When I was a little kid, the dahlia world was full of people who always seemed happy to see my family and me. When we would walk into any show or meeting, we would always be swarmed by folks, often with a load of dahlias in one arm, and a welcoming hug in the other! It was nearly 50 years before I joined my own dahlia club, jumping into the fray as a grower and exhibitor. After joining the Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers (FNWDG), I discovered that things had changed very little in the 5 decades since I first showed up at dahlia shows with Dad and Mom. From my first meeting on, I have regularly been embraced and welcomed whenever I have shown up in my local dahlia world, whether at meetings, workshops or shows. If there is anything more addictive than always feeling at home anywhere, I haven't found it. Many of us have said "You come for the flowers, but you stay for the people." This is more true now than ever, especially in light of an experience I had a couple weeks ago in my hometown of Everett, Washington. I had my purse and all its contents stolen, torn right off my shoulder as I was walking into the dahlia show at a park that was as familiar to me as my own home. It happened in broad daylight, in a full parking lot that happened to be totally deserted, except for me and the thief. Not one to be easily shaken, I was quite shocked and upset when arrived in the building. Fortunately I was not hurt, except for an abrasion/bruise on the back of my arm, but I was stunned, and couldn't get my brain about me enough to figure out what to do next. Enter my dahlia brothers and sisters! I could go on and on about how wonderful these people were, offering me help of whatever kind I might need in a situation like this. But suffice to say that if I had to have something bad happen to me, there was no group I would rather be around than these people. I can never thank them enough for all the support I received from them, both tangible and intangible. Not only can they flat-out grow gorgeous dahlias, they can provide comfort and hope as well as anyone in the world.
With that experience behind me, and my vigilance sharpened, I have arrived in Grand Rapids, ready to spend s few days in the heaven known as a dahlia show, with angels known as dahlia folks. They are the eagles who have taken me under their wings, and have made it possible for me to soar right along with them! I will try to keep everyone up-to-date as to the happenings each day, and will be posting pictures along the way. Talk to you later.....
Bernie Wilson's new seedling, Lakeview Blush, as shown at the 2013
Puget Sound Dahlia Association show in Shoreline, Washington
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