New York, New York

So good they named it twice.

Everything done just a bit differently, from breakfast (two eggs any style, bacon and home fries) to flowers (out there on the street).  My first visit to what they call the flower market, on West 28th, between 7th and 8th.  What joy.

There were massed hydrangeas, huge bundles of foliage and some stuff I just couldn't identify...

but all of it really cool.  Fabulous sundries shops too - this one is Jamali.

I'm not usually a fan of silk flowers but a visit to Pany silk flowers emporium changed all that.

I had a fantastic time, but managed to restrain myself from buying anything or shipping vast quantities back to London.  I still love Covent Garden and Enfield, but sometimes it's nice to take a vacation.

Hope you've had great holidays this year too.
Sue
xx

Remembering

A non-floral blog, to remember and mark the passing of a friend.

Simon Turner died in the World Trade Centre on 11th September 2001; in truth, I have avoided the tenth anniversary commentary, programmes and press coverage this week, but I think it is fitting to remember and to look forward.

I remember a sunny, happy Easter Saturday, when my friend Elizabeth was married.

I remember how much fun we had in the run-up to the wedding;  I had known Elizabeth and her family for many years and she came to live with us for a short while when she was first in London.  I remember her excitement at meeting Simon and how much in love they were.

I remember their deep joy when they discovered she was having their first baby.

I remember the brightness and blue sky of the September day when that dreadful tragedy occurred and Simon's life was taken. I remember standing with the crowds two days later on the hill up to St Pauls, in crystal clear sunlight and  listening to the Americans singing The Star Spangled Banner.  I remember standing a year later in St Pauls, watching the white rose petals fall from the Whispering Gallery, one for each life lost.

And then there was William, born into all that sadness, but as bright and beautiful as a child can be.

I was privileged to put some flowers at the front of the church where Simon's memorial was held.  I didn't take any pictures, but at Elizabeth's request, included Easter lilies, just as she had had in her bridal bouquet.

I remember feeling utterly helpless in the face of my friend's grief, but I remember also her strength and the changes she has brought about in her life since.

I remember visiting New York for the first time in 2006; I remember going to Ground Zero and seeing all the names still there, so many names and being unable to stop the tears. We will be there again next week and I feel sure that the changes being brought about there are nothing but positive.

Elizabeth has chosen to put the experience she had to use in helping others and is now working in counselling (here is her website).  She has also updated her book, The Blue Skies of Autumn and is giving the proceeds to the Red Cross.  If you'd like to think about buying a copy, it's available on her website and on Amazon.

Today I remember Simon James Turner, and all those who died on that day, especially his colleagues from the UK office of Risk Waters Publications.

I remember Elizabeth and William, and all the family, especially her brother and sisters.

To quote Philip Larkin, what will survive of us is love.