I was at Lowes around the holidays and these greeted me as I came through the door — glittered poinsettias in all kinds of interesting colors! Haha! As a lover of more natural things I would never purchase one to decorate my party buffet, but it got me thinking that there is a market for all kinds of things. Who am I to be critical about this product that brings delight to someone who sees differently than me? What might I be missing out on in life and business if I'm only friends with people who agree with me or see like me? 

It's funny where a glittered poinsettia in the entry of a hardware store can take you — from "I need some paint" to an invitation to create even more space for everyone in my heart. 

The next time you see something that appears unattractive to you, I invite you to look a little further instead of walking away. We live in a big, beautiful world and I believe as we dig a little deeper we'll find treasure in one another that transforms our industry into one that is kind, united and very strong. I believe the floral industry will set a new standard in the world for business, creativity, sustainability and so much more.

There is so much room. Room for painted, glittered things. Room for weeds. Room for mums and garden roses and lots of foliages. There's room for fluffy corsages and simple ones of silk. Bring it. Let's all promise to bring the things we love and play the instrument we were born to play in this big, flowery marching band parade!

Here's to loving each other and the world through flowers.