcome.”

Wendy’s eyes followed the Mitchell and Alan as they strolled around the nursery and took pictures of many areas, including the inner bark paths where many plants were. She watched them recording the nursery as they proceeded toward the stream and finally turned to the gazebo.

“Thank you again for your creation.”

Wendy went with them to the door.

“We’ll be in touch,” Mitchell said as they left.

The first thing she thought when they left was that she’d invite Scott to the award’s ceremony.

Near the end of the day the number of people dwindled, and Wendy immediately went to Carol to tell her the news.

“Oh, wow. I don’t know what to say, what a great honor.”

“I know. This is unbelievable.” Wendy’s eyes danced.

“But you do know you deserve it. All the work you put into the design and its final appearance…it is a kind of fairy land.”

“You’ve been a great supporter all along, thank you.”