Flowers For George Washington

First in War, First in Peace, First in the Garden

Archive for the tag “politics”

18 Mar 2012

Shamrocks and the real town drunk

This week’s bunch of fresh cut flowers are Bells of Ireland surrounded by a flurry of sweet smelling Freesia. The Bells’ delicate white flowers belie the thorny nature of their dramatic, spiky spires, somewhat like Rick Santorum’s innocuous grin masks the downright evil nature of his ignorant thinking. And still, the sweater-wearing candidate’s campaign grinds on because there are evidently a whole bunch of people in this wonderful land of ours who actually believe he would make a wonderful President. Just pause on that for a minute.

On another similar note, for such a provincial country, can someone please explain how St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo can obtain such a national hall pass when it comes to full-throated inebriation?

“I have diligently sought the public welfare; and have endeavoured to inculcate the same principles in all that are under me. These reflections will be cordial to my mind as long as I ame able to distinguish between Good & Evil.”

George Washington, 1756

March 11, 2012 Manhattan Beach Trader Joes

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23 Feb 2012
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Happy Birthday, George!

February 15, 2012 Santa Monica Farmers Market

This week’s bunch of freshly cut flowers are deep purple Lisianthus. Their vibrancy and long life are a perfect symbol to celebrate yesterday’s anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Sure we have President’s Day, but is it fair to lump the likes of 41, 43 and 21 together with the hall of famers like Lincoln, FDR and Number 1. Born on February 22, 1732 near Pope’s Creek, Virginia, Washington was arguably the greatest among the founding fathers of our country. Not that he was the most intellectual or sophisticated or even the most astute politically, as those honors might go to Franklin, Jefferson or Madison. No, Washington’s greatest strength was his judgment, his ability to make the right call in times of crisis. To rise above partisan bickering and individual interests and to act in the best interests of his country. Those qualities are sorely missed today.

“There are four things, which I humbly conceive, are essential to the … existence of the United States as an Independent Power:

1st. An indissoluble Union of the States under one Federal Head.

2dly. A sacred regard to Public Justice.

3dly. The adoption of a proper Peace Establishment, and

4thly. The prevalence of that pacific and friendly disposition among the People of the United States which will induce them to forget their local prejudices and policies, to make those mutual concessions which are requisite to the general prosperity, and in some instances, to sacrifice their individual advantages to the interest of the community.

These are the Pillars on which the glorious fabric of our Independency and National Character must be supported; Liberty is the basis, and whoever would dare to sap the foundation, or overturn the structure, under whatever specious pretexts he may attempt it, will merit the bitterest execration, and the severest punishment which can be inflicted by his injured Country.”

George Washington 1783

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26 Dec 2011

Oh by gosh, by golly…

This week’s bunch of fresh cut flowers are a Winter’s Mix of Hollyberry and Fern. The holly’s bright red berries offer a lovely visual contrast to the prickly thorns of the leaf itself. I am reminded that even as we celebrate the holidays and spend time with family and friends, we are in the midst of a global economic crisis and are certainly teetering on the peaks of great change. Where we will land is anyone’s guess. What can we do collectively to ensure the safest possible landing?

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

The Crisis by Thomas Paine written on December 23, 1776 which General Washington had read to the troops to boost morale during the depths of the first bleak winter of the Revolutionary War

December 18, 2011 Westchester Bristol Farms

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21 Dec 2011

Summer Stock and Tea Parties

This week’s bunch of fresh cut flowers are Matthiola Incana, commonly known as Hoary or Ten Weeks Stock, which seems analogous to our current congressional participants (across both the upper and lower houses), a ill-mannered lot whose remarkable amateurish performance suggests hopeful actors attending the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, where they could apprentice (paying $150 for the summer) to learn their craft and observe—and possibly work with—professionals.

Is this the best our country can offer in the way of representation?

“My best way of thanking voters was by making their interests my own and doing everything that lies in my little power, for the honor and welfare of the country.”

George Washington 1758

December 10, 2011 Manhattan Beach Whole Foods Market

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11 Dec 2011

Mon Ami, what happened to our Bonhomie?

This week’s bunch of freshly cut flowers are vibrant yellow French Tulips, which were first introduced to the West in the late 1500’s by an illegitimate Flemish herbalist who became the Austrian ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in Constantinople. While Tulips have long been a spring flower, certain varietals can flourish throughout the summer into fall and even winter as long as they avoid an early frost. 

“It is a maxim founded on the universal experience of mankind that no nation is to be trusted farther than it is bound by its interest.” George Washington on his relationship with the French – 1778

December 3, 2011 Santa Monica Farmers Market

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04 Dec 2011

Dead Pokemon Walking

This week’s bunch of freshly cut bloomers are bright yellow and orange Marigolds. Regarded as the flower of the dead in pre-Hispanic Mexico, they are still widely used in Day of the Dead celebrations, which seems somewhat appropriate as we say goodbye to the oddly contentious yet eternally hopeful Herman Cain presidential campaign.

“Party disputes and personal quarrels are the great business of the day while the great and accumulated debt, ruined finances, depreciated money, and want of credit were postponed from day to day, from week to week, as if our affairs wore the most promising aspect.” George Washington, circa 1778.

November 20, 2011 Westchester Bristol Farms

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08 Oct 2011

One Nation, Under God

This week’s fresh cut flowers are lavender white, Alstroemerias, which offer slender comfort to me during these fitful times.

“We have abundant reason to rejoice that, in this land, the light of truth and reason has triumphed over the power of bigotry and superstition.” January 1793.

And yet…

Are you ready for some football?

October 1, 2011 Westchester Bristol Farms

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13 Sep 2011

A Beautiful Crown

This week’s fresh cut flowers are a bunch of beautiful Purple and Gold, Matsumoto Asters, which brighten up any room they find themselves in, even one populated with a collection of self-absorbed politicians and an increasingly longer list of overstimulated media prognosticators and rabble rousing everymen who seem to enjoy the feeling of free fall.

“Nothing I more sincerely wish than a union to the colonies in this time of eminent danger.” April 1756

September 3, 2011 from Westchester Bristol Farms

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17 Aug 2011

Dignity before Foursquare

The White Chrysanthemums and Blue Gerbera Daisies paint a pastoral vision of elegance and simplicity. I occasionally like to take in a little fresh air as it clears the mind and allows one some time to reflect on past and future actions. Such as, can one be a “man of the people” and remain Presidential. This latest act of social relevance concerns me.

August 13, 2011 Playa Vista Farmers Market

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08 Aug 2011

All this posturing is making me itch

The dominant colors of the yellow and white Gerbera Daisies are able to strike a lovely balance unlike our friends on both sides of the aisle.

August 6, 2011 Playa Vista Farmers Market

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