Fly Me To The Moon Florists
"If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden." Claudia Ghandi
April and May have been a blur of floral activity here at Fly Me To The Moon Florists.
The days began so early and ended so late that even the thought of posting was impossible. That's how intense it's been. But I'm not complaining.
Hope you've been well!
See you next week. Have a wonderful weekend!
Mimi
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"Somehow I can't believe there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secret of making dreams come true...(they) can be summarized in four C's.They are curiosity, confidence, courage and constancy and the greatest of these is confidence." Walt Disney
Celerie Kemble's Book: Black and White
Do you dream of having fresh flowers in your home all the time? If so, I beg you to try the carnation. I know. Everybody hates them. But apparently not the stylist who set up the scene in the image above.
At least once every 2 weeks a customer asks me not to include carnations in their flower arrangements. This usually happens over the phone at the flower shop..
Why?
1) Carnations are often poorly used in cheap-looking floral arrangements and bouquets.
2) The most popular carnation colors are the ugliest.
via dream weddings on a budget
The reality is that carnations come in a wide array of "designer" colors and bi-colors. When done well they can blend in beautifully with even fancy schmancy flowers like roses, peonies and orchids.
But the best way to incorporate carnations into your life is massing them. Using them in a single bunch in one color. Period. That's what was done in the lovely picture above.
Here's what you can do with carnations using Walt Disney's Four C s
1) Curiosity - Forget about every ugly funeral arrangement you've seen using carnations. Instead, buy yourself a bunch and act like you've never seen them before in your life. Then experiment with them. Cut them short and they'll create a lush look for you.
2) Confidence - Don't worry about what you think your guests might say. Proudly plop that gorgeous arrangement of carnations on the table with your beautiful dishes and coordinated napkins. Then dare anyone to say anything.
3) Courage - If anyone asks what kind of flowers they are simply say they're carnations. Trust me. They'll be stunned. Especially if you use some of the fabulous antique varieties now available.
4) Constancy - Use them all the time. Use them in tiny bunches around the house. Take 20 carnations and place them in a fancy vase. Take a few to the office to lift your spirits. Tie them with a ribbon to napkins for lovely place settings.
Need even more reasons to start using carnations?
What more can you ask for?
Want to know the secret of having a home that looks like the ones in magazines? Flowers!
Don't wait until you have enough money to buy fancy flower arrangements. Life's too short. Buy some carnations this week and who knows, maybe:
"Anything your heart desires will come to you."
When You Wish Upon A Star
Which one of Walt Disney's four Cs of success is hardest for you to embrace?
Mimi
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"Let your light shine. Be a source of strength and courage. Share your wisdom. Radiate love.
Wilfred Peterson
Love this pink ranunculus and purple anemone which often look blue in photos.
You'll find this image on my pinterest pinboard called "Living A Floral Lifestyle."
Which image on the pinboard do you like best?
Mimi
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Don't let fear of the unknown stop you from doing something you've always wanted to do.
Can you actually say that you're living the life you were destined to live? I know. The risk of doing a new thing can be frightening. But the risk of living an unremarkable life is a bit risky too don't you think?
Remarkable doesn't have to mean you invented the next best product. Or that you become world famous for doing this or that.
To me, it I means doing something meaningful for yourself or others.
Here Are 4 Small Risks You Can Take Today:
1) Take one step toward doing something you've always wanted to do. You don't have to quit your day job. If you've always wanted to be an event designer, volunteer to decorate for a friend's next party or the local nursing home.
2) Read all about it. Pick up some magazines. Do research online. Read blogs, industry websites and forums on your area of interest.
3) Sign up for a course. There are online courses you can take on a variety of subjects. Check out free or low-cost classes given at your local libraries.
4) Do that thing. If you've created something people rave about it's time to test the waters. Take the item to a local store and see if they're interested in buying it. Sign up for a flea market. Open an Etsy shop with someone else.
I was a bit nervous about my introduction to the the New York City flower district. Several months before we opened Fly Me To The Moon Florists I needed to begin establishing relationships with the flower wholesalers.
They were all men. They were all bustling around with loads of flowers. If you go there any day besides a Monday or Wednesday, when the flowers come in, you might be able to get some help. If not, you are totally on your own.
So I began going on the off days. I looked for kind faces and began asking lots of questions. The salesmen I met in those early days I still work closely with today.
If you want to do something different begin today. Just look for small opportunities to do your thing.
Mary Engelbreit once said, "Bloom where you're planted." That's what I'm talking about. Stop making excuses. Stop complaining about not living the life you really want.
Just do it! It might not be easy. You will be rejected by some. But as the saying goes, "What doesn't kill you. will make you stronger."
So what first step are you going to take today?
Mimi
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Image: This is Glamorous
I still have my aunt's dressing table. I don't recall it ever having flowers on it though. When I saw this image on Roseline's blog, This Is Glamorous, it brought back great memories.
Image: Market Publique
As a child, I loved going into her walk-in closet. There was an amazing assortment of handbags. And beautiful cardboard hatboxes lined the shelves. She had pretty fancy stuff.
I was named after my Aunt Muriel. I guess I'm a little fancy too. Because when I started taking French in junior high, I began spelling my name M-ur-i-e-l-l-e.
My older cousins couldn't pronounce Muriel. So they just called her Aunt Mimi. I got her name and the nickname.
I loved going into her closet. The mirrored tray with all her fancy bottles of perfume. The ornate hairbrush and comb. I guess that's why I love vintage ladies stuff so much.
Image: At Home With The Farmer's Wife
My mom had some of this stuff too, but since Aunt Mimi didn't have 4 daughters she could keep it all out on display.
I recall the wonderful scent in that closet.The beautiful old suitcases.
She had a little stool at her dressing table. But I didn't want that. Just the table.
Our table has elegantly carved wooden legs. It's been painted many times since I loaned it to my daughter. She thinks it's hers now. But not yet.
We used to re-decorate her bedroom every 6 months. But now, at the ripe old age of nearly 17, she has returned the table to its original splendor.
Image: Urban Nest
Gone are the neon picture frames, stenciled graphics and multi-colored pencils. Mirrored trays and dainty dishes of earrings have replaced them. Colognes, pearls, and vintage-style jewelry now take center stage on this family heirloom. It's come full circle.
Every once in a while, I place a small cluster of pale pink carnations (her favorite) in a little vintage vase on the dressing table to surprise her. I smuggle them in from the flower shop.
Soon that dressing table will officially be mine again. And there will be a constant parade of the biggest, palest and most beautiful pink and white roses you've ever seen gracing it.
But for now, pink carnations will do.
Mimi
Image: this is glamorous
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"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Martin Luther King Jr.
Faith - a strong or unshakeable belief in something, especially without proof or evidence (World English Dictionary)
It's so much easier to think about doing something if you know it will be successful. But is that really faith?
To me, faith is knowing you don't know how to do something then going out and trying anyway.
Though I did event decor for friends and colleagues for 10 years, I never arranged a fresh flower in my life until we started Fly Me To The Moon Florists.
I truly am a self-taught floral designer. I read every book I could find and jumped right in.
You get to decide where you are on the risk monitor. But I think you know in your heart when you've got a skill or a talent. You don't have to start big. Just take the first step.
You don't have to be crazy like me. Take a course on the subject. Read all about it. Then when you're ready, go ahead and take that first step. You never know where it might take you.
"Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." NIV
Have you ever decided to step out on faith and do something? Tell me about it.
Mimi
Image: Fly Me To The Moon Florists
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Why is it that we spend more time thinking about what's going wrong rather right in our lives?
Between Christmas and New Year's I know of 5 people who died. All within my circle of friends and loved ones. Three truly hit home.
One was a friend who was terminally ill. The second, the daughter of a dear friend. The third was my cousin's stepson. These last two were quick and totally unexpected.
So, besides traveling for the holidays, I spent time trying to meet the needs of those left behind.
The funerals of my friend Laura, who was terminally ill and Hassan were sad yet joyous. Celebrations of lives well-lived. Lives committed to helping others unconditionally.
As I write, one of my best friend's mom is undergoing surgery for colon cancer.
In the midst of it all, I'm tempted to feel sad and think that life is so unfair.
But instead, I'm reminded how grateful I need to be.
Grateful for the incredible husband, family and friends I have.
Grateful to spend my days with flowers.
Grateful for food to eat and a roof over my head.
Grateful to spend time doing the things I like to do in a country where all this is possible.
So rather than curl up into a ball and weep. I count my blessings.
I hope you do too!
Mimi
Image: Fly Me To The Moon Florists
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"A new beginning is perhaps the best time to say...
It's so nice to know you...
And here's wishing our friendship
continues to grow in the days to come."
Unknown
Wishing you more joy, peace, love, success and happiness than you've ever known. Happy New Year!
Mimi
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"Wishing you amazing brightness, purity and truth, eternal joy and everlasting love.! Happy holidays!"
Thomas Otway
Be well! Be safe!
Mimi
Image: BHG
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Image: Fly Me To The Moon Florists
"To analyze the charms of flowers is like dissecting music; it is one of those things which is far better to enjoy,than to attempt to fully understand."
Henry T.Tuckerman
As a florist, I spend a lot of time looking at flowers. You'd think I'd get used to it by now.You know. Looking at flowers with great wonder.
How brilliant the colors. How specifically placed each petal.The amazing scent. Or lack of one.
Just when I think I've seen it all. There's some other,different flower.
Saw a rose last week with green stuff coming out of the center. That's a rose?
I try to remember the names of the unusual ones. At least until I can get out the door of the wholesaler.
But I've given up on memory and have begun writing them down.
So I can go back to our shop and research them.
But mostly, I just sit in amazement enjoying their beauty. Grateful to be in their presence.
How about you?
Mimi
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