A late bloomer turned flower child.
Being lost in outdoor nature, heaven. Receiving indoor flowers, no thank you. For the first forty-three years, I didn’t want or appreciate the gift. To me they meant work in unraveling, trimming, and then… they’d die and that meant disposal (dirty water vase cleaning). Every time I got flowers, I felt monster-ish and ungrateful. I wanted and tried to be better, but change was difficult at the time. Is there anyone who relates or am I alone on this one?
Over a year ago, I threw a baby shower for a best friend. I covered the room in puffs of flowers (never knew the name of this favorite until recently and can finally spell and pronounce them – alstroemerias). The day ended, but the flowers life and beauty remained. Who knew I’d feel sad and sick when they died. I needed more. To the store I went—refilling jars, my heart and home.
I’m sure you’ve been into flowers far longer than I have. How to keep a flower habit? The best way I’ve found is mason jars. I purchased a flat for $10, or less with a coupon. Our Safeway keeps beautiful fresh and seasonal flowers, so I purchase a couple small bouquets for $5.99 or one large bunch there or elsewhere for about $16, then divide throughout the house.
I run the risk of sounding old, but I’m good with that. I find things I used to dislike and now LOVE exciting! The thought of cutting and arranging flowers used to make me queasy, but now the time spent is therapeutic and creative. Who knew?
Sweet Amy. My friend and I took our dogs for a walk. We stopped for something to drink on the way, a lemonade for her and water for me. I fell deeply for her bottle, especially because it said “botanically,” commenting how perfect a flower would look out the top.
Ever the thoughtful friend, next we met— I opened the door to her holding this bottle with the perfect wrapped ribbon and flower.
I swear these flowers don’t live on slate, but I’m new to photography so follow the light.
This jar resides on weathered wood, hanging on our bathroom wall.
This World Market bottle rests in the kitchen window and gives me the year ’round fuzzies.
Big sits in a small half bath.
I’m terrible with flower names. Other than the sunflower, I haven’t a clue.
It pains me to throw flowers away before they’re dead dead, so transfer the old with the new before saying a final goodbye.
Aside from these pictures, there are more flowers hanging on the wall and another jar in the downstairs bathroom. How can an entire house be livened by one big or two small bunches? I’m amazed.
Flowers in mason jars are a good “side” gift too. Do you know what I mean?
When I was a single mom with little Dyl, I read something about having fresh flowers in your house – a small thing that can make a big difference. I didn’t have a lot of money but I started buying an inexpensive bouquet every week. I still continue to do it to this day. It made me happy to see something bright and beautiful in the house. It is a little slice of hope, of sunshine, the reminder of life and since I (like you) need nature to replenish, on those days when I am unable to be outside, I know I have brought a little of the outside into the inside and it makes me smile. It does not surprise me that you are a flower child, my dear sweet friend.
P.S. not sure how I got the text to be italicized.
Ooops, looks like the text only italicized when I am typing but not once it’s sent.
I can picture you and little Dyl 🥰 Small things that make a big difference, when it comes down to it, don’t they have and hold the spotlight. I love how to this day you purchase the bouquet of flowers and how they make you feel Christie. Thank you for writing my (italicized, if it doesn’t show) dear sweet flower child.