Flowers In Pandemic Times

ANYONE that knows me knows my obsession with flowers. They make me happy...I used to be picky. Only loved certain flowers...lilies, growers stock. In fact I sadly looked down on some ...I grew up in the time when people would say "Oh carnations, that's the poor man's rose" and it said something if a guy got you those over anything else.

 But I've grown to appreciate the heartiness and the heart of a carnation. It outlives most else in the bouquet and that one must appreciate.

Another change that has come about in pandemic times with my love affair of flowers is ...the guilt I feel at times when I pick up my modest bouquet from Trader Joes. I used to think nothing of throwing down $20 on a bouquet - I still do for others.

But over the last three months, I've learned that even one flower has such beauty. Things have changed. For one, price does matter. I tamed down to a $12.99 bouquet. And then $6.99. And now today I found beauty in a $3.99 bouquet. Why? Well...one, they had a nice selection at a low price - the picture speaks for itself.

 Second, on my way into the Trader Joe's today I saw her for the first time. Her meaning this woman that others in the neighborhood have posted about on social media. She may be homeless but no one is sure. Some ask if it's safe to approach her and offer her help...or if she wants help how can we find out. She's a beautiful black woman with blond dyed hair. She had a nice dress on today but she was pushing a cart that very much looked like all her belongings. I wondered, had she just fallen in hard times? What was her story? It could happen to anyone. As I turned into the parking lot and slide into a spot, I lost sight of her. I got out of the car and looked for her but she had either dashed into another storefront or made her way down the center alley that takes you to the other side of the strip mall. I thought if I see her when I come out, should I buy her dinner?

And so in a way, she went shopping with me in Trader Joe's. She was on my mind the whole time. How she must not be able to keep fresh foods in her cart for they would likely spoil. She must not have access to cold beverages in this heat and ...flowers, when if ever had she bought herself flowers? Sigh. So I looked at the $6.99 and my heart felt heavy. Didn't seem right. At least not today.

 And so I share with you THIS beauty :) It's something isn't it? Bright, lovely, small but sweet. This little mason jar I have them in was a gift from someone who had given me a small bouquet just like this. I can never throw away a mason jar and it's come in handy.

When I do buy a bigger bouquet, I am careful to preserve what I can on a week to week basis. You know how flowers are ...some die within a day and some persevere with some unknown will to bloom and be beautiful. When I lived my crazy hectic life, I was prone to just chuck the whole bouquet once some started dying..it was easier. Now..I take the time to save each flower and put it in a smaller vase each time :)

 Makes my heart happy on so many levels. The beauty of the enduring flowers, the fact that I have made the time in my life to pay attention to this task and ...the simplicity of something humbly small yet so endowed with the ability to warm my soul. And this is my flower story for you today. Enjoy. 

xoxo, Nita