Tuesday, May 3, 2016

French Women Adore Fresh Flowers

French Women's Secret #8
French Women Love Beautiful Flowers.
It's true, French Women always make sure they have a vase of pretty flowers on their table.  French Women know that this simple gesture truly brightens up the day!

My French teacher Madame M. filled her outdoor deck with clay pots of pretty flowers--bright red geraniums, luscious pink hibiscus and classic white roses.  During the winter, Madame M. would pick up a bouquet from the local  supermarket.  The colorful flowers arranged in a vase on the table would always make our lessons so cheerful!

I am a big fan of wild flowers, especially Black Eyed Susans and Sweet Peas.  This is because my mother loved them and now that it is almost Mother's Day, I am thinking about her a lot!  

Today I read a beautiful post from the blog Hostess of the Humble Bungalow.  Leslie writes a lot about the flowers in her garden and how these are connected to her life and family and how they can offer solace in times of sadness.

It's so true!  Flowers carry history and memory.

For example, I can't look at a Lilly of the Valley without remembering May 1st, 2015, when I was in Paris for the Ooh La La! Paris Tour and everyone was carrying around a little bouquet to celebrate Le Fete du Muget.  
 What a wonderful time and now, what a lovely memory!  Just yesterday, I  asked my husband to help plant lots of Lily of the Valley around La Belle Farm.  This way, I will have my own Parisian Garden and keep my memories going!

Do certain flowers remind you of a particular person or event?  Do associate one type of flower with your mother or sister or dear friend?  I wonder what flowers bring you back to a time long ago?  I'd love to hear your story, mes amies! 

And Happy Mother's Day!

7 comments:

  1. The smell of fresh Lilacs bring back summertime delights while living in Iowa. We don't have them here in Arkansas and I miss them!

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  2. Dear Cindy--Oooh, I feel the same way as you do about lilacs. We had them in my childhood home and I miss them! We do have a few white ones here on our little farm, but I loved those purple ones. Is it possible for you to plant Lilacs or buy a bunch at a local garden store? Thank you for writing, Cindy! I so appreciate it! xo Jamie

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  3. Just bought a geranium, an homage to my Parisian planters on my balcony f(facing the Eiffel) when I lived there for 4+ yrs. Miss the aroma of des fleurs when walking past les fleuristes on rue Clèr, 7ème, my former market street.

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    1. Oh, Gigi--your geranium sounds lovely! And how lucky to have lived in Paris with a balcony facing the Eiffel Tower! Merci beaucoup for writing! xo Jamie

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  5. Sent a pomegranates bonsai to a special lass. Didn't had the heart to pluck more beauty but to offer the opportunity to grow it instead.

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