I don't know what other floral designers are doing in January, but
I seem to have a rhythm at this time of year....brides getting in touch to book
their weddings, quiet evenings spent hunkered down with a book or some knitting
(thank you brilliant BLIZZARD).
But inevitably, I start to long for FRESHNESS in the idea
category, and the commanding desire to clean "house" overtakes me!
Not the actual one of course, though I am sure someone really does like doing
that! but rather the house of my mind.
First, the old year must be put to rest, and the bookkeeping
wrapped up. Though it can be a bit of a puzzle, it still gives me a great sense
of accomplishment when it is all tidied up. Now 2015 can be put firmly
behind me and I can take a deep dive into the world of flowers, and
FAST!!
Creating designs for weddings and events has begun, exploring new
options for color and form, planning of workshops for the Spring season has
started (stay tuned and be in touch if you are interested in attending or
hosting one), and just a little bit of business development.
It's all quite challenging, stretching, AND enjoyable!
Here's a for instance:
Next week, I'll be attending (and supplying the flowers for) an
event in DC with a Wedding website called Borrowed & Blue--photos to
come. borrowedandblue
I'm a little apprehensive to create for a jury of my peers, but
hope to meet and learn from new friends. Every event is a chance to say yes,
that's it! as well as a clear, NO!!! don't EVER do that again!
But, as can't be avoided in this life, some of our work as floral
designers is done for the grief stricken, and sadly, I will be preparing flowers
for a memorial service for a 22 year old young man who has, as they used to say
in the olden days, "fallen asleep" after a long bout with cancer.
Dona Nobis Pacem, et Lux perpetua luceat eis!
His mother shared that he was a sensitive young man, and together
she and her son planned and planted a home perennial garden. I
hope to arrange flowers that will remind her of that time.
It is a solemn honor
to participate in this passage, sharing beauty, to aide in remembering and
consoling. Though pain filled, death reminds us to live life with a full and loving heart while we may!
Here's hoping your 2016 has begun with a sense of clear and
hopeful passages ahead. Well wishes to all who will wed this year, as well as
those who will weep.
The wise King Solomon said it best:
I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but
to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through
the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.
