This winter, I’ve been visiting the local flower shop at least once a week, buying bunches of tulips and daffodils for my desk at work. (Lately, it’s been more like two or three times a week. Because my kitchen table needs brightening too, and with nearly five feet of snow piled up on the ground, I’m looking for lifesavers wherever I can find them.)
A week or so ago, a male colleague paused to comment on the current arrangement (I think it was the vase of purple tulips above). “Where are all these flowers coming from?” he asked.
“Brattle Square Florist,” I replied. (To be honest, dropping in there is half the fun. It’s packed with blooming plants and cut flowers, and it always smells amazing – fresh and sweet and green. And the owner, a tall man with kind eyes, always has a cheery word for me.)
He looked confused. “Not from your husband?”
Before I could reply, one of my female colleagues called from her office, “We do buy flowers for ourselves sometimes, you know!”
I cracked up. Exactly.
My husband has many fine qualities, but he only buys me flowers about twice a year. Rather than hinting or feeling sorry for myself, I just go buy them if I want them. It’s gratifying to take care of myself in this small way, and I get to choose exactly what I want. (It’s usually tulips – or sometimes daffodils.)
Bonus: confusing my male colleagues is sometimes really fun.
cakes, tea and dreams 
I love that you take it upon yourself!
I buy flowers for my office and home all the time. My husband sends roses at Valentine’s, but that’s about it. I’m happy for the roses, but I love tulips, alstroemeria, mums, daisies, daffodils and lilies, so I get them myself.
Exactly!
I know you are covered up with snow, snow and more snow and spring seems very far away, but I want you to know that EVERY time I see “Cakes, Tea and Dreams” in my inbox, I feel like someone has given me a beautiful present. What a gift your posts are! Thank you for the sunshine you bring to my day! Now I’m off to buy myself some flowers.
Well done Katie! I’m the exact same way–I’ll buy them for myself any day so I can get the kinds that I love and then if my husband surprises me with them, all the better. No need to put all that flower-buying pressure on the hubs.
Ah, another good influence post! I’ve been eyeing the tulips at the local market on the way to work after I drop my kid off in the morning and it’s a brilliant idea. My husband for his work goes to the flower market every other Monday morning and yet I’m lucky if he makes it back twice a year with something for me. I’m taking a page from your book, and going to get my own! 🙂 Simple way to add some color and smile around the homestead or office.
I love this!!! I buy my own flowers too and have been doing it a lot this winter! Tulips are my absolute favorite.
Mine too!