Home for the Holidays

My daughter's on her way home from New Orleans after finishing her first semester of college. Three days ago she texted me photo of the St. Charles streetcar (I took these one when we went on a college tour together in 2007). She wrote: "They decorate the streetcars!" She also texted me that after Christmas, people in New Orleans take down their ornaments and then immediately put up Mardi Gras decorations.



She absorbed a great deal in the classroom but she is also learning the true meaning of Southern Hospitality. She learned the value of her extended family who has welcomed her with open arms. They have graciously hosted her for many Sunday night dinners, cookie-baking parties, family celebrations, and luncheons, and they shuttle her back and forth from the airport. How could I ever thank them enough for making her feel so loved and accepted?

European Floral Design Class

Yesterday was the first day in a long time that I was feeling well enough to sit at the computer for any length of time. Thank you for your kind well wishes - they made me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

The portfolio for my European Floral Design class is due tomorrow. You've already seen the sushi flowers and the pumpkin arrangement, and you've seen my midterm, here's a sampling of other designs we did. The design you see above was one of my favorites. We made an armature of salt cedar branches for the base of this bouquet. Here's a closer look at the "skeleton" of this design:

I still have the armature and I can use it over and over again.

Here is a wreath we made. It is meant to feel like a bird's nest, created with found items.

Here is our class listening to our instructor's critique:

This one is mine:

This fan design is a quick and easy design that requires only a few flowers.

I would like to thank our wonderful instructor, Wendy Pine, for another great class. The College of San Mateo is suffering horrendous budget cuts and the floristry program is in grave danger of being eliminated. It would be a huge loss to the community if we lose this important program that gives students practical, professional training.