Every so often my cousin gets left over flowers that had been rejected by florists for one reason or another. He gives them to his mom who then offers some of them to mom (her sister). Mom then tells us to go and pick them up.
Luckily we were at the farmers market today so we had some veggies to spare that we could bring over to share.
I was surprised at the two huge bouquets she gave me and was needless to say quite thrilled. I couldn't wait to get home to arrange them. As soon as I walked in with them mom's eyes glowed with delight and her smile stretched from ear to ear. I put them next to the sink and started to sort through them and find perfect vases.
"I must give some to Wini," she said happily. "She gave us that delicious soup yesterday."
I was feeling a little unhappy about mom suddenly wanting to give the flowers away.
She came back nearly hopping in delight. "Wini loved the flowers! She was so happy to get them!" said mom. "I think I'll bring some across the street. You know she used to teach flower arranging. She'll love having some too. I need to pick the BEST blooms."
Sigh.... I saw more flowers disappearing.
Eventually mom returned and called auntie to tell her how many people were now happy after receiving the flowers.
I put the remainder of the flowers into three vases.
You know what?
There was still a lot left and we're even happier for the joy that was shared with others.
It's true.
The joy of giving was definitely as good as that of receiving.
Sending you all lots of love everybody!
POSTSCRIPT: Mom had given away the best, freshest flowers and left us with the more tired ones. I usually have some left over fertilizer packets that florists tuck in with bouquets, but didn't have any left. I did, however have some 7-Up so I added a little to the water and was surprised to find how perked up and gorgeous the flowers were the following morning.
Luckily we were at the farmers market today so we had some veggies to spare that we could bring over to share.
I was surprised at the two huge bouquets she gave me and was needless to say quite thrilled. I couldn't wait to get home to arrange them. As soon as I walked in with them mom's eyes glowed with delight and her smile stretched from ear to ear. I put them next to the sink and started to sort through them and find perfect vases.
"I must give some to Wini," she said happily. "She gave us that delicious soup yesterday."
I was feeling a little unhappy about mom suddenly wanting to give the flowers away.
She came back nearly hopping in delight. "Wini loved the flowers! She was so happy to get them!" said mom. "I think I'll bring some across the street. You know she used to teach flower arranging. She'll love having some too. I need to pick the BEST blooms."
Sigh.... I saw more flowers disappearing.
Eventually mom returned and called auntie to tell her how many people were now happy after receiving the flowers.
I put the remainder of the flowers into three vases.
You know what?
There was still a lot left and we're even happier for the joy that was shared with others.
It's true.
The joy of giving was definitely as good as that of receiving.
Sending you all lots of love everybody!
POSTSCRIPT: Mom had given away the best, freshest flowers and left us with the more tired ones. I usually have some left over fertilizer packets that florists tuck in with bouquets, but didn't have any left. I did, however have some 7-Up so I added a little to the water and was surprised to find how perked up and gorgeous the flowers were the following morning.
Such a good feeling to share and make others happy. I know…. I had a chance to sell my snowblower (that I talked about) but my across-the-alley neighbor has a large driveway and they are 2 young people with one 2 year old and the mother is having another baby this month. They're struggling as all young people do and she has to get up early to go to work yet and get her car going through the new snow. I gave them the snowblower and they were so happy…. "said it was like Christmas."
ReplyDeleteNow the alley behind us is free of snow due to his energy and the snowblower. It always comes back when you do a kindness
What a lovely story, Manzanita. This is definitely the winter where snow blowers are MUCH appreciated. You are very kind and generous and a good friend.
DeleteHow wonderful to receive flowers and then regift them. Your mom has the right idea, and I am another who is made happy by the flowers. Isn't that amazing? :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice idea to give away flowers that way.
ReplyDeleteYour Mom is quite the plant and flower lady!
ReplyDelete(I didn't know florists had "rejects.")
DrumMajor
I guess they only sell the best.
DeleteWhat a heartwarming story!
ReplyDeleteI'd been told that 7-up works but didn't believe it. Now I know.
ReplyDeleteThanks too for all your lovely notes. :)
Giving flowers -- like giving away sunshine!
ReplyDeleteThis post made me happy as well. It sounds as though all kinds of sharing the love goes on in your neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteI love your mother:)
ReplyDeleteI love giving glowers. They just add such nice cheer to the place. Nothing like brining your outdoors inside.
ReplyDeleteHello Lady Lilith. It's such a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment.
DeleteTired flowers love 7-Up? I'm going to have to remember that one. Your Mom is very wise, loving and giving, as I know are you.
ReplyDeleteI just got this from the Huffington Post:
DeleteAnd the verdict is in! "The 7-Up formula works really well," said Susan Han, a professor in the plant, soil and insect science department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
But there is a special formula that has to be followed, says the professor. Han recommended a three-to-one ratio of water to soda and just a few drops of bleach to prevent bacteria from forming.
Thanks for finding that out. I am going to pass this info along. Have great weekend Kay :)
DeleteYou are very welcome, Denise. Wishing you and Gregg a great weekend. I hope it's warm too.
Deletehow fun better to give or regive than to receive...lol!
ReplyDeleteYour mother is very wise. We all learn from her.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to know the flowers have been enjoyed by so many! You are right, giving is receiving.
ReplyDeleteThese are the tired leftovers? Oh my. What beautiful flowers and the others must have really been remarkable. Those roses look like a $50 bouquet from a florist. You are indeed blessed.
ReplyDeleteAwwww...love your kind-hearted Mom... Michelle
ReplyDeleteYou are gifted at flowers arranging. Your bouquets look beautifully.But the roses are the beautiful nes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweetie your mom is. And you were still left with some beautiful arrangements. I'll have to remember that 7-Up trick.
ReplyDeleteWe knew Mom would be doing that! That's why everyone loves her.
ReplyDeleteAlmost sounds like the story of the loaves and fishes, only this time it's roses
ReplyDeleteIt's all life in Hawaii.
Delete7-up does that? Wow
ReplyDeleteThe feeling of making others happy is truly one of the greatest feelings on earth. It's so much better to give than receive. In fact, I have always felt that giving is receiving :)
ReplyDeletei have always thought the best job on earth your be to be a flower delivery person!! gorgeous flowers, lucky girl!!
ReplyDeleteAh, I learn something new about the uses of 7-up from this post. Thank you, Kay. So sweet of your mom to share the flowers with her friends and bring them joy.
ReplyDeleteHi Kay,
ReplyDeleteI just loved the description of aunty "nearly hopping in delight." She is so amazingly positive in her outlook. Give her a hug from me, will you? Holly
She tells us that her younger life was so hard that she really appreciates the happy moments of her senior years.
Delete