About

Welcome …

… and thanks bunches for visiting today! The home I share with my awesome husband Eric is truly a special place because it is also where I meet with people to talk about flowers and where I spend many happy hours in creative solitude. 

The ’Fragrance Of Life’ Blog is where you can have a more up-to-date glimpse into the life of a florist. A nice little interlude with words and images that reflect a variety of experiences and things that shape my world — sometimes ’beyond the blooms’. And it’s the people I rub shoulders with that leave the most lingering fragrance of all!

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School & Career  

After graduating from high school ages ago now {grin} and a short stint as a stenographer, I landed my first steady job in a doctor’s office as a medical office assistant. This line of work served me well for over 26 years & was worth loads of valuable experience. However, as with all of life’s experiences, that chapter came to a close but paved the way for the next.

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Since my early childhood when I ‘splashed’ colors across the pages of my coloring books, a very innate part of me slowly emerged like a butterfly, and I really spread my creative wings in 2003 with flower arranging as my new found joy and delight. Studies of the art at the University of the Fraser Valley led to my certificate in floral design, followed by two years of work in a busy flower shop. And, much like a sponge, I absorbed anything I could relating to the floral industry before launching Blooms & Beyond in January of 2007. The best part is that the ‘absorbing’ continues & I really like the quote by Warren Beatty …”You’ve achieved success in your field when you don’t know whether what you’re doing is work or play”.   

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Interests & Pastimes 

My husband Eric is my main interest, faithful supporter, sweetheart, and best friend. We share our home with two cats named Joko & Ginger who are tops at making us smile, laugh, and feel unconditional love. These furry little creatures are my buddies, frequently meandering in & out of the studio while I’m at ‘work’. I adore animals and all things nature (except for snakes which totally creep me out!!). Other interests include music (performing & listening to), photography, reading, painting, crafting, travelling with my hubby, and OF COURSE gardening. Never a year goes by that I don’t squeeze ‘just one more’ plant in somewhere.

Tidbits

When asked what my favorite flowers are I really have to grin, but my ‘must haves’ are tulips, callas & lisianthus. Color faves: I’m partial to purple, blue & green.  I was born the same year as ‘Barbie Doll’ so I have bragging rights to that as a nickname. Most memorable vacations: Honeymoon in Maui, but not before I first left my heart in Kona, Hawaii in ’86. Most far out aspiration: To retire there someday! 

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Greatest Passions & Philosophy 

The greatest & most consistant motivations have been my spiritual faith, family & close friends. As a resullt, it’s my goal & desire to be an inspiration to those I come in contact with, both personally & professionally, because if I can have even a wee bit of positive influence in someone’s day – or life – the fragrance is even sweeter!

Quite simply, I love what I do and desire to be a florist with a difference. This passion begins with a personalized approach to designing and service for every client by placing importance on their floral wishes and needs. My versatility as a floral artist allows for clients or recipients to receive flower arrangements in keeping with individual tastes & budgets. But ‘beyond’ all this is my promise to honor every request with integrity, reliability, excellence in products, and professional service with a smile!