Saturday, November 21

As I have driven the 30 miles to and from Louisburg, NC, over the last few weeks, I have seen some things I'd love to photograph for you; old derelict barns, the burned out shell of a former home, a really big chicken (not real) in someone's yard, the meandering stream which became a torrent during last week's rains. The problem is, I am usually traveling at 60 mph when I see them - a speed not conducive to clicking photos on the fly. There is seldom a place to pull over and get out the camera either, unless I go into someone's driveway and I 'd prefer not doing that!

The shop isn't ready for photos either, since it looks more like a storeroom than a showroom at the moment. Friday we decorated two trees and we have a third one to do when possible. The town has a Christmas parade and open house in all the shops Saturday, so we are sort of hoping that the people who do happen into the shop will forgive our tardiness in having it completely ready for customers. The shop isn't well-lit, so I don't know how well my photos will turn out, but I'll do my best to give you something to marvel over!

Saturday I am doing wedding flowers for that shop. I have worked on weddings for other florists before, but not this one, so I am hoping that he will be pleased with the style and quality of my work. My design philosophy is that "less is more", but so far he doesn't seem to subscribe to that theory. I am finding that the taste level and design standards are different in small towns than I am used to. That's not to say that cities are better - just different.

On Wednesday of next week, and continuing the day after Thanksgiving, I will be back working with Mel Day. We ordinarily decorate a country club, two city clubs, a small hotel lobby and meeting rooms and we are lucky to be doing the Governor's Mansion again this year. It is the seventh year for me, but Mel has been doing it longer. One of our accounts, a restaurant, has decided that it will have staff decorate the place this year. I have to see that, especially since their decorations are literally falling apart and they have refused to allow additions or replacement ornaments for several years. The garland and small trees we usually do for them have to be held together with spit and a promise, so I don't hold out much hope for their abilities to make it look as good as we do. It may result in a good thing though; they may see how hard it is to do and hire us back next year - and maybe they will see close up how bad their old decorations are and allow new ones to be purchased!!

11 comments:

Kay Dennison said...

My goodness!!!! You are a busy gal!!!! I hpoe you're getting enough rest!!!

Pat said...

I share your frustration at seeing good photos ops when you are on the move.

Tabor said...

You are going to be so busy this season once again. Sound like you love it though. In the city we see much decoration and flamboyance and for celebration we want quiet sophistication. In the small town we do not see that each day, so a celebration is a time for pushing out that envelop all the way.

Grannymar said...

I totally agree with you Judy, that 'Less is More'! I look forward to seeing your handiwork your over the next few weeks.

Darlene said...

What a busy time for you. I would love to see the decorations that you do. It would make me feel 'Christmasy' and right now I feel anything but.

My guess about the restaurant is the economy. All businesses are hurting and they probably can't afford to have the place professionally decorated.

MaR said...

Oh, you sound so busy, busy!!
I also agree on "less is more", it's more elegant.

Lois Lane said...

Busy, busy girl! I'm sure it is the economy that has them trying to recreate what you do. No doubt they'll see it's worth every dime and have you back next year. So funny, I used to be like that in the car. Now I just pull into those driveways. Sometimes people come out and ask me what the hell I'm doing, most of the time, they don't. LOL Have a great weekend!

LL Cool Joe said...

Sounds like you have a great deal of work. My mother does flower arranging for Weddings and the amount of time and effort it takes is unbelievable.

Good luck with all your work.

Ginnie said...

If we judge you by the arrangements you've done in the past you'll come through with flying colors. I look forward to seeing them.

Peter said...

I'm suffering the same frustration constantly with the Photo ops coming up all the time and often nowhere convenient to stop... I often turn around and go back for shots I want... but then I'm on holiday!!!!!

BTW you don't really need comment verification and moderation Judy.

Arkansas Patti said...

Ouch, hadn't thought about the economy affecting florists but why not? I'm sure the restaurant would rather you all do the job but might be hurting financially.
Sounds like you will be more than busy enough though.
Know what you mean about photo opps. Seems the neatest shots come with no place to pull over or I forgot my darn camera.