Random Monday chatter: Are you my people? ♥

 Hello Friends! Happy May! ♥

Can you believe it's May 1st?!  This year is flying by so quickly it's scary.  John (happily) mentioned to me this morning that he gets out of school next month.  Summer is just around the corner! No, I'm not decorating for the 4th of July yet if that's what you're thinking,  but at this rate it will be here before we know it : ) 

For now I'll try to enjoy spring while it lasts.  I snapped the picture below of our hydrangea bush this morning.  It's all buds and I can hardly wait for it to open.  Spring is about being patient, isn't it? Waiting for signs of life after winter, and now waiting for all those little flowers to pop.  It's kind of exciting when you think about it.  

I had this thought the other day that I would like to press flowers this spring. One from every blooming bush and tree we have in the yard.  I can save them and put them in cards and letters throughout the year.  I don't think I've ever received a card with a pressed flower in it.  It's something I've only read about in books or seen in movies, but it's a very charming concept, don't you think? I saw on Pintrest (i.e my happy place) that some people mat and frame them.  How adorable.  I think I've stumbled upon a new hobby.  And guess what? It doesn't cost a cent.

All I have to do is wait.... ♥

 

Pressing flowers feels like an old fashioned vintagey thing to do.  Maybe that's why I like the idea of it so much. Like wearing a flower crown or a corsage.  It's a lost art, like so many things from the past are.  I think what it boils down to is just trying to be thoughtful, intentional, and romanticize everything possible. I always say it's the little things in life.  I've been trying to incorporate more thoughtful activities into my lifestyle.  For example, sending hand written thank you cards instead of texts.  I had gotten away from this for a long time, but now I'm bringing it back!  I also love the idea of sending flowers as a gift.  Its such an underrated thing to do these days.  And who doesn't love to receive flowers? I know I do.  Another example is cooking from scratch.  Yes it takes longer but I get so much joy creating things in the kitchen. Not everything works, but that's how I've learnt. Just yesterday I had an unfortunate incident with overnight French toast. It happens.  On the flip side, I just started yet another sourdough starter this week.  My last one didn't make it (r.i.p.) so I'm trying again.  I'll have my perfect loaf one of these days. sigh.  It takes a long time, but I do enjoy the process. And I love wearing aprons : )

It's all quite cozy.  And I've always felt the coziest people are the happiest people.  We are the ones who wrap ourselves up in blankets at night with tea and a word game or good movie on TV.  We light candles, listen to old music, talk about our days, press flowers, write in journals, read blogs, and make sourdough bread (or know someone that does...or at least tries). We pick pumpkins in the fall and go out for pancakes.  We miss the holidays after Christmas and we can't wait for September when the pumpkin spice arrives at Dunkin Donuts.  We watch scary movies and have to have a little something sweet before bed. 90% of the time we wear clothes that could be mistaken for pajamas and we are perfectly fine with that. If you are relating to any of this...you are my people and I love you : ) 

I hope you are all having a great Monday! My tea is getting cold and it's almost time to start thinking about dinner.  

Thanks for stopping by today! It means so much that you do! Xx 

PS - here is a link to one of my favorite posts I've ever written (back in 2014!) about flowers....what each one means, ect.  Very helpful in you are thinking of sending someone a bouquet this spring :)

The Language of Flowers 

Hyacinths ♥

 

This $9 grocery store hyacinth plant is bringing me joy this week.  It sits on a stool by the window in the corner of my little kitchen and smiles at me every time I walk in the room.  After just one week in the sun her blooms started to open.  

She's singing "springtime is coming" just for me and I'm singing along with her.

After a long cold winter (and it's not over yet!), is there anything better than the first flowers of spring?  It's a sign of better days ahead.  Fingers crossed it won't be long. 

Just for fun, I googled "what does a hyacinth symbolize?"  

Here is what popped up....  ♥

Now I love it even more : ) 

Hyacinths.  Available at grocery stores everywhere.  

Treat yourself today  ♥

What does a hyacinth symbolize?

Symbolism. The hyacinth is the flower of the sun god Apollo and is a symbol of peace, commitment and beauty, but also of power and pride. The hyacinth is often found in Christian churches as a symbol of happiness and love.

Springtime at the office ♥

 

The office park where I work is surrounded by trees.  Normally I'm rushing around too fast to even notice them.  In the morning I'm surely preoccupied with NOT spilling my coffee as I am making a mad dash for the elevator...probably thinking about John as I just dropped him off at school or wondering if I remembered to take that chicken out of the freezer for dinner. 

At night all I can think about is getting home (and into my pj's) so I'm like a streak of lightening across that parking lot!  There's no time to be observant of my surroundings when I have two hungry boys waiting for me. 

 

(all these scenarios are 100% true :)

 

But once Spring arrives the trees comes alive and can no longer be ignored.   

You couldn't miss them even if you tried. 

 

Green leaves blend in....but once they turn pink its a whole different story.

 

 

 

 

The other day at lunch time I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air and make a phone call when I was struck with this sight....

 

Flower confetti!!! 

 

It was everywhere! It was a windy day so it was blowing in the breeze.  It truly looked like it was raining flowers!

 

The sight of it reminded me of a wedding. 

 

♥ Happiness ♥

 

 

 

 

Nature really is a thing of beauty, isn't it? A true miracle.

 

It's a miracle that an ordinary office park can look this pretty in May. 

 

I must learn to be more observant. This is literally the parking lot. 

I guess beauty can be found almost anywhere : )

 

 

 

 

I love Spring!

 

The Language of Flowers ♥

 

Do you have Spring Fever? I sure do! It's still freezing here and more snow is expected Sunday night. Ugh. The good news is that tomorrow is March 1st! There is light at the end of this cold and icy tunnel. 

 

Spring is on it's way! ♥

 

 

 

 

I've been doing a lot of day dreaming about my garden.  What it will look like and smell like this year.  And how nice it will be to have fresh flowers on the kitchen counter every morning.  I love flowers in the house. They make ordinary days feel like special days. 

 

There is a language, little known,

Lovers claim it as their own.

Its symbols smile upon the land,

Wrought by nature's wondrous hand;

And in their silent beauty speak,

of life and joy, to those who seek.

For love divine and sunny hours

In the language of the flowers.

-The Language of Flowers, London, 1875

Have you ever wondered what your favorite flowers symbolizes?  We all know that a Rose means love, but what about all the others  All flowers have meanings.  In fact, they have their own language.

The language of flowers goes all the way to back to Biblical Times and the Middle Ages. Herbs were believed to have magical powers and given a place of honor in royal gardens. In England during the reign of Queen Victoria (from 1837-1909) known as the Victorian Era, the language of flowers was as important to people as being "proper" and "well dressed".  Flowers adorned everything from hair, clothing, jewelry, home décor, china, and stationary.  Flowers had religious and symbolic meanings and still do today.  Flowers would convey messages of love or dislike, depending on whom you gave them to. 

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Tussie-mussies were also introduced in the Victorian era, which are small bouquets of flowers, wrapped in a lace doily and tied with a satin ribbon.  Each had it's own meaning and a single central flower. The tradition quickly spread with the publication of flower dictionaries explaining the meaning of plants, flowers, and herbs.  It soon became popular to send flowers to convey secretive messages. In Victorian times it may not have been proper etiquette to express ones feelings.  In this case a suitor may send a lady a red rose to symbolize his undying love.  In return she could send him a white violet which meant "let's take a chance on happiness". If she disliked him she could send him a broken straw which meant "broken agreement" or a yellow carnation which was a clear sign of rejection.

 

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The Victorians certainly had a romantic way of communicating ♥

 

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 After all these years, the language of flowers still speaks to us. Here is a list of a few of my favorite flowers and their meanings ~


The Crocus symbolizes cheerfulness and gladness.  This is always the first flower I see blooming in my garden, so the meaning seems appropriate.  Especially after this winter ♥

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The Daisy symbolizes purity, innocence, loyal love, beauty, patience, and simplicity.  And according to Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail, they are also the happiest flower.  I agree.  It's like they are smiling at you.

 

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The Daffodil symbolizes unrequited love, chivalry, regard, sunshine, and respect. 

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The Geranium symbolizes a true friendship, folly, and meeting. 

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Gladiolas symbolize strength, splendid beauty, and love at first sight. 

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The Gardenia symbolizes secret love, purity, and refinement. 

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Impatiens symbolize motherly love.  (We plant these in our flower boxes every year.) 

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The Iris symbolizes faith, wisdom, cherished friendship, hope, valor, my compliments, promise in love, and wisdom.

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Hyacinths symbolize games, sport, rashness, and playful joy.  I adore the scent of these! ♥

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Holly symbolizes defense, domestic happiness, and forecast.  I think it's ironic that Holly is associated with defense. Have you ever tried to cut a Holly branch?  The leaves are so sharp!

 

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The Lilac symbolizes beauty, pride, and youthful innocence. 

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The Peony symbolizes a happy marriage, compassion, and bashfulness.  

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The Petunia symbolizes "your presences soothes me".  ♥

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The Poppy symbolizes beauty, magic, consolation, fertility, and eternal life.  And no matter how hard I try I can't get The Wizard of Oz out of my mind. 

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The Rhododendron symbolizes beware and caution.  Interesting.

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Tulips symbolize fame and perfect love. Red tulips mean "believe me" and are a declaration of love. Yellow tulips mean "there's sunshine in your smile".  And cream tulips mean "I will love you forever". Variegated tulips mean "you have beautiful eyes".

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Sweat Peas symbolize bliss, delicate pleasure, goodbye, departure, and thank you for a lovely time.

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Carnations symbolize fascination, impulsiveness, joy, devoted love, and admiration.  Although yellow carnations symbolize "you have disappointed me", and rejection.  Ouch.

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Hydrangeas symbolize "Thank you for understanding". 

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If you want to see what your favorite flower symbolizes I found a couple of websites that are very informative. I gathered most of the information for this post from both of these websites.  In my search for flowers, I also accidentally learned some interesting Victorian Era etiquette facts that I will hopefully share in another post : )

www.victorianbazaar.com
www.proflowers.com

Flowers decorate our lives. They make us feels good just by looking at them, let alone by smelling them. Flowers are also memories. My mom puts lilies of the valley on her bedside table as soon as they bloom in the Spring. Whenever I see lilies of the valley I think of her.  I will get myself a pink tulip from the market for Easter and think of my Nana and blue hydrangeas always remind me of my sister because they were her favorite.  Flowers touch us all in special ways.  During the doldrums of winter (like, NOW) I dream of seeing these lovely blooms outside my window.  Their sweet scent filling the air, conveying messages straight to my heart.

I love flowers.  I think you do too ♥

 

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xoxo