“In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends.”
~ Okakura Kakuzo
Hey, Lovelies!
I’m in Hong Kong right now, a destination renowned for its luxury shopping.
But I’m not a shopping kind of girl, although I enjoy looking at things. At my age I have enough stuff, and I’m not interested in buying things simply for the sake of buying them.
Ben and I went walking yesterday morning, early, before most of Hong Kong was awake. The only shops that were open were bakeries and noodle bars. As we walked we came upon a florist setting up her market stall for the day. The fragrance from the fresh blooms was intoxicating – and they were so cheap!
Buy some, Ben said to me.
Don’t be ridiculous, I said. We’re in a hotel room. I don’t need flowers. It seems extravagant.
I disagree, Ben replied. I think your soul actually needs flowers, after which he bought me three bunches of white lilies for the total sum of eight Australian dollars.
We admired the bonsai collection in the nearby alley, and then we went back to the hotel with our haul.

Housekeeping found vases for me, and now I have towering arrangements that have perfumed the room with their sweetness. They were the first thing I saw when I woke up this morning. Ben was right. My soul needed these flowers. Especially with the long drought at home which has rendered my garden dust and rubble.
I don’t need fancy jewelry or designer clothes or expensive handbags and trinkets. But flowers? Yes. Give me the luxury of flowers and I am soul full!
Can you find a way to experience the luxury of flowers this week? Even a single flower beside your bed, or a vase of greenery can be a magical connection to nature.
Sending much love your way, Nicole xx

My roses are looking incredible at the moment, so I am cutting the best one and taking into my desk at work to enjoy through the day
Totally get the flower thing Nicole. What a joy!!!! Parched Brisbane, but I have a single marigold flower in the hands of the Buddha in our garden. The early morning air felt miraculously cool as I placed it there. Will go pick one now for beside the bed. And another for the bathroom. Thank you so much💛
How lovely…you, your man and the flowers. Thanks for sharing this story.
Aaah my favorite flowers – white lilies. Thank you for the reminder Nicole. And Thank You for sharing your holiday with us…. I’m loving the visuals created by your descriptions of people, places and food. Sending Love to you both xx
As a young woman I had no interest in flowers that has changed I now like them
That man in your life called Ben is also feeding your soul. He is a keeper. I am fortunate to have the same kind of man.
I always have fresh flowers in the living room and our bathroom. The flowers are usually Birds of Paradise because they are inexpensive in Costa Rica. The cost of ONE Paradise flower in the US is more than the dozen that I purchase.
This post made me smile so much…gotta love a man who reminds you of what your soul needs. I was gifted a bunch of sunflowers this week & my heart just lifts, my body stands taller and my soul smiles deeply whenever I see them. Yes to flowers! BIG Love to you both COXO