These particular birds

On my changing relationship to home

This is a story about home, but it began at Lan Su Chinese Garden.

The Portland Japanese Garden is rightfully famous, so you might not be familiar with Lan Su. This little oasis is tucked in a shabby pocket of Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood.

I became a garden member this year so now I get free admission. This has transformed the tenor of my visits. Even though it’s only a few minutes from my house, Lan Su used to be a once- or twice-per year destination and a place to bring guests. Now, it’s one of my swing-bys, like a favorite cafe or street mural. If I’m in the neighborhood I can pop in for a quick visit without a second thought.

A couple weeks ago, I stopped in for a late-afternoon stroll, intending to gather up what vestiges of winter light I could. But by the time I parked and made my way through the entry gate, the light was already fading and a sharp chill was in the air.

I walked over the intricate pebble mosaic toward a table where I noticed staff members pouring tea.…