Tuesday, November 11, 2014

What's in a Name?

This past weekend I launched the first event of my now official floral design work under its new name, Morning Bird Designs. www.morningbirddesigns.com

Eleven women gathered in a friend's ample kitchen and turned boxwood, olive, dusty miller, sage, pepper berry and china berry, rose hips, bittersweet and other foraged accoutrements into fanciful and unique wreaths to celebrate the turning seasons. We had a blast! It was a great start to what I hope will be many more such evenings spent creating with friends. Find us on instagram @morningbirddesigns.


About a year ago, I decided that it was time to give my work a name, to help me get serious about creating with flowers and greens. I first shared the idea at a similar wreath making event that I've enjoyed with dear friends for decades now. They gave me merciful feedback, and no one hated it! I learned a song by Forest Sun called "Morningbird" and was smitten (check it out on youtube). Could this be it?

When time did little to change my mind, I gathered up my courage (it was mine to decide after all!) and made my choice. Here's why:

Birds....I love the little magical creatures. They appear in an instant, and flit off to who knows where...they surprise and delight...their songs bring cheer, and their bright little eyes say do something, go somewhere, make something good, NOW! The Lord himself was fond of them, and cares for them still.

I love drawing birds and their simple forms

Since I'm a rather smallish person a bird seemed like an appropriate symbol, and though I desperately need a cup of joe to face the mornings these days, I love the quiet misty start of the day with the birds first greetings. 

When I think of birds working away with energy, eagerness, purpose and peace, this new name sounds like my voice!

So, I hope the work done under this banner brings the goodness of the created world into many homes and lives, giving opportunities to wonder at and thank God, the creator of all these good things for us to enjoy.