Take a second.. close your eyes and think back to your childhood/young adult life. Now think of the people who helped shape you into who you are. Maybe a teacher, maybe a coach, maybe a close friend, maybe your parents? For me, I remember lots of teachers but mostly, hands down, it was Joan Shipley.
I started working for Joan in the mid 80's while I was attending art school at Pacific NW college of art here in Portland, long before the flower shop was even a thought in my head. I would help her with little events in her home. Joan was a cultural force, held prominent spots on many arts and educational boards and entertained like nobody could.
She was always the perfect host. She loved having people in her beautiful home and wanted to make sure people had the best time possible. She would fill her home with bounties of food and stunning looser garden styled floral arrangements, put together by me of course! Her gatherings were always a cross section of intellectuals, artists, community leaders and family. She was graceful, elegant, down to earth, curious and generous both as a person and an entertainer. One particular big party for Trimet (I think it was) all the power went out in the house and we were right in the middle of making paella for 75 guests. We immediately thought to use the BBQ's and though it was a bit stressful by the end, it was the most delicious paella ever complete with smokey flavor. Joan and I became a great team in the kitchen.
We both shared the love of good food but also of flowers. Gardenias, lily of the valley, french double lilacs, peonies, garden roses are a few of our favorites. When she was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and requested no visitors I knew I had to do something. So, I sent gardenias and even close to her passing she was still able to smell the heady gardenia scent.
She still inspires me to become a better person (even 30 years later), to be graceful always, to give back to everyone I can and to lift people up. She was also an amazing gift giver and always remembered every holidays and birthdays for me and also my children.
I have had the esteemed honor to help Joan celebrate some of the most special days in her life, not only events and dinner parties, but also her children's weddings, her sad passing in 2011 and this past weekend, her grandchildren's b'nei mitzvah. It really does come full circle doesn't it?
I miss Joan dearly everyday. I have never wanted to get a tattoo but if I got one it would either say "WWJD" (What would Joan do?) or just simply "Joan knows".
Xoxo, Kim