A few years ago I dried several flowers from my backyard. Their colors pulled me out of the depths of depression during the long winters here in Canada. I didn't notice how I plunged into investigation of everlasting flowers.
My granny taught me a lot about gardening and foraging. Thank you, babushka Luba; you will always be in my heart.
Soon after I started to recall herbs, flowers and grains from my country, from my childhood that were good for drying. At the same time I was buying seeds and foraging like crazy and discovered a lot of everlastings here in New Brunswick.
And then the next big thing happens. Another dream come true. We find a piece of land with a brook, meadows, and pines. I fell in love at first sight.
My Dominican husband makes the bold decision to sell his ancestral home in the Dominican Republic, and make this dream come true. The land became ours in 2021, and we named it Whispering Red Pines.
I lost my mind (in a good way)). The land became a canvas for my passion. I planted lavender, hops, blueberries, walnuts, hazels, herbs, and, of course, flowers.
It might sound weird, but when I was making my first bouquet of dried flowers, I just knew exactly how it should be. It was as I had tapped into a state of pure meditation. I didn't want to stop. Soon, our home was filled with dried flowers, twigs, and vintage vases. I was collecting wreaths on the walls and hanging them from chandeliers.
And one day someone offered me to buy my art. I couldn't believe that could be possible, but I wanted to live with this more than anything else.
And here I am, in my happy place...
Don't be afraid of dreaming and always remember sometimes dreams come true...
