I've always enjoyed artfully arranging flowers in a vase; it's a creative outlet. Engaging in floral arrangements started with a priceless gift from my father in early 2025 that I wanted to turn into happy memories for both of us. As I write this, that hobby has become an obsession.

I wanted to learn about floral arrangements in the process. I designed my own course, voraciously reading online about the history of floral arrangements across ages and applying practical lessons from this research. The byproduct of this journey has been a home always filled with beautiful flowers, a happier family, connections with friends and strangers, and a collection of my insights and adventures that tests my writing skills. In the process, I've also learned the names of countless flowers and plants and discovered what they might need in a vase to survive longer or droop faster.

Not everything is always perfect with the arrangements. A misplaced stem here or an extra droop there can be maddening. The vase, the combination of colors, the season, the occasion, the height, and the shape all have to be perfect. Even organic arrangements, despite their appearance, must be meticulously planned and structured to look uneven. It is a work in progress, as I continue to view these arrangements in different light or as they begin to decay. But I still love the process and hope this fascination lasts.

The resulting portfolio is a glimpse into this honest journey. I thank my husband, family, and friends for appreciating my efforts and the photos of these arrangements. Flowers are forgiving, but their arrangements are not, as I have learnt. I always want the flowers to win.