‘The Purple Avocado’ – a treasure of extraordinary value

Unexpected money is always the best of surprises. “This is Sue at the Purple Avocado and I have $24 for you from the sale of your book (“The Inside Story”). You can pick it up at any time just not on Sunday or Monday.” Wonderful news except we live in Smith Valley and the Purple Avocado is in the heart of Carson City. Twenty minutes later Randy, our son calls. He lives in Reno. “Would you be available for lunch today?” Ah ha, a plan evolves and we meet at the Purple Avocado. 

Orllyene, Randy and I connect at the Purple Avocado at noon. The miniature porch of the cottage is painted a bright green.  I feel like I’m in Ireland.  Pixy dust covers the entire cottage and the inside is no less intoxicating.  Sue caters to artists, authors, and craft people.  From floor to ceiling whimsical treasures are everywhere.  “I’m here to pick up twenty-four dollars from the sale of my book,” I announce to a tall gentleman who wonders what in the world I’m talking about. A face appears from the alcove behind him.  “Hi Ron. I still have the beautiful dance picture you autographed for me pinned on the wall.  This is my husband, Stan. Ron is here to pick up twenty-four dollars dear,” and Stan raids the cash register.  All formalities fade and the proprietors of “The Purple Avocado (Gifts of an Extraordinary Nature) tell us of their adventures in the retail trade.  We are among friends.

“Without missing a beat Sue relates the circumstances that created her dream. “I always wanted to be in retail and I was a high school teacher at the time.  My son was graduating from high school and one morning I awoke from sleep with the premonition that I should open a store.  When I told Stan about my premonition, he said that you also had a dream and the store should be called “The Purple Avocado.”  But it wasn’t that simple and we decided not to push it until everything fell into place.  It wasn’t until we came across this location that we made the decision.  The cross street with Curry Street has my mother’s name and that clinched it. I believe that when the conscious mind gets out of the way, the spirit is free to spring into action and that’s when things begin to happen. I can’t wait to hear more. 

“We’ve leased the cottage for 21 years.  It was built in 1863 and is historically significant as one of the oldest houses in Carson City.  Clay pipes were used in those days and the foundation is pretty much a hodge-podge.”  

We linger longer than planned for good reason. We enjoy the company of these people and they seem to enjoy us.  It’s easy to see why artists flock to them to share their treasures. The tables, shelves and even the walls are covered with jewelry, evocative signs, bracelets, books, even hand-woven socks. Best of all, is the warmth that Sue and Stan eulate.  If you visit, you won’t go away a stranger.     

Ron Walker can be reached at walkover@gmx.com