Saturday, May 11, 2013

April Showers, May Flowers, and Smiles

April showers bring May flowers, and May flowers bring smiles!
 

I have loved flowers---and sharing them---for as long as I can remember.

When I was little, I used to spend weekends outside finding just the right flowers to pick and give to my grandmother.  I am talking handfuls.  Every size, shape and color.  Every time I brought them to her, my grandmother would ooh and ahh as if each 'bouquet' was the first she had ever received.  And then, I would receive the biggest compliment of all.  She would place them in a mason jar with some water, and proudly display them on the kitchen table.


What I didn't realize back then was that many of those flowers were actually a weed.  But, in my eyes, they were the most beautiful things I had ever seen. 
 
Gorgeous purples, bright yellows, and other vibrant colors were so pretty to me, and I just had to share them with someone I loved!  And my grandmother appreciated ever single weed, every single time.  It makes me smile today as I think about how proudly she would display them, and how proud I felt each time she did.
 
I think all of those things---the act of gathering flowers in anticipation of giving them away, the wonderful feeling of knowing I made someone happy, the smile on my grandmother's face, the warm feeling of accomplishment I experienced with every mason-jar display---I think all of those things helped to shape the person I am today.
 
I still love flowers.  In fact, we may have gotten carried away with flowers just a bit on our front and rear farmhouse porch this spring.  But, who cares......it sure looks happy!
 
My love of flowers does not end at our home, you will always find fresh flowers tucked into displays at our Shoppe too......I just can't help myself. 
I love the creative outlet that flowers provide, and the sweet way that flowers welcome family and friends.
But most of all, I love the smiles they bring!
 
All of the photos in this post are from our Farmhouse on Main......it has a big spring smile. 
:-))
 

12 comments:

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

LaurieAnna, such a wonderful post. I can just see the smile on your grandmother's face, because I remember the one on my grandmother when she was so much enjoying and listening! to me. Such great memories and we are so lucky to have them. Your farmhouse looks so pretty. Never can have too many flowers, smiles or dogs!..Happy Weekend..Judy

Kathy said...

Beautiful Post. I love your porch, just perfect for relaxing and taking in the beauty and nature.
You are blessed. Enjoy, Kathy

A Thrifted Market said...

So beautiful!! Miss seeing all of you. Hope to make it up that way one day soon.

Nancy Carr said...

Beautiful. I don't feel one can ever have too many flowers. I enjoy your inspiration. Blessings

Lori said...

That old house is doing a happy dance. You all have brought it back to life beautifully.

CEO Lisa Anne - L.A said...

Your front porch and flowers look so pretty! Love the bike inbetween the roses too! Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Lisa

Unknown said...

Beautiful porch! You can never have too many flowers in my book!!~~Angela

afistfullofweeds* said...

Your post is the exact reason I named my blog "afistfullofweeds*" You home looks amazing!!

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Your house is so beautiful! The flowers add so much to make things look happy. Love those sweet babies on the front porch!

trash talk said...

When we can't find a reason to smile, flowers are God's way of giving us one.
Your postcard perfect porches make me smile out loud.
Deb

Cynthia said...

Beautiful post and I remembering doing the same thing for my mother. You have a gorgeous porch.

Cynthia

Stephanie said...

Looks SO beautiful LA - love it!!