Floristry workshop
Like a lot of people (I was incredibly surprised that many others feel like this..), I'm currently at that 'OHGAWD, where do I go with my life from here' stage. My papa always told me to try something, and if I didn't like it, try something else. That's pretty much been my motto in life - with jobs piling up on my CV and a variety of experiences and skills under my waisted belt, however I hadn't quite found that one thing. That one thing that you crave to be doing day and night, feeling creative towards it and wishing for that one thing to never end. Until I booked onto a floristry workshop at the beginning of October with my chum Claire. And since then, I cannot explain just how incredible that afternoon was. And so utterly inspiring.
I've always been a fan of flowers (who isn't?) and have spent many (really, many!) years declaring that this is the year I will work in a florist shop. We pulled up outside this quaint little cottage in Melton and were greeted by a wonderful lady called Susan. She welcomed us in and within minutes we felt completely at home drinking perfectly brewed tea with a drop of local milk and eating some tasty biscuits on the table.
After an introduction on flower arranging, a list of suppliers and another good brew, we popped on our aprons (the excitement was too much!) and were presented with some flowers, foliage and our resources. We'd opted to take the Vintage Table Centre Workshop which was most definitely up our alley and even got a sweet rustic pot to arrange with!
I cannot quite explain how lovely the afternoon was, and have quickly discovered that flower arranging is incredibly theraputic and most certainly calming. We learnt the best way to wet an Oasis, that messy hessian is best and just how soft Eucalyptus smells. Susan reassured us that there is never a right or wrong way to arrange.
The dreamboat Claire had chatted to Susan prior to our workshop about colours we liked for our bouquets, and with her describing my house as very 'neutral', Susan did a perfect job of choosing these beautiful white roses. I was in utter heaven (and she even let us take our leftovers home - win!).
The afternoon was spent talking about quite literally everything, and from only knowing Susan for a few hours, Claire and myself left her company realising that there is always something out there for everyone. As we were told "If you're lost, you'll never quite be lost forever. You will always find your way back". There has never been a truer saying than that. She is so right. Plus, a lady who has two cats that are over 18 years old, must be doing something right huh?
After nearly four hours of arranging, plenty of sweet tea and lots of laughter and chatting, our centrepieces were complete and we honestly couldn't have been happier. From such a calming course with a lovely atmosphere, we literally beamed from ear to ear. Whilst we added finishing touches and tidied up after ourselves, Susan was busy in her kitchen creating a spectacular afternoon tea - think the biggest cream cakes and tasty homemade brownie you have ever seen! And although we most definitely outstayed our welcome (we couldn't help it, we were having the best time!), Susan was the perfect host and has definitely left a huge impact on how both myself and Claire feel about the future.
Who knew that booking a florist course would have us rethinking huge life changes?