"A Thing Of Beauty Is A Joy Forever"

My past, present and future gifts of flowers continue to bring joy into my life. Early on in my life my grandmas and my mother instilled their love of flowers, in me. The soft pink vase with lilies of the valley on it, was a birthday gift to me, from my grandma on my 6th birthday. At the time I am sure that this did not impress me as it does now. I treasure this little vase, and sometimes I wonder how and where she bought it. She did not have a driver's license, lived on a farm in the country, and money was tight. With that said, it becomes even more valuable to me.

Sometime during the last ten years my mother gave each of her five girls a beautiful china tea set for Christmas. It was a generous, thought-out gift, and one we will hand down to the next generation. Everytime I see it displayed on my dining room hutch, I am reminded of her and her love of flowers and all pretty things.

Yesterday, I stopped at a neighboring farm that had a tiny table setting out by the road with the most vibrant blue, pink and white larkspur bouquets. The young daughter came running to me, so excited that someone would stop to buy a bouquet. She was quick to tell me that the bouquets were 2.50 each. What a deal! She pleaded with me to come into their barn and see the gift shop they had opened. Oh, my I wish I could have shown you this small, unique and interesting shop that her mother and her had created. I spent time looking at the antique treasures they had for sale. It was an unexpected stop in my day, but it sure was a blessing. I found myself coming home with a huge bouquet of larkspur. I decided to arrange(as you can see I am NOT a florist) in my old wire holder with four old canning jars. It filled the four of them, and brings a smile to my face each time I walk into my kitchen.

I am helping my dear cousin do the favors for her daughter's upcoming wedding. It is always a privilege to work with her. She is a multi talented person, especially with her treasured sewing machine. It would take many posts to show you her varied talents. She surprised me with this gorgeous pillow she made for me. She just started creating these and I feel so honored that I received one of her small masterpieces. It will serve as a constant reminder to me, of her love of flowers and sewing.

As for flowers of the future...here is where I dream of being today. An elegantly set table in the woods, with fresh white flowers on the table, afternoon breezes adding comfort, and good friends to talk with. Okay, it is dreaming for me, but I shared today how flowers have been a big part of my past, my present and hopefully will be in my future, because "a thing of beauty is a joy forever".