In Need of Some Serious Zen

Another busy week has ended with a more relaxing one on the horizon (hopefully...)!  This week, students created a Japanese 'Zen' Design, except it clearly wasn't able to affect me appropriately.  My schedule is on serious overload.  I do enjoy being busy though, it helps me keep focused when I most need it.  Back to design though, I must say this was one of my favorites from taking the course last year.  I enjoyed the simplicity of it yet it's capability of still being a stunning conversation piece.  Minimal materials were used and the concept of negative space was heavily emphasized.  Before the students got to designing, they first got a look at the materials which will be on their 'Flower I.D. Quiz.' 

I arranged each other the materials in order by the way they appeared on the handout, something which seemed like the logical thing to do.  However, Neil noticed it and complemented my organization.  I attributed this characteristic to my mother which was a surprise to him, clearly he doesn't know her as well as I do!  They did have a chance to meet last year when mom tagged along on our class field trip to Koehler and Dramm.  He thought she was quiet, which is odd considering I have never seen her so excited as that day roaming through the flower coolers. 

Oh, and how could I forget I had take my organization a bit further and make new labels for all of the bud vases.  The prior labels didn't all match and some did not even exist, so why wouldn't I make new ones? (And attach them with pink raffia to add an extra touch!)  I also showed off each vase to the class, and I am still working on my public speaking skills.  I got especially nervous attempting to enunciate a few of the scientific terminologies.  I feel like I am getting better though, slowly working up to leading lecture and lab by myself in a few weeks!

Next up were the designs.  Once again, the students all did a wonderful job.  There is really an array of creativity and it's great to watch it all unfold.  Plus, it freshens up my views and gives me the opportunity to check out some new thoughts and ideas.  As I looked back to compare my design from last year to this year's design, it was fun for me to compare and contrast differences.  For instance, this year when Neil and I went to market there were no galax leaves available.  So, we simply had to improvise.  It reinforced in me that things aren't always going to work out the way you hope or intend, so sometimes you just have to work with what you have and go from there.  A lesson which can come in handy in more than just floral design!

 

 

I was also able to fit in a trip to the Como Zoo & Conservatory, too.  It was a beautiful day to visit, and I have missed that place.  Como is one place that I can always go when I am having a tough day, it always seems to make me feel better and brighten my day.  And no surprise there, flowers are one thing that can always make me smile.  Unfortunately, it's not that often that I am the recipient of a beautiful boquet so I settle for a mini retreat to Como instead.  Being back for the first time following my summer at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens really brought on some reminiscing.  For instance the North Garden at Como is very similar to CBG's Costa Rica exhibit.  I miss those days spent chatting with Mark and enjoying the commotion of birds and butterflies amongst the lush, tropical plants. 

Now, it is Monday and time for a new design again.  Hopefully my next blog finds its way to you a bit sooner than this one!  In theory it should considering I have a relaxing, catch up weekend planned but then again things don't always go as planned!  So until then, enjoy this lovely fall weather because before you know it, it will be snowing (oh wait, it already was once at home!)

Diving In

Last week, I began my first official day as the HORT 1013: Floral Design Teacher's Assistant.  I spent the beginning portion of the day cleaning up our classroom and well doing what I do best: organizing.  I started off in one corner of the room and am still currently making my way around.  Organizing the ribbon cabinets was by far the most challenging task, as it was a bit frustrating to untangle ribbons which had previously been thrown into the cupboard haphazardly.  Oh well, if anyone could accomplish such a task, it would be me.  And naturally everything is now also color-coded.

I've still got a list of tasks to finish up my deep clean, but that will have to wait until sometime this week.  Life is sure keeping me busy and what I wouldn't do for a few more hours in the day!  Thankfully, there have been no major stress explosions.....yet.  During class, we went over the basics of lab procedure, how and when to harvest flowers, and the basics of design materials.  Form, line, mass, and filler flowers were discussed with examples to show the students what each term relates to in terms of flowers.  Next, it was off to the University of Minnesota trial garden to begin our first design.  Students were instructed to pick flowers of their choiced based on the requirements of 3 line materials, 3 mass flowers, and 1-2 fillers.

Back in the classroom, Neil and I both gave demonstrations on creating a bud vase line design.  I wasn't expecting to be giving a demonstration to 19 curious faces on the first week of class, but I did.  It may have not been my best attempt at speaking in front of a group, but hey it's a start.  My biggest struggle was working with the materials while trying to enunciate exactly what I was attempting to do.  When I work, I normally tend to cut the chatter and focus on my design.  This is definitely something I will work on improving for future weeks.  And naturally, the materials I was working with were not cooperating the way I had hoped!  I will take that as a lesson in learning to work with what you are given - something important in floral design as well as life. 

 

 

 

 

 

In my bud vase, I used some ornamental grasses as my line material, three sunflowers for mass flowers, and some beautiful yarrow as a filler.  It was really fun for me to actually get to make a design, as well as see what the students were creating.  I can already tell we have a lot of creative minds in the class, and they will be great designers!  It was also fun for me to look back on my designs from a year ago and compare/ contrast the differences and new skills I have developed in that time period. 

 



For instance, last year's design appears to have too much visual weight and is lacking sufficient amounts of negative space.  I was much happier with this year's design, even if I faced some struggles along the way.   I am especially looking forward to the upcoming week's design because it was one of my favorites last year: Oriental Line Design. 

Back to the Books

Well, as you can all tell it was a busy week hence the lack of new posts.  Judging from the chaos already ensuing, it may be stressful but I am looking forward to the many exciting things both new and old happening in my life this summer.  It's great to be back on campus and seeing so many familiar faces around, but I must say I still miss my days at CBG, Presti's Bakery in Little Italy, and all of the summer nights spent on the shores of Lake Erie.  Those are all memories now as I move into this next exciting chapter of my life.  Our University of Minnesota campus is looking as beautiful as ever, too!

On Tuesday, I celebrated a milestone - my last first day of class.  It was bittersweet but exciting for sure!  My course load for the semester is rather varied but interesting.  I can already see myself spending a lot of time typing away at my desk with lots of writing intensive work.  With a cup of PG Tips tea next to my computer though, I am prepared for any writing challenge to come my way.  I will also be getting my hands in the dirt during my Plant Production course.  I imagine I will be spending some time in the greenhouses throughout the semester, too. 

I am looking forward to my two new work positions as well.  I already started work as the Communications Assistant for College of Design Student Services.  It's been a couple of days, but I already know I am going to love my year and working closer with a few of the staff.  I am so fortunate to be working with such great people who are truly interested in helping me find my strong qualities and allowing me to use them creatively.  I have yet to begin my position as the Floral Design Teacher's Assistant but I was able to meet with the instructor, and I am really anxious to get started.  He is interested in making sure I get the most of my experience, and is willing to let me offer suggestions, demonstrate arrangements, and even teach a few lectures!  I may be a bit nervous for that last part, but I feel like it will be good for me to break out of my comfort zone. 

Before the week began, I was taking in the very last of my summer excitement.  I spent a few days enjoying the Great Minnesota Get Together.  I especially enjoyed my afternoon at the Minnesota Wine Country building.  I enjoyed trying some of the MN grape variety wines from the various wineries across the state.  Minnesota's wine country is quickly expanding and I am looking forward to checking some out in the near future.  I must say my favorite was definitely the Raspberry Wine Slushie!  Oh and how could I forget to mention I also got my photo taken with the infamous McNaughton Cup.  I can't even begin to explain how excited I am for the upcoming Gopher Hockey season. 

 

 

Tomorrow will be my first day as the TA for Floral Design, so I am excited to start sharing those adventures with everyone.  Hopefully I won't get too far behind in blogging with everything else happening in the next few weeks.  Until then,  enjoy this beautiful fall weather!