Stop and smell the flowers

I was enticed by the sweet smell of flowers today on my way home. I was just off the bus, heading to the gym and as I passed by this flower shop I was overcome with the urge to document the place photographically. Just cause it smelled so good. It seemed a little out of the ordinary to have out these fragrant little numbers, but I just couldn't resist. Also there were orchids in the window. I LOVE orchids. L-O-V-E love orchids. I went bonkers in the Amazon this past summer when I saw them growing wild!

When I lived in Korea I bought the most beatific orchid that ever lived at a garden center nearby the neighborhood where I lived. My Brit friends Chris and Kerry went with me on the little excursion to the end of the subway line and made our way into a hot little plastic dome to pick out some wonderful foliage to brighten up our homes. I settled on this cute little purple and yellow centered orchid that I called Charlie from that day hence. I loved Charlie, I looked up ways to care for Charlie-lighting, how much water, how often, best temp to keep my apartment. It was all well and good until I left most of my things in Korea to travel in Australia. It was then that I made my fatal error. I left my beloved Charlie with Chris and Kerry, hoping they would be good foster parents. Alas, about two weeks before my return to South Korea, I got an e mail from Kerry bearing the terrible news that Charlie had kicked it in their apartment. Apparently conditions just weren't right. I cried a little on the inside. I wept fully on the outside while sitting at a hostel computer. I somehow made it through though. It wasn't meant to be. I knew Charlie would never have been able to come home with me to the U.S. anyway. Sigh.

So, now I am tempted, but just admire the orchids in the shop window. It's how I roll.

This was taken outside the International Plant Center in Manhattan. I like the reflection of the buildings in the windows. Much more artsy than intended! They are a friendly crowd here. I once bought some sort of ficus there last year and they told me it was hard to kill. I managed to kill it. Good one Jane. Ah well, enough about plants of my past. For now I'll just ogle them through the windows.