07•03•25 magnolia flowers

this morning before heading to magnolias, the flower shop where i’ve been learning, i swung by the local cafe to pick up a matcha and sweet treat for my teacher and i. the sun was beaming and the cicadas were singing. within a five-minute drive, the once distant rain clouds were suddenly pouring down, giving the earth a shower. i tried dodging each droplet without success as i shuffled inside, laughing at how fast the weather changes here. it’s been slow lately. florida summer in a small surf town tends to quiet everything down, and magnolias is no exception. there were a few orders today: one for a funeral, two medium table arrangements for a dinner party, and a large birthday bouquet. i didn’t assist with designing any of them. instead, i watched intently and asked questions as they came to mind. the owner said i should’ve been there for the mother’s day rush to really see things in full swing. but i told her i preferred a sleepy day like this, where we could talk without the pressure of fulfilling orders. we discussed everything from the realities of running a shop to flower preservation tricks. in the states, more than other places, flowers are usually bought for specific occasions. price points and culture definitely play a role, but i find it interesting how people rarely buy flowers just because. there’s always a reason, whether it’s joy or grief.i didn’t do much with my hands today, but i took in so much. it was the kind of day that reminds you not everything has to be productive to be valuable. i’m sure at some point i’ll think back to this soft stretch of summer at magnolias and be glad i paid attention. ~ with tlc 🤍