Hard at Work

By the time this post appears, I will be hard at work, conditioning flowers for three weddings. It's a big weekend here. I love being involved with happy times. Weddings, parties, galas and celebrations of all kinds are my specialty. It's not that I don't ever want to see the dark sides of life - I just prefer the happier ones - as most do.  Sometimes, though, the sad things read their ugly heads and we must deal with them. The mother of one of my best friends died this week and the service is today. Because I am working, I will almost certainly have to miss the funeral. Fresh wedding flowers don't wait for sad times; they must be conditioned, etc., no matter what else is going on. It's sad, but it can't be helped.

When I was in high school, Tennessee Ernie Ford had a hit song called "Sixteen Tons." Go listen.....I'll wait. The thing that stuck with me all these years about that song was the line......."you sell your soul to the company store."

When that song came out, I was working part-time for a flower shop owned by friend's of my parents. The most important thing I ever learned when I worked there was that to own a flower shop was tantamount to selling your soul to the store. Florist shop owners have problems that negate the happy side of flowers. Every holiday is spent working double-time. Delivery personnel call in sick at the last minute (if they show up at all.) The flowers get frozen or crushed or wilted, through no fault of your own, and replacing them at a minute's notice can be very tricky. The customers are a varied lot; some are wonderful and others are a trial from the minute they walk in. Designers can be quixotic. All of those are very good reasons not to be in this business - and I haven't even scratched the surface of  wire services - which are another level of hell all by themselves. (I think Dante had a spot in 'The Inferno' reserved just for them (or maybe that was delivery people.)

But, and it is a biiiiig but......I am in it, and thousands of others are in it too, because, despite the problems, we love being surrounded by the beauty of fresh flowers (to say nothing of the marvelous aromas.)

My friend understands this, I know. She is a florist too, and I know she will forgive me for not being able to attend her mother's funeral service.

There should be photos here, but my computer has decided to chew them up and refuses to spit them out again. The handwriting is on the wall, but I'm slow to admit it:  my computer is dying. I took 36 photos today and most of them are stuck in limbo somewhere. I can see them, but I can't load them to the blog or email them.

Mel Day (my employer) had three events today; a wedding, a sweet sixteen party and a birthday party. The temperatures hovered around 100* and at one time, my car thermometer read 106*!!  We had delivered the first two events and had gone to the church to deliver the bouquets, etc., and when we came back out - Mel's van wouldn't start. Luckily, the wedding planner had jumper cables in her car, so we were able to get a jump start. Mel decided to drive around a bit and see if the battery would charge - but it didn't - so he had to buy a new battery. We were grateful that we had some time before we had to deliver the reception flowers, and grateful that we had no flowers in the van when we discovered it had a problem. Can you imagine being stuck somewhere with a van full of flowers in 100+ degrees? What a disaster that would be. It was always my worst nightmare when I was in business, but luckily, it never happened.

When I got home, the pool beckoned. I checked the temp and it was 87*. Oh, how I do LOVE warm pool water!!  The air temperature was still in the mid 90's and the pool felt great! Thank Heaven for simple pleasures.

Odds and Ends

The aftermath details of our accident are getting sorted out now; not a final settlement, but arrangements to get the body work done on my van and a rental car for the duration. The insurance company handling it seems very willing to do what is right - at least up to this point - and we will see how compliant they are later on. I'd like to be hopeful that we can do this without the need for an attorney.

The chiropractor has given me two treatments now, and I had a neck massage - which was both painful and heavenly. I don't know how to explain that - but it was. The constant, excruciating headache is gone; giving way to a mild headache and occasional spasms and pain if I twist my neck too far in any direction. My lower back sprain makes getting out of bed difficult, but I hope that will lessen soon. I am okay unless I try to lift something (found that out the hard way) and if I twist my body. That's a no-no!!

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The economic downturn had a very hard impact on florists in our area, especially those who specialize in weddings and parties. But according to the ones I see on Facebook, the tide may have turned. They say they are booking more weddings than they had in the previous two years and are taking calls for weddings in 2011 already. That's a very good sign, but I won't let it lull me into thinking all our worries are over. They could be exaggerating a bit - as is our wont. But if they aren't, it may bode well for my future work and for that I am most grateful! A good thing happened today: my employer was awarded the "Bride's Choice" on Wedding Wire. That's terrific - and so is he!

Until my contract work starts back in earnest (Valentine's week) I am honing my skills weekly at the Flower Shuttle and liking every minute of it. There are some very nice women there and I am enjoying getting to know a few of them. Flower donations are not as large as we might like this time of year, but things will pick up come spring and the wedding season. Last week we were able to make 250 arrangements; while the mid-year average is over 350 each week. Just think of how many people get to be cheered up by the gift of flowers; mostly people who would never receive them under ordinary circumstances. It makes me happy to be a part of it!

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Are You Ready for Some.......Christmas?

My wholesale florist had Christmas Open House this weekend, and I knew you'd want to see some photos. There were trees, wreaths, ribbons, ornaments and glitter everywhere you look! The name is

jaGG Classic Wholesale Florists; owned by two good friend of mine, Jeff and Adair. Adair does ALL of this beautiful work herself, believe it or not! Before getting into the wholesale florist business, Adair was a visual merchandiser for one of our large, local department stores. She knows her stuff!

Flocked trees are making a comeback - and they are not your grandmother's flocked trees! Remember the puny trees of the 50's and 60's? Flocking now results in the lush, extravagant look of real snow.

Feathers have been popular for quite a few years now, and pheasant is especially desirable. They mix well with many colors and styles, and add a woodsy, lodge-like feeling to decor.

Silver glitter and glitz are found on this wreath, but it was made to be classy and elegant, not tacky. The silver mesh ribbon is wired and easy to control.

A mixture of colors and textures, as only Adair can do! The overall effect is stunning. She has more talent in her little finger than most of us in our whole bodies!

This is what I call a "story board," similar to what designers and architects put together to show the mix of materials to be used in a given project. Adair makes these to show those who may be a bit less creative than she how to do it.

Another story board, in the very popular earthy tones of greens, golds and ecru.

The jester or major domo matches well with the selected elements.

A vignette which blends table, wall and tree decor. The chairs (roadside discards) were painted, "upholstered" and filled with decorated presents to dissuade shoppers from sitting. The upholstery is really fabric covered cardboard. How creative was that?!

A tree decorated to match the fabric on the wall.

Wouldn't Martha Stewart love this faux mercury glass??!! Imagine them filled with seasonal greens and glittered branches, used on each end of a mantel, with glittering candles.


I love this winged doll ornament, with her holly-decorated 'basket of doggy'. I didn't get them in the photo, but she has the cutest red, pointy-toed booties on those long, long legs!


Lavish wreaths, to buy or steal ideas from!


Another tree, with matching mirror swag and tassels....

And under the table, presents waiting for Christmas morning.

Another story board. I hope you have enjoyed this "walk" through my favorite place to shop! Don't you wish you could go with me?

*****

I heard a funny story while I was there Saturday. At some point during one of the Christmas Open Houses they had, a woman interior decorator from out of state was shopping in the store. She reportedly had a haughty aura about her. At some point, she asked "Who does all this decor work for you?", and the owner answered....."Our staff does it all." In truth, it is all done by one person, but she didn't want to say that.

The woman must not have believed her, saying something in reply about all the "fairies and elves" who come in overnight to do the work. Now, I can assure you, it takes at a minimum six weeks of long hours to get the store ready for Open House. The woman's attitude was off-putting, and I was reminded of her on Saturday night, while watching a show on PBS called "Keeping Up Appearances." The character of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced by her as 'Bouquet') says to her husband.....

"Today could be the day I'm mistaken for someone important."

More NACE Photos

The table was also inthe Earth Elements category. It sat on grass sod as well, which proved to be a popular choice this year. The centerpiece was very woodsy, as you can see, and the menu (below) was written on a piece of bark. The glass mug holders were pieces of bark glued to the mugs. The wrought-iron chairs were decorated with a mossy garland. Click to embiggen and see details. This one was also a winner in its category.

I am not sure of the category of the one below. It was sponsored by a rental company, and I loved the bright colors and the comedy elements that were used. Little blue mice crawled all over it and colorful, commercial-sized spools of thread were used. They also won a prize.

Here is a photo of the courtyard of the American Tobacco Campus in Durham. They did a great job of remodelling that old tobacco warehouse and manufacturing plant (Lucky Strikes).

Another shot of the water. The large white iron structure (with four legs) holds the original tobacco logo at the top. I couldn't get far enough away from it to get a good shot.

This is the inside of the warehouse, showing the upper balconies. It really is a great place for a party!

The Guide

Click to enlarge. I hope it will be readable. I have nothing much to say about it or rather, if I started, this post would have to be split into 3 or more parts.

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I finally went to the doctor today, and 2 prescriptions (one antibiotic) and 2 more over-the-counter drugs later, I am home. I stopped at Boston Market for meat-loaf dinners with roasted dill potatoes on the way home, but I am not sure that was the right thing to do for my stomach. The medicinal side-effects are horrible, you know. They've already started.

Shopping Excursion Extraordinaire!

I took my friend from out-of-town to Chapel Hill today, to tour A Southern Season and eat at their restaurant, called The Weathervane. A clerk looked at me sort of funny when I took out my camera at the cake and confections showcase, so I limited my shots to two I couldn't resist: chocolate cakes and tortes and petits fours. A man walked up to me as I was taking the photo and asked if I intended to try to reproduce them at home. I laughed and said no. I would have explained that they were for my blog, but we didn't want to encourage him, as he was so obviously trying to get friendly. He must have been watching those TV shows that advise men to try and meet women in grocery stores ......LOL.


The photo below was taken at Trader Joe's, our next venue. I couldn't resist shooting a pic of this little girl in her princess costume, but I didn't want her or her dad to know, so I turned off the flash and shot when their backs were turned. Too bad you can't see her face, as she was too cute for words and not at all self-conscious in her fancy dress. A very precocious lass, she is.

What Not to Wear...

If you're the photographer for a high-dollar wedding in Duke University Chapel, surrounded by wedding guests and family all dressed to the nines, in long formal dresses and tuxedos, don't come to photograph the wedding dressed in khaki cargo pants and a white blouse that is two sizes too small, so that everytime you bend over to get a shot, the people behind and beside you are treated to the sight of your underwear. I'm jes' sayin'.

*******

When my business was going strong, and I had wedding flowers to do every weekend, there were two local photographers whom I recommended without reservation, mainly because they were excellent at their craft AND.....they wore tuxedos when they worked a wedding! They always had well-groomed hair, their teeth were brushed, their shoes were shined and you never saw a shirttail or anything offensive. That's the way everyone ought to present themselves for work! Several weeks ago, I had to deliver wedding flowers to a local restaurant. It was not a big wedding, but I needed help with delivery. My usual helper was out of town, so I asked someone who had been recommended to me by the local floral wholesalers. We spoke on the phone, and I did not say anything to her about how to dress for the delivery - thinking I wouldn't have to spell it out. I was wrong. She showed up in worn jeans, a ratty t-shirt with writing on it, and flip-flops that didn't match anything she had on. I was appalled. Needless to say, I will not hire her again. My mom always said you should dress for the job you want - not the job you have. At that time, I thought she was overstating it, but now I know better.

True or False?

Take the test! and go to Ronni's for another story of mine!

1. A courteous response to a telephone call coming to you at your workplace would be to name your firm and follow with "How may I help you?" T F

2. Writing thank you notes is a social, rather than a business, courtesy.

T F

3. You should rise and offer your hand across your desk as an immediate acknowledgement of a client. T F

4. A telephone number must be repeated when leaving voice mail, once at the beginning of the message and again when concluding the message. T F

5. Men should stand for all introductions, but women may remain seated.

T F

6. At a reception, hold your beverage in your right hand. T F

(answers to these will be in the comments. Don't peek!)

This is an excerpt from a speech I heard last week, given by an etiquette expert at our florist's association meeting. Cecelia Grimes has excellent credentials and she gave a very good talk on business etiquette. Here is her website. She is available for talks to groups and clubs, and is a worthwhile and entertaining speaker, whether the subject is business or social etiquette.

Here is a list of faux pas she discussed. We have all experienced a few of these, I am sure!

1. Chewing and popping gum in a business or a professional setting.

2. Continuing a personal conversation wih a colleague when approached by a client/customer.

3. Having soft-drink cans and snack wrappers in view of customers.

4. Responding to a request with "I don't know." Even if the information is unknown to you, the correct response is "Just a moment, please, and I'll get that information for you."

The printed handout concluded with this list of irrating things. Which of them bugs you the most?

1. Listening to a diner blow his nose at the table.

2. Enduring another's personal cell phone call.

3. Experiencing uncertainty about who is paying for a meal.

4. Sitting near a person who is smoking.

5. Watching a person "double-dip" at a reception.

6. Having a dinner partner who chews with his mouth open.

7. Realizing that someone doesn't remember your name, just after you've been introduced.

8. Seeing a driver use a cell phone while driving.

9. I added: a driver who plays his radio/CD so loudly that the bass rattles in your chest when you stop for a signal light.

Do you have any pet peeves to add to this list?

I Love(d) My Dentist

It's true......I really do love my dentist. We just got a letter saying that he is retiring in early July, and I have dreaded that day for years. My children and I used to tell him that he couldn't retire until after we departed the world. He is almost my age, so I guess we couldn't expect him to practice forever.

We moved to Raleigh in the fall of 1969, and in January, we began a search for a dentist. Mr. kenju found one in his office building, so we tried him out. We immediately felt that we had made a good choice; he was very good at dentistry, he seemed compassionate, and trustworthy. An added plus is that he was easy on the eyes (and remains so). Over the years, our opinion of him has never flagged, and his personality and the way he conducts his business have never changed. (The fees have escalated, darn it!)

Many people have been referred by us to his office throughout the last 38 years, all of whom were really happy to find him. Everyone from my mother-in-law to the small grandchildren of my friends go/have gone to this office with no fear or trepidation. I expect they will be as sad as we are to lose him. I have had a great deal of dental work over the years. Phil is the only dentist who never hurt me (with the possibile exception of novocaine shots - but that was understandable.)

A new dentist is taking over the practice; one I hope will be just like Phil. The new man is retaining all the office staff, from the receptionist to the hygienists, so that is a definite plus.

Phil, we have enjoyed being your patients over the years. We thank you for being the man and the dentist you are, and we wish you and your family many years of peaceful and enjoyable retirement.

Mixed Messages

When a Business Closes...

I drove downtown this week to buy for the last time from a business I have been dealing with for the whole 25+ years that I have had my flower business. This store has been around for 75 years, which makes it hard to watch the doors close on what was formerly a booming business.

Since they had only a little competition over the years, it doesn't make sense that they are at the point of closing. I saw more cars in the parking lot that day than I had seen there in the past year. Maybe if the current owners had paid more attention to what brings customers in the shop, they could have retained the volume of business that the former owners had. It makes me sad to see a second or third generation business being run into the ground by the current owners. It just goes to show that inheriting a business doesn't guarantee that you will have the acumen or integrity needed to keep it afloat.

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Canada or Bust?

As I drove downtown, I rounded a corner at a fairly good clip, in order to get out of the way of the driver barreling down the road behind me, who didn't seem to notice that I had my right turn signal blinking. After I made the turn, I had to haul myself up short to keep from running over 2 Canada geese who were leisurely crossing the street, and one had stopped to scratch fleas or some sort of vermin. I didn't have the camera with me, or I would have captured that to show you. I rolled down the window and asked him if he was lost, since the nearest water was at least a 1/2 mile away. He turned his nose up in at me; motioned for his mate to scurry along, and honked! I am sure he was telling me that he is planning to leave for Canada soon, and to cut them some slack.

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