In A Vase On Monday

In a Vase on Monday is hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.  Click over to her site to see what creative floral flourish she's created to share this week.

Sunday was my birthday and my coworkers celebrated with me on Friday and it's been a whirlwind of a weekend.  At work roses from the Tom and a happy yellow floral arrangement from my eldest sister arrived.  I'd already decided to cheat and use these as my IAVOM offerings.  On Sunday, the church choir began again for the academic year and after the service, I was given the colorful flowers which had decorated the altar.  These usually are taken to an elderly or ill member of the congregation.  Do you suppose I got the flowers because I now qualify for the senior citizen discount at some establishments?

With such an embarrassment of floral riches, I couldn't imagine cutting anything more so once again, I'm cheating.   However, I did play with the arrangements a bit.  First up, the roses.  Flowers had never graced this vase in the many years I've had it.  Fortunately, the vase in which the roses came fit nicely inside..

The roses came with the simple message, "Go, Lovely Rose."  (If you don't know the poem, look here.)  The photograph is nearly thirty years old as you may be able to tell from my permed mullet. Time flies!

The colorful flowers from church worked well with  this glass vase made by Dehanna Jones of Totally Blown Glassworks.

It seemed fitting to use my mother's bible and her reading glasses with these.  Although she seldom darkened the door of a church, her quiet faith was an inspiration.

Finally, the happy yellow arrangement from my eldest sister that ended up in the bathroom where I'll see it first thing every morning. 

Of course it needed some fun props.

Keep calm and poop on air freshener, Filthy Whore Soap "Just because you're dead on the inside doesn't mean you have to smell like it on the outside,"  and  Wash Your Sins Away hand cleanser."For Liars, Cheaters & Wrong-Doers.  Reduces Guilt by 98.9%."  Everyone has these things lying around their bathrooms, right?

You may have noticed the new header.  It's one of two cross stitch Outlaw Gardener creations made by the brother of Kim, one of my coworkers.  Wasn't that thoughtful of her?  The image doesn't do the piece justice as it's really much  more lovely in person. Happy new week all!