New Beginnings

As I often do at the beginning of a new year, I started looking at pictures from my last. It’s been such a year of unimaginable struggle and uncertainty, I needed to see all the good that was still been present in my year. I actually even went a little further back and rediscovered these pictures from a photoshoot a few years back. Looking at each picture, I recalled the day, my older daughter was my assistant. We drove to Frog Hollow Farm in Brentwood California, to capture the essence of late winter/early spring when the cherry blossom fields are all in bloom. I brought bunches of flowers, ranunculus, tulips, spring branches, lavender. Catching the light close to dusk I was working with professionals (mask-less), curating and designing florals, and putting together a vision that would be captured on film.

The result captures the innocence you feel when you wake up on New Year’s Day. A sense of gratitude for the past and hope for what comes next. Sadly, this is a new year like no other, so trying my hardest to grasp at feelings of hope and health, growth and renewal. I aim to give it my best while we move through the next days and months— hoping my hardest for healing in our communities and peace in hearts. May these early days of this new year take you on a new journey that is safe, beautiful, kind and full of hope for new beginnings.

Beautiful captures by Robin Jolin Photography. https://robinjolin.com/
#marinflorist #marinflowers #sanrafaelflorist #sanrafaelflowers #luxuryflowersmarin #studiowildflowermarinflorist

Getting ready to celebrate Valentine's Day

Love is in the air! That gets me thinking of what is my all time favorite romantic comedy. For me, a favorite has to be Strictly Ballroom with all the kitsch, flamenco, ballroom dancing and of course, love. I'm thinking this may be playing in the background as I get ready to host my annual Valentine's Day pop-up. This year's is a fundraiser for my daughter who is trying to raise funds to attend her 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. and New York.  If you would love flowers and to support her cause, please see my Valentine's Day page. I hope you are making plans to celebrate this love filled day with either friends, your partner or with a new lovely adventure. 

I must have flowers, always and always. C. Monet

A little holiday magic

Yesterday, was a rare day where my family had zero commitments, no pressing work, ballet rehearsals, playdates, homework, etc., so we spontaneously drove into the city and headed straight to Union Square. The city was so full of holiday energy and adornments, twinkly lights and ice skating, shopping and my favorite, street music and performing. I started to feel the excitement for my own holidays instead of that ever so present feeling in December that "I have so much to do." It was lovely to have this time with my family, to peruse all the holiday windows (Tiffany's, Gump's, Neiman...), drink hot cider, shop a little and think of my own holiday wish list (and yes I do like things so I always have quite the unrealistic list--doesn't hurt wishing!). We also attended "A Christmas Carol" at ACT after someone serendipitously offered us free tickets when we went to inquire about purchasing them at the box office. It was good to actually go to the theaTAW and revisit this classic with my family.  It will forever remind me of my "bah humbug!" dad who always likes to joke that he is Ebenezer during the holidays. I most definitely would like this be part of our annual holiday traditions. So we ended the day with more cider, and the pictures at the Union Square tree. I know it is just the start of December and but how have you started getting ready for the holidays? 

Feeling Thankful

Thanksgiving morning and there is still so much to do. My youngest keeps asking when I am going to make my famous cranberry sauce (recipe here--and yes, thanks to Martha it is pretty jewel like special). And no, I haven't slept well for the past couple of days, and work has been an intensely creative busy with getting ready for the holidays, but I am feeling compelled to take moment. I have chosen a certain life for myself, and in some ways it keeps chosing me. I work as a creative business owner, and I wake up every morning knowing that I have carved a special something for myself in a world of floral designers, flower growers, planners, vendors and all who make a florist's world come together. I'm in this business where I am able to work with what I love and work for people who appreciate what I do. I am so very thankful for my clients: I enjoy getting to know the, hearing their story and their vision; and the vendors and farmers I get to work with and who make me feel like I am in a very special world. And I am thankful for those who support me, my closest family and friends. Coming from a very working class family, being a small business owner is just not how it is done. Of course, it is not easy, and with so many risks and inconsistencies involved, but at the end of the day, this is very much where I belong. At the end of my last wedding my eldest was with me at strike and heard from the couple how they were so very thankful for the flowers and that could not have imagined how it all came together... It was so good for my daughter to hear that feedback because I want her to see and hear why I am do what I do and know that giving the best you can give to your craft is the world that I want for her too. So now it is time to slice those pears, and pull some blooms together to take to my 85 year old dad's house, warm everything up, set the feast and take hopefully a few more moments.