In case you were wondering, yes, I still buy flowers for myself, every now and then.
They’re always from Kroger’s sale bin, so it’s pretty easy to justify the $3 or $4 I’m spending on temporary joy. It’s also continued therapy – learning to treat myself, instead of waiting for someone else to come along and do it for me.
I’ve promised myself, and said it out loud to whomever will listen, that I want to grow a cutting garden this year. I want to create my own bouquets and continue to bring myself flowers, and maybe feed a few bees and butterflies while I’m at it.
Last night, the man I’m dating brought seed and plant catalogs to our dinner date, so he could show me some long stem flower options. It’s something we have in common – a love of growing things – but I know the catalogs were as much about showing me he listens when I talk as they were about encouraging a project with the potential to bring me joy.
For Valentine’s Day, he gave me a bare root dwarf cherry tree. He said he thought about giving me flowers (and did give me chocolate and a candle), but wanted to give me something that would last.
Just like that, he reminded me why I’ve always preferred gifts (and people) with roots.
I put my cherry tree in a pot, until we get to know each other better, but if it thrives in my company, I’ll gladly let it take root in whatever corner of my yard makes it happiest. I’m in no rush. Right now, my joy comes from watching it grow, looking forward to what it might bring, and knowing it has the potential to last.
Your friend sounds like someone I’d enjoy meeting (were I close enough). As for the flowers, keep right on buying them, dear Leah–I do that myself, when I come across the right variety or mixture. I have to put them where the cat can’t get to them, which is a challenge, but still…such nourishment for eyes and spirit. I like your cherry tree, and I like your phrasing about getting to know each other better. What a lovely, and apt, analogy. Once again, your writing is so precise, each word and phrase evocative to perfection. Thank you.
I love that he pays attention to what you like and your practicality, not just purchasing what the masses tells him he should get you (btw, I’ve gotten really good bacon for Valentine’s Day!).
Keep going, girl!
Thanks. The bacon-giver sounds like a good story!