Keeping Traditions

Thinking about traditions as the air cools, the leaves put on their vibrant dress and plans start forming for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

What is it about doing the same thing year after year that makes us feel so rooted and joyful? What are the little ways that we tweak a tradition to keep boredom at bay? What makes our traditions worthy of passing along to the next generation? Perhaps these traditions actually provide just a bit of that social glue that binds us together as a family, or community.

Full disclosure, I'm a sucker for tradition, though at my age, I do like sneaking in a little twist or tweak to freshen things up, because some of these things have been happening for a LONG time! One of my daughters insists that certain things be done "as usual", but I don't mind, as I'm so glad to know that our little traditions mean so much to her.

And so, I am in the planning works for another year of wreath making, with friends new and old, and with some fresh ideas brought to the table to inspire all of us. 

What makes people want to come back and do this again? Simply put, LOVE! The love of natural things, of our ability to create, and the joy of just being together doing something to celebrate the  love of God, family and friends. The wine and chocolate help, too!

Tis the season! It's a gift to do something we don't HAVE to do, that simply brings us pleasure and lasts beyond the season. I hope you're planning something traditional for the upcoming holidays. If you've never joined us, this could be the year you start a tradition you'll definitely want to keep.
 

Meg & Kelly, RVA friends, displaying their creations

Summer Flowers

It's been a long time since I've written anything here, but as I think about the summer ahead, this photo from the home of a lovely friend summarizes how I'm feeling.

This door and its summertime swag, which came from leftovers from a big wedding I did that May, just says, WELCOME! and for me summer is one of the best times to be together with family and friends, welcoming each other into our homes, into our gardens, to just enjoy the good things of this world, and to rest and refresh for awhile.

My rooftop garden supplies me with all those interesting bits that I just love to add to my arrangements. Without them they feel kind of stiff and not really "of nature". Look around to see what you can add to traditional store bought bouquets, and you'll be surprised at how you'll bring them to life. 

Over the last several years I've been building up my rooftop garden, and now it's just full of things I can use to flesh out a more natural design. You would be surprised what you can grow in containers. Be sure to make them big enough to hold an expanding root ball, and fertilize and water regularly. 

Last year's crop of rooftop bounty!

There's something about having flowers on hand that just makes you want to have other people join you in admiring their beauty. I hope your summer is full of opportunities to create with nature's bounty and share it all with those you love.

Happy Summer!