
I appreciate creatively arranged flowers and greens in both landscaping and vases. I also enjoy looking at wildflowers along roadsides and randomly gathered blossoms (or blossoming weeds) plunked into containers with no obvious intentions of theme or arrangement. I'm attracted to photos and sketches or paintings depicting dramatic posies, and floral fabrics that hint of days long ago. There is something about flowers that speaks to the inner me.
I don't consider myself a romantic in any traditional sense. My favorite present from my beloved is a gift certificate - or several - for massages. Perfect date night? Order-in, comfy "TV-watching clothes," wine, and a good flick. High-quality chocolate is not a romantic offering; it's a daily necessity - like vitamins. I do, however, appreciate being surprised by having my stash unexpectedly replenished. I choose citrus or green scents over floral, don't wear or decorate with lace or floral patterns, and eschew Nicholas Sparks-like books and movies. Yet if G bestows upon me a gift of flowers for no special occasion? Well, let the date night begin!

For all their beauty, flowers have visual imperfections, don't age well, and will eventually die. When they're gone, the memory of their power to make me smile and appreciate remains. I like that. I hope I do for others what flowers do for me.