The Pink Lady

My mother-in-law has an older patient who comes into her office decked out from head to toe in pink.

Top, bottom, shoes, bag, jewelry--all pink, all the time.

On one hand I think she may be a bit loony, but on the other, I think she's impossibly sweet! She makes people smile, ans she's not afraid of what people think. In fact, she doesn't think about anyone's opinions at all, just wears the pink, and enjoys life!

So, my next mini-assignment? A special bouquet, just for her, all in pink! Expect pictures Tuesday!

Easter's Flowers

Saturday, I ran to the store, went through the picked over flower bunches, and ran home. I spent the day teaching myself how to arrange flowers, use florist tape, and bind using twine. I sprinkled sugar and dropped an aspirin in the water, and somehow they managed to survive my experiments!

I was so excited for Sunday morning. I got them all together in a big vase, snuck around the church with it, and went up to the balcony to scout out some people to surprise for my first try at this. I made a snap decision to go with people I knew, just to get some feedback!

The first person I gave flowers to was our church secretary, who I believe is in her 70s, and has a very simple life. It was suggested to me by my mother-in-law that I gift them to her, and that it'd make her day. It did! I ran up to her with the flowers, interrupted a conversation she was having with someone while standing in line to meet with the pastor after the service, and handed them to her saying "Happy Easter!" Upon rushing away to catch the next person, I heard someone ask "What are the flowers for?" and her response, "I don't know, but they're beautiful!"

The second person was our organist, and my grandmother-in-law. She was chosen because I would be surprising her with having to use her oven later in the day, even though she was preparing a full meal (turkey and all) and would need full use of her kitchen. She was delighted to receive the flowers, and started talking about them immediately. I'd started catching looks from others!

The third person I wanted to surprise was our last pastor's wife, someone who is currently in a home with few visitors. She has always been dear to me, and everyone in the church. She has, what I believe to be advanced Alzheimer's and has forgotten nearly everyone she used to know, including her relatives. She does get visitors though, and I was hoping to give the flowers to her husband, to pass along, but he didn't make it to church. So I had to choose a random person, and ended up picking my mother in law!

I couldn't find my fourth person, but started asking around for her. She's an old friend, and a little girl (maybe 4 or 5?) came up to me and said that she could get the flowers to her. I thought, even if they didn't make it to the right person, that it'd be interesting who they ended up with! I received a text later in the day thanking me for the flowers!

Easter weekend was amazing, and I can't wait til I have some more people to surprise with flowers!

First four bouquets for Easter Sunday!

Giving flowers to those in need

"I'm just so lonely."

Do you know someone in need of encouragement, hope, or just some color to liven up their living space?

The other day, I was watching a ridiculous made-for-TV movie where a flighty young girl gets in a car accident and wakes up in a hospital, covered in bandages and casts. The camera angle widens to show the  other patients in the unit, all with light brown blankets and stark white sheets. They were in shadow, no focus put on them, but it was apparent that they didn't have any flowers, cards, candy, and likely no recent visitors.

In contrast, stark contrast, the main character had a fiesta around her bed. She was from a big, Latin family, so while the other patients were forgotten and surrounded by grey, she had an explosion of color. Big sunflowers, daisies, and leafy flowers in bold, hot colors. I can't recall a single white flower. Not only that, she had pillows and throws in varying shades. Her abuelita was tending the flowers just before she woke up.

While watching, I just kept thinking... How awesome would it be if the other patients had just a splash of color, a small bunch of flowers waiting for them when they woke up? I've had so many clients of my own, shut-ins requiring home health care, that rarely see their relatives or the outside of the apartment or home they're staying in. Hardly anything would brighten their day, but the hope that they're daughter or grandson or niece would visit.

I got this idea, shortly after seeing that scene, to donate small bunches of flowers those in need of something bright, cheery, and colorful to be surprised with. Wrapped in twine, and small enough to fit in a tall glass cup.

Know someone who'd love some flowers? Let me know, and I'll send some along!