Antonia - Part 2
CHAPTER 3.
FLOWERS.
Each Spring there was much driving to do. Here and there we would go filling our vehicle up with pinks and reds and every type of fragrant flower. Antonia wanted her yard packed with flowers. Each morning she would wake me up early to water all the flowers as it would be cruel to water flowers in the afternoon amongst the summer heat. It was right and kind to water them as the sun rose. And oh the sun! That new sun dancing on the wings of birds and casting contrast. Everything was always a little different in the morning and it was when I felt how nature was truly healing and uplifting. The most special flowered area was her porch. Geraniums and flowers hung from the ceiling and railings. The floor was covered with potted flowers and it appeared that the only walking path was made to reach her iron and cushiony lounge chairs. The two lounges sat side by side with a table in-between to set your tea upon, of course. Here was summer naps while your eyes slowly closed at a floral visual abundance and nose breathed in rich heavy fragrances from the flowers. As a small child I could hide among flowers, play in perfumed air, read a book, and discover nature with all its wonder. A safe place to be myself, imagine and restore.
CHAPTER 4.
PAY IT FORWARD.
In starting FS Flower Farm it was the influence of Nana, her carefree spirit, love for little children, fragrant flowers, hidden places of imagination in nature and her ‘rule-braking’, yet honoring style that reminded me - in life: serve well, love big and you can in deed do what it is that makes you happy. Here, at Flying Starlings, all children are given our best. Chandeliers and beautiful materials for all our crafts are some examples. Each child is treated like they are equally the most important member of our society - as they are. They are our future! No matter their size, age, ability or story here they are honored. When children enter the farm they enter a world of wonder and play surrounded by fresh air and flowers dancing in the coastal breeze. The best moment for me was our first summer, when a league of children played until after the sun set. Shoes off, hair wild, flash lights bobbing up and down - their little toes touching the earth like tiny blessings and playful kisses. By opening our doors with enchanted wonder we find children grow in self esteem, connection with each other through nature and are reminded they are special. They are valued. Each and every child has something wonderful inside them that the world needs. Their very own design is something full of awe and distinctly magnificent.