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You are here: Home / Favorite Portland Outings / SO PORTLAND: THE WISHING TREE

SO PORTLAND: THE WISHING TREE

October 13, 2016 by Sarah Kline 7 Comments

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Ah, sweet serendipity.

The other day I decided to check out North Williams Avenue as it had been a while; Rick Gencarelli (of my previous Meet Your Maker post) had told me that he and Kurt Huffman were co-owners of Phillippe’s Bakery and I thought I should check it out — and see what else was going on nearby.

Philippe's Bread, Portland

Those of us who’ve lived here for more than a few years are routinely shocked at how much this neighborhood has changed of late.  Walking down the street, I had to remind myself that not so long ago there was not much more here than modest houses, a few small businesses and lots of free space.

Happily, there are still some glimpses of what it used to look like.

Nearby the Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

You’d never know that this lot was surrounded by brand new condos and retail space — or that this set of doors was in front of a large (for now) undeveloped lot.

Nearby the Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

Of course Phillippe’s was a winner — how could it not be with such savvy talent behind it?

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I’d just made a giant batch of cookies so I didn’t need sweets but I bought an exceptional baguette here and filed away the image of these for another time.

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So visiting this bakery would have been enough reason to head back to Williams, but look like what else I stumbled upon.

The Wishing Tree.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

The first thing I saw was this chalkboard.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

As you can see, a box of pristine tags and Sharpies await your thoughts — and my eye travelled up to the tree just a few feet away.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

Of course I was intrigued and I stopped to see what kind of wishes people had shared.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

Apparently some people are hoping for a little luck on the romance front.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

There were lots of cards hoping for longevity in the relationship they currently enjoy.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

(“love for days and days”? I guess some people view time differently than I do. Sign of the times?)

Some were hoping for harmony, either personally

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

or just in the world around them.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

(I love that someone else sees the healing powers of a good ‘wich.)

I also saw that quite a few people were looking to get through current difficulties and the obstacles that prevent love from coming into their lives.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

Interestingly, I only saw one political message which surprised me with the election just weeks away.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

I’m happy to say I didn’t see one cynical or careless wish in the mix (and I must have read over a hundred of them), and I only saw one request for a material object.

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While I was standing there, a gorgeous African American woman came upon this tree and we spoke for a minute or two.

It was her first time there at The Wishing Tree, too, and we marveled at all the wishes the tree held.

(Neither of us knew the back story on the tree, but I noticed that an interior design company resides in the house behind —  perhaps the owner is the creator of this neighborhood focal point?)

This fellow tree visitor told me that she always walks around with a red pen because she considers red ink lucky — and she urged me to write my wish with her pen so that I’d have extra good luck.

Forgive the shaky handwriting — I was trying to balance writing on my thigh and talking at the same time.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

I have to tell you, after she walked away I was really tempted to look at her wish, but she seemed like such a private person that it felt intrusive to read her tag after she left.

The Wishing Tree works because the wishes are so intimate yet completely anonymous, so I left her tag unturned.

Besides, sometimes it’s better not to know — and just wonder. What could this goddess possibly ask of the universe?

Some of the last wishes I read were the most poignant for me.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

As much as I complain privately about the astronomical costs of healthcare for the self-employed,  I can’t remember a time when I’d to say no to something as basic and fundamental as a tooth cleaning because it was beyond my financial reach.

What an interesting and telling wish these days, no? Of all the wishes, a dental cleaning is the one you most desire?

Unrequited love gets me every time, and I would love to know the story behind this one.

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And then there was one wish that really got me.

After reading it, I could read no other.

I wanted to honor it by really thinking about it and the toll it must take to carry that burden.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

Pretty powerful, right?

Isn’t that what we all want for ourselves and others — a dignified, peaceful death at the end of a long, healthy and ridiculously happy life?

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

So thank you, Wish Tree and the people at 4048 North Williams for this tree.

Without any treats in the car and only a half-eaten baguette in my bag, all I could leave was this.

Wishing Tree Wishes, Williams Street, Portland

I’ve found that whenever someone tells me that I’ve made their day, they actually make mine, too. I think it all comes down to the fact that we all need to know that we matter to those around us.

And the public gesture of this communal tree revives our long-held hope that wishes released to the world at large maybe, just maybe, can come true.

Wisconsin Lake House, Cousin's Vacation

Portlanders, in these days of all-grim and stupefying news, a visit to the Wishing Tree is a must-do.

Filed Under: Favorite Portland Outings, Pure Portland

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Comments

  1. Mary Ann says

    October 13, 2016 at 2:34 pm

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      October 13, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      Thanks, Mary Ann!You should check it out — I found it so touching.

      Reply
  2. Anita Kline says

    October 13, 2016 at 5:55 pm

    I’m putting a visit to the Wishing Tree on my Wish List for upcoming visit to Portland and You! Also, of course, an order of dirty fries at Grassa! xo

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      October 13, 2016 at 8:28 pm

      We can’t wait to host you! Keep that list coming and we’ll hit as many places as we can on it during our brief time together 🙂

      Reply
  3. vivian says

    October 23, 2016 at 3:41 pm

    Very heartfelt posting…..this is by far my favorite….you have expressed so well what this world needs!
    Thank you….you made my day!
    Vivian

    Reply
  4. Hedi says

    November 4, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    This is one of my favorite posts! Thank you, Sarah. It really makes me want to move to Portland.

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      November 4, 2016 at 5:45 pm

      Thanks, Hedi. You really would love this place– the food, the beautiful streets and homes, the seasons, the whole vibe. If the Meyers lived here, it would be perfect!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Sarah Kline. Former cook at Greens. Restaurant reviewer and food columnist for San Francisco Examiner. Copywriter/recipe writer for Williams Sonoma. Private cooking teacher.  Flash forward.  -> Read More

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