For the Love of Flowers

Hydrangeas

“In every bloom, a silent story, of nature’s simplistic glory. Amidst green leaves, they sway, In the breeze, a graceful ballet, Hydrangeas, in their silent might, Bring to our hearts a pure delight”

-Maya Anthony, Blooms of Serenity

Hydrangeas - they grow wildly in my parents backyard every Spring. Clusters of white, pink, blue, and purple delicately blanket every bush.

Each one of these flowers tells a story of growth and perseverance through cold winter months on the East Coast. They have made it - and so have I.

Hydrangeas’ unique colors are determined by the acidity of the soil they grow in. Their blue shades form from a low pH level and their pinks bloom from a high pH level. Like these flowers, we too are rely on our surroundings for comfort and growth.

These borrowed hydrangeas, which started their life in my parent’s backyard, now sit on my dining room table.

My mornings feel less lonely. I eat breakfast and admire the gift that has been given to me from nature, the connection I feel to my parents land, and the hopefulness of the day and the new life to blossom in the next Spring.

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Lavender

“Lavender, which smells sweet
as its flowers appear
and is as edible as its aroma promises.
It is not colored periwinkle,
plum nor violet,
amethyst, amaranthine,
or lilic, even

Lavender is Lavender is Lavender

and that vibrant truth of authenticity
is enough”

- Rain, The Sweet Truth of Lavender

I keep a jar of dried lavender at my work desk. Lavender evokes memories of my time in the vineyards of California, where I vacationed in a secluded home surrounded by lush lavender bushes.

I embraced the fresh floral aroma of herbal, balsamic and sweet undertones that filled the garden and watched as each bush danced in the warm air.

Amongst these lavender fields, I drank wine and belly-laughed with my friends as the sun shift across the Napa hills. I witnessed one of my dearest friends enjoy falling in love.

Every time I yearn for a feeling of peace and purity, I smell my jar of lavender.

Now go find your flowers…