I saw them out of the corner of my eye as I rushed through the automatic doors at Trader Joes. There they were still snug buds with no hint of their showy over-sized beauty. Those were peonies and I had to have them.
As a child it was my Memorial Day duty to clip flowers from the row of peonies in the side yard and make bouquets for soldiers, friends and relatives no longer on this earth. I thought it was a rather morbid task, but I did so enjoy selecting just the right vases and ribbons, so the task was filled with more pleasure than pain. Even though the ants crawled up and down my arms as I carried the armloads of blossoms to the kitchen sink, I tried to stay focused on the positive aspect of the job. I try that with real estate too!
Those bouquets were always lovely and I felt a sense of accomplishment as we left each one in remembrance and appreciation of a life lived.
As an adult, I realize what a valuable lesson my peony exercise was for me. Work involves tasks we would like to avoid, but we do not get to pick and choose what part of the job we will do. Beauty is often intermingled with loss and pain. Life is transitory in nature, and like the peony blossoms it buds, blooms, withers and leaves a legacy of its own design.
Cycles are a natural part of life, business and certainly real estate. The foreclosures, short sales and interest rates of today are not permanent fixtures. A cycle by its very nature is changing and morphing into something new. This market will move on too.
Norma Toering and Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800
South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.
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What a beautiful message from the flowers...thank you for sharing the colorful view and significance the peonies had for you as a child...a very touching "ritual" for the soldiering soul...thank you!
What a lovely post and sentiment. Thank you so much for sharing something so personal that had such an impact on your life. I'll never look at peonies the same way again.
What a great analogy seems like you were determined as a young child-I'm sure this has helped you succeed in your Real Estate career.
Mara - Isn't it funny how a flower can trigger a long forgotten memory?
Thank you, Kellie. Those peonies put on quite a show!
Pat - Yes, one thing I am is determined! Glad you enjoyed my Saturday afternoon musings.
We simply love peonies -- don't see them a lot here in Arizona however.
I love them too, and late May is the best time for watch for shipments from the midwestern states.