I love writing this post.
In the Summer, when my raised garden beds are at their most productive and beautiful, I do something I call a “flower riot,” I take flowers to people in need and people I know and drop them off.
I’ve learned that flowers are powerful and meaningful to many people, and my “weekly flower riots – people I know, some farm workers up the road, people I love, people who work hard who deserve acknowledgment are beautiful and selfish – make the recipients happy, and they make me very happy.
Doing good is the best way to feel good and stay grounded.
Today, a rainy morning when we are still in winter and the dark days – we have had cold days for some time and lots of damage from rain – and as I recovered from my cannabis overdose, I decided to make me and the people who work hard that I know and respect and make people happy and went to the Cambridge Flower Shop.
I bought some inexpensive, beautiful irises (and roses for Maria) and spent the afternoon delivering them. I couldn’t afford bull bouquets, but it didn’t matter. People love flowers, especially in February.
I can’t quite describe how good that felt. I’ve been smiling all day. It’s healthier than any medicine.
I highly recommend this for people who get unnerved or frightened by the news or any asshole politicians.
First, I went to the Cambridge Vet and brought some flowers to Manya, the new receptionist at the Cambridge Vet. Manya looked harried by her new job and the brand-new computer system that was making everyone there a little crazy.
She went home sick before I got to take her photo. The flowers were to celebrate her new job. The people in the vet’s office are family to us.
I’m a massive fan of the Cambridge Valley Vet, Dr. Fariello, and the excellent techs and assistants who work there.
They have always been good to us and our animals through good and evil and helped me navigate some sadness and loss.
So I brought Manya some irises (her favorite flower, as it turned out) and a box of chocolates for Nicole, Cassandra, Casey, Sam, and others.
They are intelligent, warm, challenging, and competent. They deserve some chocolates at least. People who are good to me and others need appreciation and recognition.
They were first on my floral riot. I gave some Irisis to Alfreda, a good friend who sometimes helps us on the farm. She loves flowers and appreciates them. She was pleased.
She left before I took her photo with the flowers, but I have my favorite photo of her.
She is a beautiful flower.
Then there was Sue Lamberti, who gave our town (and me) a great gift by opening the flower shop. She doesn’t need flowers from me, but her flowers are beautiful, and I am thrilled to have access to them in the winter.
My next stop was Connie Brooks, above, the founder and owner of our excellent bookshop, Battenkill Books, a first-class bookstore in a small upstate New York town. I do not have enough words to thank Connie for my love of her store and countless happy visits there. She is unique in many ways and does good in many ways. She was pleased to get her Irises.
Utu has a tough job, running the day shifts of the food co-op in town. We see her almost daily; every encounter is fun, comfortable, and helps sustain. She also has sheep, makes yarn, and has a booming, charismatic personality. She is a lot of fun and brings all kinds of good feelings (and good food) into our lives. She makes shopping for food fun, but I have yet to experience that.
I had a blast on my flower riot. Thanks to Sue for re-opening her floral business. I might do my flower riot monthly if I can.
After that, I sat down with a cannabis counselor and talked about how I could continue with my sleeping/cannabis exercise without flipping out. They gave me some new cannabis to try and suggested taking one at a time. We agreed I didn’t need anxiety edibles; the only time I’ve panicked in a long time was when I took cannabis anxiety edibles.
Live and learn. I take one edible every other night and a small dose of melatonin every other. I feel good about not running away from it and working harder to understand how to use it wisely and well.
It’s so easy to brighten someone’s day. If we all did it, our country would be less of a billionaire’s cesspool. I always remember the idea: small acts of great kindness.
Thanks, Sue, for your flower and gift shop. It’s great to see your hard work pay off. I think you are happier than you used to be.
I think we’ll see a lot of each other, at least until May.
