Random Acts of Kindness: Floral Bouquet

Today is a day that changed our lives forever. I was in the city, to the day, eleven years ago. The morning was beautiful, the sun was shining and it was warm, the hustle and bustle was no different than any other day. Until I got to class, and all the TVs were on, and the towers were falling. Everyone was in tears and in disbelief. After the initial shock was over, a unity fell over the city and a new kindness took over. I would say there was a slower pace, possibly from shock and also because people were more vulnerable. There was a bond that was invisible. Everyone was nicer to each other. And in todays' memory, do something nice for someone, that is unexpected. Getting coffee? Have a dollar or two left over? Leave it for the next person that comes up to the counter. Driving down a road with a toll? Pay for the car in back of you also. I would do that occasionally when I would drive down the Garden State Parkway and I will never forget the day my toll got paid! It made me feel so good, this random act of kindness. It left me with a happy feeling all day long. Have a surplus of tomatoes from your garden? See if you neighbor would like some. Smile at a stranger, give someone a compliment today that maybe you wouldn't have normally. Make someone smile. Haven't seen mom in a while? Stop by with flowers and a big hug! Or stop by and give flowers to someone who has made you a better person. They will really appreciate it. And all of these random acts of kindness don't have to end today, this can be just the beginning!

I hope you never got rid of those dusty etched glass vases, they are great for mini bouquets that are just perfect for RAOK! Keep an eye out at garage sales if you are in need of some, they are great to have on hand! To make this bouquet you will need a small vase, a few large green leaves, (I used leaves from a hydrangea bush.) Use the leaves to line the vase, you will only need a few, about three, overlapped, it's just so you don't see the stems. Trim three large orange Celosia to fit the vase, and place them against the edge of the glass. Fill in the rest of the bouquet organically with the purple Gomphrena and Baby's Breath and smaller Celosia if needed. Add water and make someone happy today!