My Man Gave Me Fresh Cut Flowers

The simple joys in life are found in flowers...

I was standing in the long grocery store check out line which gave me time to observe what others were purchasing. A few men had bouquets of flowers as the main course in their basket. I wondered to what occasions these little bundles were going to be given. I did know whatever the occasion a smile is what they should bring. This little exercise got me wondering about the bouquet.

The typical scene of 'man gives flowers to woman' abounds in novels, film and the not so kind world of the cliche. The bouquet has a universal pull on everyone's psyche. The bouquet can be generalized by calling it a bunch of flowers, it can be used as a relationship opener and rejection diffuser or an apology smoother. The most sought after bouquets are those given in love.

Our human emotions play a big role in the act of giving natural beauty which acts as a voice to our intentions. We owe a lot to these relationship builders God created for our good. So let's take the bouquet back from the grips of banality and habitual monotony and laud what these botanical creatures can really do.

My '18 Year' Bouquet

What My Bouquet 'Said' to Me

1. When my husband came through the door with the wild array in his hands. My heart jumped a little knowing he was one of those men I observed in the grocery store choosing a specific arrangement for the love in his life. He took time out of his day to think of me in a specific way.

2. I looked at the varietal blooms and each one was vibrant with color. The visual beauty was stunning. The textures, shades and hues added a new interest to the same old surroundings.

3. I immediately wanted to touch the soft petals of the Carnation, feel the brain-like structure of the Celosia and gaze long at the purple variation of the Amaranth. With daily chores that bespatter the typical day, the silky contrast was welcomed.

4. The Cockscomb (Celosia) was my favorite, it is suggestive of a highly colored brain. Something I'd like to feel I can lay some claim too. A woman likes to be loved for her brain as well as her body.

5. This floral offering was in no way mundane. I put it on the bedside table and when I awoke this morning something alive and beautiful was staring back at me. As I go about my day's work, I'll occasionally pass it and an appreciative thought towards my husband dances through my mind.

I sure hope that the five things I listed can help those hard working, providing, love mates with a new perspective on the bouquet. They really aren't cliches unless your heart says they are.

A little ditty to Feeling Good! Sing it Nina!

(Analogy, not pantheism or deep ecology intended)

A Few Good Men

I am fortunate enough to say I have some awesome examples of top of line, cream of the crop, grade A MEN in my life. This post is for them.

The picture to the left is of me and my marvelous Dad. Let me tell you, as far as Dad's go he is the BEST. I know I should be saving this post for Father's Day, but when you feel so lucky to know somebody any time of the year is good to tell it to the world. He made growing up special for me with his acts of creativity. You knew he was thinking about you when he made a poetic scavenger hunt for Easter, personalized a tin with your own set of crayons and coloring books at Christmastime and fashioned homemade wooden decorations you got to help paint and put on the tree. I always loved doing school projects with my dad. One of the most memorable projects we did together was the Battle of Midway. We read about it at the library and collaborated on a model that was out of this world. We made Aircraft Carriers and painted Japanese and American fighter planes. He added the coolest detail by stringing fishing wire across the top of the model to make the airplanes look like they were in battle flight. I give my dad the credit for instilling in me an interest in history and World War II. We have this common bond now that I am an adult because he took the time to make learning fun. He's still doing creative, fun things for his grandchildren. He made them their very own Tree House with a loft and deck. My nephews can use it as an Army Base for their war planning. My nieces can use it as their doll or club house, and yes, the adults like to sit on the deck and hang out in there too.

I must mention one of my favorite things that my dad never fails to do every year. He is the Valentines Day King. He showers all the girls in the family in his own special way. Each one receives a card with a message that uncannily fits their personality, along with flowers or photo books and always chocolate. He will hand deliver these tokens of his love to their work or home as well. I look forward to that holiday because my Dad has made this his tradition of love and it takes you back to when you were a kid and felt safe, secure and loved for just being you. (You know more posts will follow about him, he's quite the man and has some other wonderful traits I'd love to expound on)

In the picture to the right is my wonderful Dad-In-Law and my love able Hubby. Papa Ken as I like to call him has been an influence in my life that I am eternally grateful for. His spiritual guidance and the fact he lives the way he teaches has been a gift from God to behold. His determination to do what is right and fight for the truth has been an example that can best be seen by his writings. Click the link to see what I mean www.voiceofonecrying.com His research and devotion to finding the Truth will challenge you. He's a stability to the family that I believe gets taken for granted. It's easy to do that to people we love, I'm guilty of this, that's why I take the time to post my thoughts. It doesn't matter if they are read or commented on, it is my way of praying, of getting what's inside out and letting those close to me know I'm thinking of them. In my opinion, Papa Ken writes what he learn as an act of love for his family as well as being compelled by God to be obedient. I am thankful he's chosen to give of himself. He's sacrificed much. Thanks Papa Ken!

Of course there is my Hubby who fits in the "Good Men" category. I'd like to say as his wife it has been an honor to be chosen as the one who gets to see the day to day, months to years growth of his manhood. It's kind of neat being witness to the workings of something great. It makes me feel darn good of myself to know I saw the goodness in Nathan when I first met him and my instinct wasn't wrong. We've been together over ten years now and through all the crazy obstacles and challenges life throws at you we can look at each other and know that if all else fails, and the world comes crashing down, we've got each other.

(Of course there is subject matter here that I can write volumes about...future post material)

I feel lucky, blessed, fortunate and like I've won the lottery having these Men in my life. Who are the "Good Men" in your life?