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Flowers in a time of pandemic

3/17/2020

6 Comments

 
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My town is a ghost of it's former self.  The Covid-19 pandemic and the requisite response to it, in an effort to save perhaps hundreds of our neighbor's lives, has closed our flower shop and most other business in Langley.  The image above was from 5 PM on Tuesday, March 17th.  On a normal day at this time, even on a Tuesday, parking is scarce on 1st Street.  This was the last day our shop retail was fully open, as we are now open for deliveries and e-commerce only.  [Insert}{Shamelessplughere} While you're on the site, take a look at our offerings. {/Insert}{/Shamelessplughere}

While walking through town with our dog, Moon earlier in the day, it was just as deserted.  Vacant, yet gorgeous.  Spring has not been canceled in Langley, and although I didn't see any grey whales today, they were just off shore yesterday.  The juxtaposition of beautiful gardens, mountain & water views, and the quaint village atmosphere with the chaotic serenity of a pandemic was jarring.  My little town...My poor little, fragile village seemed in a coma.  The Star Store grocery the only hub of nervous activity; a delicate dance of a dozen people keeping 6 ft away in a small town grocery.  I held back tears seeing Langley in such a state.  Those tears spilled out in the embrace of my wife back in the shop.  It's okay to cry in such times.  It felt good to cry.  I'd been holding it in for days, so if you're like me you have my permission to let it out too.  You'll feel better.  Remember, we'll get through this if we stick together, and just imagine the celebration we'll have when it's all over.
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We're still here...Love from a distance.  We're offering free delivery to South Whidbey.  We can deliver anything in the shop, including full service floral.  Our gift certificates are available to buy beauty for the future. 

Love to all,

​Ben. 
6 Comments
Diane Jhueck
3/17/2020 09:53:52 pm

Oh Ben. These beautiful words capture it exactly. Keep writing to us. And plugging.

Reply
Brent
3/17/2020 09:57:41 pm

Beautifully written, my friend. Sending love back to you and your family from a distance—across the plains, mountains, and waves to your idyllic town with some of my favourite people.

Reply
Jaci Mach
3/17/2020 10:08:47 pm

Beautifully written yet heartbreaking. Thank you.

Reply
Sheena C
3/17/2020 10:30:14 pm

It’s hard to see our little village like this and in such a beautiful time of year when we all start emerging from our homes to enjoy the new light that spring pours over us. We’ll get through this. Keep plugging away and letting it all out. We’re here to listen and support how and when we can. Thank you for keeping our little town bursting with beautiful bouquets to brighten our days. Much love and wellness to you all.💓

Reply
Dori link
3/18/2020 08:10:04 am

Beautiful words, Ben, for a challenging time. Love to all!

Reply
Kathleen Boddie
3/18/2020 08:10:35 am

Thank you for sharing your feelings. A special thanks for making our wee village beautiful with your flowers,

Reply



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    When they're not in the dirt or making botanical magic, Ben and Melissa are known to share their news and thoughts via the written word.

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Flying Bear 
​207 1st Street Langley
Whidbey Island, Washington
360-221-4979