Moving Day
Progress is always good, and we're upgrading the blog. Please stop by the new one at: SunshineOnDemand.com!
While I'll miss all the wonderful folks at Tblog, the RSS feed works; and it's easier for me to upload more pics from that platform.
I'll check in on everyone here, but please do stop by and let me know your thoughts, comments, ways to improve.
Keep blooming, everybody
Spring Giddiness
The editorial in our Friday paper was reprinted from the LA Times, by Morris Dickstein. It mentioned the $50 million increase in arts funding in the final stimulus legislation recently signed by President Obama. I am a firm believer in enhancing our lives by allowing in beauty and music, and art, because I know that I feel better when I am looking at something pleasing rather than concentrating on ugliness! AND, when my mood is better, I can more easily find solutions to the challenges I face everyday as a small business owner. Look at this rockstack, at it's simplicity. The different grains in the granite and shale. Is there anything more simple or beautiful?
Mr. Dickstein went on to point out that in the 1930's, when there was widespread loss of morale, despair, and grave fears for the future, people found some relief in going to movies, listening to songs on the radio. Of course, I am not advocating bidding on the latest found Picasso if that is out of your means-- BUT.... when was the last time you really looked at an incredible piece of art? When was the last time you noticed a painting or piece of sculpture, or dance performance and realized what it was about that piece that moved you? This totem was carved in 1941, and has stood ever since. I look at it, and marvel at the artist's vision for this log.
If what we focus on expands, do we really want to focus on jobs losses or stock markets tanking, banks failing and the restructuring of the big 3 automakers; or do we want to focus on what we can do individually and collectively to help each other feel better and get this country back on it's feet?
Today, I am focusing on things of beauty. Yes, I will pay the bills I can pay today, do the tasks I must do, but as much as possible, I am going to see the beautiful things in my life for what they are-- blessings. I will appreciate and acknowledge the parts that are working, and see the beauty.
This shot is from False Outer Point, a place that I'm sure has magic. If all else fails, keep blooming, everyone.
Spring Break
Spring in Southeast Alaska is a little bit of everything- we still have snow on the ground, and it "Snains" -- but the alder and cottonwood have buds just ready to POP, and we've had several really sunny and warm days this month. We are all ready for clear ground and skies, and warmer weather. That middle picture IS a juvenile eagle just outside our shop last week in a snowstorm
Yellow is the hot color in the flower shop this week. Everybody wants a little sunshine and warmth. The sunflowers are glorious and huge and last very well-- and the Gerbera, even brighter! There is also a Leucodendron with yellowish green colored leaves and a red middle that looks like a pinecone. Because it's a true tropical (comes from the tropical band around the middle of the earth), it lasts a very long time, so is very good value.
I know that I feel better when I have flowers in my home-- and when I feel better, I can take better care of the folks around me-- partner, family, customers, friends. So part of my self-care this week is to take home some floral sunshine for the weekend.
Keep blooming, everybody.
Handsome
3 years ago, we moved our store about 8 blocks. We packed and packed and packed for 2 weeks solid-- and when we pushed the easy button and called the movers, we brought to the new location 12 truckloads of stuff-- including the cat and 4 pigeons.
Mister came to us first with a wing injury, several months before we moved. (It turns out s/he was probably a female, since the rest of them danced around her in the spring.) S/he would beetle around on the floor and duck under the rolling carts we use for counters & storage whenever the cat would come too close. S/he never flew again, although s/he would unfold the good wing and stretch out the same leg, and look like s/he was doing Tai-chi.
Betty followed a few months later, and was just too little to fly-- probably fell out of the nest and couldn't get back up. S/he was huddled up against the back door one night as we were leaving. S/he stayed for a few months, then we released her to the rest of the pigeon flock. S/he was back 2 days later with a foot injury.
The Twins each arrived 2 days before we moved. They were both too little to fly. We were running out of cages by this point, so we housed them together, hence their name. One was mostly white, and the other mostly dark.
Pigeons, you may know, live 5-7 years outside, and we were shocked to discover, up to 35 years in captivity. We had no intention of KEEPING them, and our release rate has been pretty good. (We are members of the raptor society, so we can help with injured birds.) That first day in April, the first really sunny day, Betty and the Twins soared off into the sky, flying in ever increasing circles until we couldn't see them anymore. We cried one tear, and went back inside. An hour and a half later it started to snow, and they flew noisily in the back door. They slept for a day and a half, and then they started taking off, returning to the roost at night. We realized they were going to be here for a while, so we installed cardboard "poop shields" above all the counters and computers. Mister beetled all over the floor, even going outside in the day and picking through the grass. S/he climbed into the kitty carrier that was his roost each night, and we'd latch the door so the cat couldn't get him.
We changed the Twins' name to the Teenagers-- every time we'd walk into the workroom, they'd fly off in opposite directions. The white one was trying to build a nest inside a box on the upper storage shelves, and the dark one would bring him twigs and debris from the workroom floor. We finally realized to our relief, that Betty AND the twins had to all be male, or there would be babies coming. Plus, when we climbed up to inspect the nest the Teenagers had labored so long over, it was pretty skimpy.
Betty was the first to leave for good. S/he still joins the flock for breakfast, and sits on the chainlink fence outside the back door and huffs at us. The white twin left next, followed by the dark twin. It was a long, hard winter; and the first really big snow in November when we got 17 inches of snow in 24 hours, Mister walked out the back door and we couldn't find him. S/he'd been trying to get out all day and we kept shooing him inside. When we loaded up the delivery truck in the afternoon, s/he slipped out.
It was a very quiet winter. No little cooing sounds about 4pm when the birds usually settled into their downy cots for the night. Then the light returned, the days got longer and warmer, and we started opening the back door for ventilation. In through the back door, open only a few inches, flew a beautiful creature-- round, glossy breast, iridescent neck, and white stripe above the beak, signifying his adulthood! It was the dark twin. Now so plush and beautiful, we call him Handsome. He still flies in occasionally- more in the winter than in the summer. Last year he coaxed one of his two wives inside-- but she got scared and took off. Now, he comes in, and the both wives wait on the roof for him.
We still put out feed for Handsome, we still have the poop shields up in the workroom. We still watch out for the other pigeons in our part of the world. What do we get out of it? The chance to see another creature up close. If you have ever felt the breast of a pigeon against your hand, you know what we mean. And if we can't nurture each other, what's the point?
Keep blooming, everybody.
Sunshine on Demand
Here in southeast Alaska, we are having the snowiest spring in a long time-- it's easy to lose sight of the fact that the days are getting longer, the light is returning.
We got in a box full of sunshine this week, though-- Sunflowers! Giant spots of sunshine yellow, sure to cheer up even hearts the size of walnuts. We just look at them and smile. They look particularly lovely with branches of Forsythia, and Andromeda. Andromeda is mostly sold as a foliage, and the bloom heads start off as seed sized red nubs on the tips of the branches. As the bloom head matures around Mother's Day, the seed heads turn into light pink or white bells. Very graceful, and lacey.
The product available in the spring is varied, and short lived. Some things are cut to sell for only a few weeks-- then they become too ripe to ship, but still look beautiful in the field. Take a moment and look around you-- the blooms you see today may be gone in just a few weeks. Whichever flower makes your heart sing, bring one or two or a handful home today. It will help you remember that spring is coming.
Keep Blooming, everyone.
Is Cleanliness next to Godliness?
When it comes to vases, YES! If your vase isn't clean enough you wouldn't mind drinking out of it, it isn't clean enough for your flowers-- unless they're silk! How do you get your vase that clean?
First, don't let flower stems stand in water past the life of the flower head. The longer they degrade in water, the more bacteria and gunk accumulates. This just makes more work for you later. Depending on what the vase is made of and how big the opening is, many may be cleaned in your dishwasher. Inspect the vase after the run-- if you can see a white or grey film on the inside, it still isn't clean enough.
Our preferred method of cleaning is BLEACH. A generous amount of bleach and hot water up to the opening of your vase will remove a multitude of bacteria, and it only takes about 20 minutes. Then follow that up with a thorough rinse. Voila! Your vase is just like brand new. And that's healthier for any kind of flower.
Why is this important? Flowers have tiny vascular systems. When the vascular system gets clogged with bacteria, it radically impacts water uptake (the flower can't drink). When they run out of water, they die. For the life of your flowers, and your own pleasure, the cleaner the vase, the longer you can enjoy your spring favorites.
Bulbs, lilies, anemones, blooming branches-- it's a whole wide world of blooming product right now. So take a moment, make sure your vase is spotless, and then welcome spring with a bright bouquet.
Keep blooming, everybody.
A Spring Fling
The winter holidays are all over. It's a long time until Sewards Day (Celebrated in the great state of Alaska on the last monday in March, commemorating the birthday of William H Seward- the forward thinking man who convinced the rest of the US Gov't to buy Alaska from the Russians for 2 1/2 cents an acre); and that means no more bonus days off.
Help yourself feel the breath of fresh air that spring brings, by bringing home some hyacinthes, narcissus, iris or tulips. Accent them with a spring bush such as Forsythia, Andromeda, or Acacia for a lovely bouquet. Throw in some waxflowers for a lemony fresh scent, and you have a real Spring Fling going on! A stem or two of anything will help you hang on until Spring truly arrives in your corner of the world. Already in southeast Alaska the days are getting longer, the air is lighter, some days we can smell the trees. Spring IS coming-- it's just a matter of time.
Be good to yourselves, everybody, and keep blooming!
the perfect valentines day
Lots of people are put off by the commercialism of Valentines day-- the same ones who decry the commercialization of Christmas, no doubt. Here's the thing, though-- It's OK to show someone you care about them; and a lot of us do it with gifts. The bigger point, we think, is that it isn't quite so special a gift if you just go out and blindly purchase the first thing you see with hearts on it.
As with any other gift, it means a whole lot more if you put some thought into it--- and make it his or her favorite color, or scent. If you KNOW her favorite rose is orange, then send them-- don't go with red just because that's the norm. If you don't know what his favorite color is, ASK. Then tailor your gifts accordingly.
It's also OK to celebrate your love and caring all year long-- you don't need the "experts" to tell you what or when to celebrate. You can make up your own traditions to celebrate, and celebrate them how YOU want to. Do you celebrate your anniversary every month, or once a year? Do you celebrate someone's birthday month, or the day?
Our perfect valentines day looks like this: The freight comes in on time-- every flower is umblemished and usable; the staff is focused and working efficiently; deliveries are gotten out in a timely manner; every recipient is easy to find, and right where they are supposed to be; each order has all it's "parts" when it's delivered the first time around-- balloons, candy, right number of roses or other flowers.....
What does your perfect valentines day look like? Give that some thought, and make it so. If now is not a convenient time to celebrate for you and your mate, make up your own date. The important thing is to acknowledge each other, and show appreciation.
Keep blooming, everybody.
Louie Blue Eyes
Four years ago, I "retired." While I was in Hawai'i, my sister got lonely and adopted two cats from the Humane Society. Newkea lived at the shop for about a year and had a heart attack and dropped dead the busiest day of the summer. Louie arrived at the same time, and now enjoys being an only cat. He's our PE (personnel evaluator). We have found him to be a pretty good judge of character; and if he doesn't like you, you cannot be in the workroom.
We like having him around, because not only does he help us laugh every day, he's also very comforting. If you are having a bad day, pet a cat. There is something about stroking an animal while they express their appreciation by purring loudly enough to be heard across the room. He lounges on the seat we removed from the delivery van, and he'll share if you need it-- if you let him lean on you.
As you can see, he also holds down my desk, so that it doesn't go flying around the room. This requires stretching out as long as possible, covering as much surface as possible. And that is considerable on his part. He was found by Humane Society staff abandoned outside the shelter, emaciated and matted. They caught him, cleaned him up; and when he got to the cat room, he crawled into the catfood bag and didn't come out until it was empty and he weighed 20 pounds. His hair is about 4" long- -we keep it short most of the year because he gets way too warm, and lets us know by sitting in the flower cooler for long periods of time.
I like watching him when the new product comes in, and wonder what he can extrapolate by smelling everything. He'll come over and pull down greens or babybreath in front of his face, sit behind it like he's hiding under a bush; and thinks no one can see him because his face is obscured. He spends a lot of time sniffing the stems and the blooms he can reach, then he opens his teeth just a little and draws the scent over his glands at the back of his throat, then sniffs again.
We back up to the grocery store; and in winter the mice come in. Louie can hear them moving in the walls, and it drives him crazy. They know he's too portly to get under the rolling carts we use for shelving and dividers; and they can travel through our part of the building by staying under the carts or moving in the walls. Louie will come and tell us he needs help-- he catches them only by default. If you follow him, he'll lead you back to where he's been pawing at the walls, and look up with impossibly blue eyes. Can't you help me, he'll implore.
Louie is the latest in a line of feline ambassadors at the shop. He entertains us, and enriches our lives. What would our lives be like if he weren't there? I wonder.
Love, Love, Love
Ok, maybe you folks are done with your Valentines shopping; but ours is just starting to arrive-- the bulb plants come first; followed by blooming branches and foliages so they can have a good healthy drink before we prep containers this weekend; then all next week, boxes of fresh product arriving every day to be processed and cooled before going out for sale.
Red anything is always popular; and it certainly shows up well. Most of our folks prefer "spring flings," lots of mixed spring and seasonal flowers in a myriad of colors. If you get some roses, some lilies, some bulbs, you really can have the best of all worlds-- good smells, true spring, and the symbol of love.
The shop smells the best this week and next week of anytime during the year-- so if you are close by, stop in. If you're not close by, stop into your florists' this week and treat yourself to some eye candy.
Keep blooming, everybody.
Share the Love
The origins of Valentine's day are many and varied-- ranging from as many as 9 different early priests martyred by the Catholic Church for performing secret marriages and other infraction; to Christians wishing to cover up pagan fertility rites and spring celebrations. The common thread seems to us, to be love.
Everyone you care for deserves a valentine! And while you could spend unlimited amounts of money, you can also remember everyone thoughtfully on a budget. Here then, are our best suggestions for the most thoughtful bang.
1. Your primary love relationship should get the biggest "show." Sometimes it's charming to match it on a smaller scale, but ONLY for your daughters-- in their preferred color scheme, of course. Your mother, grandmother, sister should get something different from your primary love. After all, you wouldn't get them all the very same piece of jewelry, would you?
2. Show up during the workday YOURSELF with bouquet in hand and his/her favorite coffee drink. Don't interrupt others working, but do say something appreciative to your loved one. Discretion with Public Displays of Affection should be considered. This one requires advance planning if you have something specific in mind for your bouquet.
3. Plan several small surprises during the week proceding Valentine's day. These could be handwritten cards & notes tucked into places you know your loved one will find, or poetry you find meaningful. Make sure you have read the entire poem first if using someone else's work.
4. If you don't already, take care of dinner at least once the previous week-- and I don't mean go out. Plan the menu according to what you know you can prepare, including the kids. It could be as simple as sandwiches and salad, or as elaborate as you have a trusted recipe for.
5. If you don't already arrange for these things, take care of any or all:
* getting the car serviced.
* getting the kids to daycare or school.
* take out the rubbish (unless that's the kids' assigned chore)
* clean up after the cat or dog (only if that's not a chore assigned to the kids).
* the one chore or errand your loved one usually does, but you KNOW they really don't like to.
Remember, it's about showing your loved one that you pay attention, and are doing what you can to support them and your family unit. And remember, Valentine's day may only come once a year, but can be practiced on any and every day.
Keep blooming, everybody
In Lieu of
We have 5 funerals this week. People put notices in the paper about someone's death, and say, "in lieu of flowers, please donate to ..." And I have to respond, while there are many worthy causes worth supporting, it's so sad when there are no flowers at a funeral, because the flowers are supposed to be there to comfort the living. Flowers are there to uplift everyone, and remind us that life goes on. That we are all part of the circle of life. They really are a necessity not an extravagance. And besides, sometimes you just need something to focus your gaze on while the organ is playing.
The healing power of flowers is hard to explain, until you've experienced it. But I will say this- when there are floral tributes at a funeral, memorial or celebration of life, the world is a brighter place. We have done a variety of tributes this week, and each has been special and individual to the person being remembered, ranging from a deerskin in the casket piece for the hunter; and balloons with stars and light, cloudy flowers for the infant. We're honored to be included in people's lives this way, because we believe that our service helps people who are grieving.
People don't always remember who was at the funeral, but they do remember who sent flowers, food or cards, and it's something important to them. So next time one of your friends, neighbors, co-workers or acquaintances has a death in their family, be sure to acknowledge it-- with a card, a simple "I'm so sorry for your loss," or a bouquet of flowers. Not only will YOU feel better for acknowledging it, the bereaved person will be touched.
Keep blooming, everybody.
Celebrations and a New Start
Today is national Inauguration Day, as well as the start of the State Legislature. The mood is upbeat, and folks seem to be feeling a little more hopeful than we have for a while. Amazing, isn't it, the difference that can be made by just one person? Of course, President Obama cannot fix the economy, end the wars and cure everybody's asthma all by his little self-- we need to help him. Whichever side of the political aisle you're on, reach your hand across to the other side so we can once again enjoy the prosperity and abundance here.
There will be a celebratory gathering at my house tonight. And I plan on having a great big bunch of forsythia on the table- it's bright cloud of yellow, the color of sunlight, frivolity and laughter, by the way- acts as a beacon of hope.
Events have the meanings we assign to them. So If you're celebrating a new administration, or mourning the loss of the last one, treat yourself well today. No matter what happens, we are all in this together- we succeed, or fail, as one.
Keep blooming, everybody.
Love is in the Air
Yes, I'm talking about Valentine's Day. To most of you, it seems like Valentine's Day is almost a month away-- plenty of time to think about it. But in the flower world, Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and some varieties of flowers are selling out fast. So I want to pass on some basic information and maybe clear up a few misconceptions.
There aren't quite enough growing days between Christmas and Valentine's Day, so growers must choose how much of their crops to grow for Christmas (with the second bloom cut coming mid to late March) and how much to grow for Valentine's Day (meaning the bench space growing Valentine's Day crop is unavailable for Christmas). Growers set the price for roses and other botanicals, based on what it costs to grow them. When the price of fuel goes up, the greenhouses that light or heat with fuel need to charge more to cover fuel costs. When growers commit an entire greenhouse to Valentine's Day product, they must raise prices to cover the lost revenue for that greenhouse during the Christmas season.
Like any other perishable, weather, supply and demand drive the price-- when everyone wants the same product at the same time, it becomes scarce. The scarcer the product, the higher the price goes. Add to this the fact that flowers are perishable -- the growers cannot grow all summer and stockpile for the winter holidays; plus, flowers are subject to laws of nature. Like when there's a freeze in Florida, the price of oranges and other citrus goes up- sometimes way up. When the product becomes readily available again, the price comes down.
If you insist on one specific variety- Freedom roses, for instance, instead of "red", expect to pay the highest price point. There are red roses available right now-- how many are Freedom, I don't know. There are, however, other varieties that are equally as lovely, and maybe more readily available in your area at this time of year.
It is better to leave your order somewhat open ended. Ask for "red" roses, or "pink" gerbera. If you have insisted on a certain variety, your florist will do what they can to give you that variety. This means, if you've asked for "Freedom" roses and the florist gets some that are 40cm, that's what you'll get. If you had asked for "red" roses, you might have gotten 60cm Charlottes or another red.
In a normal delivery day, we average 30 deliveries. During the week prior to Valentine's day, we average 100 deliveries, and Valentine's day we pump out 400+ The drivers arrive at 6AM, get loaded up, and keep coming back- we deliver until we're done. This is possible, because we take deliveries on a route-- we're not like the pizza guys who cook a pizza, deliver it-- cook a pizza, deliver it. We will give people windows of time for their delivery choice-- AM, or 1-3PM or 3:30-6PM. AM to us means, from 7 up to and including 11:59. To the people who come in and say, "it has to be delivered between 10 and 10:30" we say, "well then, you might have to do it yourself. We can manage these windows here," and show them the options. Drivers normally take 20-30 per run, depending on the size of their vehicle, so it's many drivers and many trips to get the day's deliveries out. If your Valentines day plan includes a very small window of time for flower delivery, consider asking a buddy to do the delivering for you.
Hope this information has been illuminating; and widened your perspective on the holiday of love-- which really should last all year, and be celebrated numerous times instead of just one day.
Keep blooming, everybody.
Shades of Australia
I love the forms of the primitive flowers, and right now we have some Australian natives coming in-- waxflowers and Kangaroo Paws, to name a couple. Kangaroo Paws come in many hues from yellow to red to lime green to black. Their stem is usually a red or burgundy, and they appear to have fuzz all over. As soon as I can, I'll post pics. They're considered a primitive, because it's all about sex (pollination)-- they have stamen, a pistil, and only one petal covering everything up-- no extras, like big fancy petals to attract bees or hummingbirds or butterflies. Because it's not as obvious to the pollinators what they are, Kangaroo paws and other primitives generally last a long time-- more time for pollination, you see. The advantage to us is, they last a long time!
Waxflowers have lemony smelling foliage, and small 5petal flowers in clusters. They're generally pinks, lavenders and whites, and we love them as an accent. This time of year, they're particularly lovely, because they have a light, clean scent with a fresh new flower shape to remind us there is a growing season somewhere, even if our front yards still have heaps and heaps of snow.
When we first started designing flowers, the most prevalant school of thought was, don't mix different types of flowers-- for instance, one never put tropicals with roses or bulbs. But today, we can incorporate these new forms from all around the world with what is grown in our own neighborhood, and relish the contrast of form, color and scent. It's a whole new world out there.
Keep blooming, everybody.
A Little Spring
Most of us are still in the throes of winter: here in southeast Alaska, we just got 24+ inches of snow, followed by what looks like a week of hard rain. Spirits are dropping; most of us have taken down the winter lights we put up at Christmas, so it's darker than we like.
Time for a burst of spring! The light IS returning-- and spring will come again. In the meantime, bring home some true spring flowers to help you feel better. All the bulbs are coming in now; they're greenhouse grown, so cost a little more than the field varieties available later, but worth every penny because they help us remember that winter isn't forever. Look for Tulips, Iris, Narcissus, and Hyacinthes at your florists'. Hyacinthes and Narcissus smell wonderful, Tulips come in lots of fun colors, and Iris usually have a second bud behind the first one. The branches are coming in as well-- Forsythia, Plum, Apple, Almond, and pretty soon, Cherry.
Whatever bloom strikes your fancy, bring it home. Even one stem will help you feel better. And when we all feel better, the world is a more beautiful place. If you're feeling really flush, get a few flowers for a friend or loved one, and share the joy. Keep blooming, everybody!
Bloom Where You're Planted
We're so excited after Christmas, because it means that spring is just around the corner! The forsythia, which has been in the steam room for a week or so, is about ready to be shipped to us, and the sunny yellow is always amazing! The rest of the blooming branches will follow soon-- apple, plum, cherry, and almond. We ship from California first, then Oregon & Washington, last from western Canada. This means we enjoy them for a couple of months. The exciting part is watching the blooms open. Once they open, the fruit branches generally last just a few days, the forsythia will look good for a week or more.
They're thirsty, so water daily. The stalks are heavy and woody, so use your sharpest pruner to make a fresh cut when you put them in water.
Keep blooming, everyone.
A Fresh Start
That's kind of how we view the new year, isn't it? A chance to start anew and improve our lives on a myriad of levels. Sometimes we get caught up in the "shoulds." But if a behavior or a change sticks, it's because we WANT to do it, commit to having it, take the actions required to achieve it. I don't know about you, but we're tired of the "shoulds." Here, then, is our list of improvements for 2009:
1. Take the time to really LOOK around. Notice what shapes / colors are pleasing and concentrate on those. See what I can do to improve my eye.
2. Spend time each day in nature. Some would argue that we work with nature, but it isn't the same as being out in fresh air and getting real light across your eyeballs-- plus, Nature is the perfect landscaper. If you want ideas on how to do your yard, watch Nature. Look for the botanical that catches your eye. If looking at a wide landscape, pay attention to how your gaze moves across the scene-- where does it pause? If you live in the city, notice the untended places-- even cracks in the sidewalk. There is rhythm everywhere.
3. Find something intriguing. Next time you buy flowers, choose something you wouldn't have before-- a different color palette, a different form. If you usually buy roses, which have a rounded shape, go for a spike-- like electric blue Volkenfreiden, or fucshia Liatris.
4. Do something nice for someone else. Not only can you cheer someone else up or help them out, you will feel better too. This could be as simple as choosing them a bunch of flowers when you choose for yourself.
5. It's all about how you feel. Take care of yourself first, because you can't help anyone else if you're not healthy. So do what makes you feel good today. Art isn't something that happens Friday afternoon if all the other chores are done, Art happens around us every day. Take the time to notice, and draw some of it into your life, and your whole outlook will improve.
There are many more improvements possible, but it's good to start with a manageable number, and add from there. Then you can add.
Happy New Year, everybody.
Make your Lists
What would our lives be like if we all concentrated on the qualities/ things we HAD, and were grateful instead of whiny? With that in mind, here is MY list.
I appreciate the fact that I get to work everyday with things of beauty. I am lucky enough to be self-employed, and in charge of my own welfare. I love looking at all the new product every day, and imagining what we'll do with the Kangaroo Paws and Leucodendron "Safari Sunset."
I and my family are all healthy. I took care of a woman who had a double hip replacement, and she used to stand in the hall and say, "In 68 years, I've learned one thing-- some days, all you gotta do is get your feet on the floor!"
The weather here is beautiful this week--SUNNY! The shortest day/ longest night of the year is gonna be clear enough we'll see stars! There's just enough snow on the ground to brighten up everything, and last weekend at one of our favorite lookouts, there were whales and sea lions.
I am making a concious choice to appreciate what I have, today and in the year to come. Will you join me? What could we accomplish by adding to the appreciation, gratitude, and love in the world, instead of fear and anxiety?
Here's to a prosperous and happy new year
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas
We probably all have baggage around the holidays, and I'm not referring to your suitcases! There is immense expectation that all holidays be perfect-- the right gifts, a stupendous meal or 3; happy, congenial Ward and June Cleaver families. The weight of "what should be" can get to a person.
So this year, if you can, let yourself relax. If you don't receive the perfect gift, so what? If the roast gets burned and you have to send out for pizza, so what? It's easy for me to say, since my job is very seasonal, and because of my work schedule I don't plan big holiday dinners or parties-- but so what? Just let yourself breathe. Let the kids help. Try to sluff off your mother-in-law's remarks. Count your blessings. My partner used to be in the personal service provider field, and I can tell you, from watching them interact-- nothing is more important than health. I am grateful every day that I can get my feet on the floor by myself, and get myself showered, dressed and fed.
No money? So what-- the economy WILL rebound in time. No friends? Go the the Salvation Army for dinner-- help yourself feel better by helping others. "Ask not what others can do for you, but what you can do for others," to paraphrase a famous american.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself, and just do one nice thing today for someone else. Then buy yourself some flowers, or treat yourself to 15 minutes of free browsing at your florists as your reward. You will feel even better.
Peaceful Holidays, everyone
Be Extraordinary
If you are planning on giving gifts to people, take a few extra moments to make them extra special. With a little thought, you can make your present a feast for the eyes, and fun to open. I always like the look of a sprig of fresh evergreens and a clump of berries tied into the ribbon; or 3 different varieties of pine cones. These both give a festive touch to the outside of the package.
If you are planning on giving gift cards or gift certificates, the possibilities of wrapping these items are endless. I would never dream of trying to choose specific music for my 25 year old niece-- so a gift card for her is perfect. It's just boring if I slap the card into the envelope. But if I roll the card around a jar of coctail olives (her favorite brand, by the way) and tape it in place then wrap THAT, it makes it more special and fun. A horse mercury glass ornament would complete this package, since she loves horses.
If you are baking gifts this year, give some thought to the containers you will use for packaging. Do you have the appropriate liners? Wax paper works just fine, but sheets of velum from your stationers, or craft store provide the same function in a myriad of fun colors and patterns, and you can cut them to fit any odd shaped vessels.
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg on dressing up the thoughtful gifts you chose for your friends and family. With a little practice, people will love to open your presents, because they are unique, and fun. You, too, will have a good time shopping for them, seeing how creative you can be. And that's what it's all about-- you sharing your love for family and friends, and keeping the US economy strong at the same time (just kidding, there-- I do NOT advocate anyone shopping beyond their budget).
Season's greetings, everyone.
Managing Mayhem
What are you doing to foster beauty in the world? What could our lives be like if each of us focused on beautiful ideas, memories and objects, and quit obsessing about mayhem and the economy?
Here, then, is our top 5 for the rest of 2008:
1. Help yourself by helping others. This could be as basic as remembering the "forgotten" people with a cheery blooming violet, a plate of cookies or a sincere "how are you today."
2. See the best. Let the last of the housework or lawn trimming go, and enjoy yourself. A vase full of Orchids, Lilies, or Roses will go a long way to improving your holiday spirit.
3. Take moments for yourself. It's OK to stand still for a minute and just breathe. A few blooms in the room you spend the most time in will help you be more compassionate at work and in your daily life-- choose electric blue Volkenfreidan for a bright blast of color, or Paperwhite Narcissus for good smells
4. Let the kids help. Yeah, it takes longer, but what an opportunity to share your life skills-- let them see how you talk yourself into a better place, let them be a part of your kindness and goodwill toward all. Let them choose the holiday flowers for the neighbors, or their teacher, and let it be their choice, even if they choose something you don't care for-- make sure you talk about budget before turning them loose.
5. Talk yourself up. Choose one aspect of yourself or your life that you really, really like; and when things get tough today, remind yourself of that one thing. It's OK to toot your own horn, and whatever good you can cling to for the day will improve your mood. So will the last bunch of bi-colored sunflowers-- their warm yellow and red will help you remember that the sun will soon return.
Each of us has gifts to share. Ours happens to be making beautiful things-- yours may be different. But don't discount your talents, just because they're not the same as someone else's. You don't know who counts on seeing your cheery smile every morning, or who looks forward to your sense of humor. Just do your best to see the world in a better place, and we all will be. Happy Holidays, everyone.
Take time to smell the flowers
It's easy to get wrapped up (no pun intended) in all the parties and pressures of the winter holiday season. Take a moment and find some eye candy for yourself-- head to your florists' for a few moments of beauty. It will make a world of difference, trust me!
Right now, there's a myriad of red and white blooms available-- everything from anemones & alstromeria to waxflowers and yarrow. Don't despair, though, if another color is your favorite-- hot pinks can be stunning-- look for Ravel roses, which smell divine: and the yellow Gerbera are saturated with color. There is even an electric blue delphinium right now, "Volkenfreidan" which is one of the only delphiniums that doesn't start shedding after just a few days.
The latest studies from Rutgers, Texas A&M, and Harvard Universities have all shown that flowers in the room you spend the most time in, decrease anxieties, act as a calming agent, and improve moods-- after only a few days! You really owe it to yourself and your loved ones, to feel as good as you can-- and a stem or two of flowers is an easy, quick, fun fix. I am in the business, so of course I want to sell flowers. BUT in 35 years, I have seen the effects of Flower Power on even the most ill or depressed person, and they are astounding. But don't believe me. Try it yourself. (of course, I am not advocating shopping beyond your means-- if what you can afford to do is go to your florists and look, then just do that. You will feel better for it) And when we all feel good, the world is a better place.
The Color Institute and Christmas Trends
Every year, the Pantone Color Institute ( and other groups) come up with the color trends in everything-- home decor, fashion, even Christmas themes. So for those of you who pay attention to those people instead of choosing what YOU like, here are our best suggestions for Christmas 2009:
1. RIOT of RED-- Saturated red without the complementary shades of green. Our favorites are Ilex, also known as winterberry; Amaryllis; Roses; and Carnations.
2. WOODLAND-- A neutral theme to be sure, with wood and bark, branches, and cones. We love Curly Willow in yellow; Magnolia leaves with their coppery brown reverse; Chocolate roses of any variety, but Moreno being especially lovely; and Pinon cones.
3. WINTERGREEN-- Softer greens, creams and naturals dominate this palette, with an emphasis on reclaimed glass and distressed finishes. Our fav flower has to be Green Goddess Calla Lilies-- doesn't their name make you want to rush out and plan an all girl get together at the next full moon? Vendela roses would also look nice with this theme, or Green Cymbidium Orchids.
4. ESTATE-- Does this theme make you think of vintage jewelry, Mercury glass, fur & feather trims and soft pink? Narcissus, Sweet Akito (soft pink) roses, and White Hydrangeas would be our choice for this palette
5. CANDYLAND-- the name says it all. For folks who love the crisp combination of red and white together, we suggest Peppermint Carnations; Striped Amaryllis; and the myriad of bi-colored Roses.
6. COFFEE SHOP-- America's obsession with chocolate has an outlet! Manufacturers are producing food shaped ornaments for the tree and elsewhere-- the doughnuts, chocolates, cookies and cakes look real. If this coppery brown look is appealing to you, we'd suggest Hypericum, Chocolate Cymbidium Orchids, and evergreens with the cones still attached.
7. AMERICANA-- this theme is characterized by deep reds, faded blues and off whites. True red Pointsettias, Blue Hydrangeas, & Cream Gerbera daisies look great with these hues.
8. RETRO TECHNO-- features a vibrant cacaphony of color, geared toward the Facebook generation. Brilliant color, and lots of it along with retro icons in subdued modern hues. Flowers for this palette could be anything, and everything! Lime green Hypericum with Orange Gerbera Daisies; Hot Pink & Yellow Gloriosa Lilies; Lime Green & Fucshia Cattaleya Orchids, the possibilities are endless!
There you have it-- 8 great themes, and surely at least one will appeal to you. It's a gentle shifting -- you incorporate into your current decorations, kind of editing your collection, to come up with a look that fits you.
The perfect Hostess gift
This party season, fresh flowers make the perfect hostess gift: they're easy for you to take with you, easy for the hostess to deal with at the party, and personalized for the recipient. So consider these points when choosing your hostess gift:
1. If you insist on giving cut flowers, send them to the hostess the day BEFORE the party. Then she has time to choose her vase and do her arranging in a more relaxed fashion.
2. Choose a plant only if you know s/he likes them, and has the time to take care of them.
3. Be a sport! Choose an inexpensive vase so that the hostess doesn't have to drop everything else she's doing to take proper care of your flowers in the middle of the party.
The actual choosing of the flowers should take into consideration the hostess' personal style, the type of party, and your budget. Choose your flowers based on what you think the hostess would like-- this is about thanking her, rather than what YOU prefer. If you know she loves iris, send them-- even if you think they're ugly. The only time you should choose what you like over what the hostess likes is if you are only so slightly acquainted that you have no idea of her tastes. In that case, lean towards the seasonal. At Christmas time, send red, white and green if you don't know your hostess well. Evergreens smell divine, and there is a broad selection of fresh product available in red and white. If your budget allows, take stalks of red or white amaryllis in a clear vase with cedar. Or white hydrangeas in a red vase. Red and white gerbera daisies also make a bold splash of color, and are moderately priced. If budget is a big issue, choose less expensive flowers like Alstromeria, Carnations, or white Spider mums, and get as many of just one kind as you can afford, for impact.
A fresh gift is always charming, and with a little thought, you will soon get the reputation of being the perfect party guest-- if you also work on your manners :)
(flowers only covered in these posts, see Miss Manners or Emily Post for party behavior).
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