Today, it snowed here on Whidbey Island! I love the snow because it slows me down, slows most of us down! And gives me the opportunity to simply enjoy the magic around me...my family, this beautiful homestead, our mystical pup Moon, and the warmth of the wood fire I learned how to make. This is the time of year to reflect, to count our blessings and to create mirth wherever we can. My heart is always full and a little exhausted in December...I love the parties and feasting, and we've found a way to slow down (just a little bit), yet the seasons past have been chaotically busy and stressful (though immensely fulfilling!). So in December, the only thing I really want to do is hibernate or play in the snow, when there is any.

Of course, there's work to do in December for a full-time pair of farmer florists! So hibernation waits til January, and I instead focus on the mirth, merriment and warm conviviality that this season so easily evokes. And through Flying Bear Farm I'm granted the lovely opportunity to invite others to come and enjoy the simple things at our homestead and flower farm! The wreath workshops that we are now making an annual tradition are something that I look forward to with sparkles in my eyes starting in about September (when the hot days and truck loads of blooms are a bit overwhelming). I absolutely love gathering folks together and guiding them into the sweetness of the season with fresh evergreens, warm drinks and rich colors.

Take some time tonight to check out the descriptions of our wreath making workshops here. I think you'll be warmed and blissed out just hearing about them! There are still a handful of spots available on December 16, 17 and 18. And if you can, come visit with us, bring a friend or just your own lovely self, share our mirth and our warm drinks, put your hands to work in the natural beauty around you, and take a little (or a lot) home with you!

These beautiful photos were taken by Emily Wandres at our tiny pop-up wreath workshop at Kalakala Co. Mercantile last year. Thanks, Emily, for the gorgeousness :)

Hello loves!

Happy December! Finally, my fave, the holiday season has descended upon us, like fat, lazy snowflakes that you can catch with your tongue! I love this time of year for many reasons...That little bit of a breath we can take as farmers when there isn't toooo much to do. The few really nice, crisply cold days and bundling up for walks and outdoor projects. Feeling totally reasonable when deciding to wear my Sorrel boots everyday. And, of course, the sparkly lights, evergreens everywhere, yummy food and candlelight!

I also feel absolutely grateful for our new homestead during this season, particularly for the fact that we can finally invite our community to come join us for a whole bunch of holiday cheer! We have the joy of being able to offer our first workshop at Flying Bear Farm this month! It will be so cozy and joyful, filled with laughing, busy hands, warm drinks, sparkles and lots of yummy smackerals. I would love to invite you to join us! There are a couple of spots left to reserve for yourself and/or your best buddies. Check out our Workshops page here for all of the details!

And if you can't make the workshop and would really love a special, unique Flying Bear Farm wreath, just drop me a line via email or phone and I'd be so happy to help you deck the halls :)

So, lots of holiday sweetness to you and yours! And tell me in the comments what YOUR favorite part of December is! Let's share the cheer!

xo!
Melissa

Valentines Day can be a mixed blessing depending on how well we're loved when 2/15 comes ticking by.  I remember some of my loneliest days fell halfway between January and March back before I met Melissa.  Some of my single friends jokingly call it "Singles Awareness Day."  And rightly so...Why should only coupled people have it all on the day of love?  Flowers can spread brightness and love to everyone no matter their relationship status.

On 2/15 Melissa and I spread some floral love at Kalakala Mercantile in the heart of Langley, WA.  Sure most of the folks who bought our bouquets were getting them for their sweeties, but some just wanted the brightness for the sake of its beauty.  Even for those who didn't personally partake were able to soak up the bliss of flowers in February.  For a bonus it was a gorgeous, sunny day in the 60 degree range.  I certainly wont be forgetting Valentines Day 2015 anytime soon.  Check out these wonderful photos courtesy of Audra Mulkern!

Every once in a while I can't really believe everything in 2014 happened.  We've been warmly welcomed into our new community of Langley, our farm has sprouted and is growing, and most of all we found what Melissa likes to call our forever-farm.  

Yes, it was a good year.  Just a few short weeks into the beginning of 2015 we will be moving into our new homestead with Melissa's parents.  Our farm will seed itself onto the new ground as well, and it will be a beautiful sight  The property and the buildings on it are gorgeous, and I still can't believe it will be our new home, probably forever.

New also is this website.  Flying Bear Farm is not only a farm, we're a design studio.  We thought our website should better show all we have to offer on our creative side. So hopefully this format does that.  We welcome any comments, suggestions or questions regarding our new website.

 - Ben