I am up late making the last boutonnierres, corsages and bouquets of 2009. I have found myself reflecting all day on this past year. It was nothing short of remarkable and miraculous. One of the many things that makes my business successful is that I am always willing to learn, reach and try new things for the benefit of my clients. This year was no exception, in fact we reached even higher and achieved beyond my imagination. We did more events than we have ever done before, quite a blessing in these economic times. The bigger blessing: we continued to grow without a reduction in quality of our product. I must say that I was in awe with the weddings we turned out, even in spite of the quantity.  The attention to detail here is almost insane, and I would not have it any other way. On some occasions I even reached out to other competitors in my community and asked if they would come by to help. The level of support I received was truly amazing.  My flower shop girls are beyond awesome and they helped me to deliver incredible flowers, on time and without flaw. We really rocked this year. We have been published, awarded, featured and applauded all year long. I am very proud of our many achievements.

I am often asked, how do you do it all? In truth I have a huge support system. It takes many people in my life to make all of this work. Each person is as devoted to their commitment and task as I am to mine. I have it really good; I have children for the most part that are extremely healthy and wonderfully behaved. I have an extraordinary mother's helper named Nico. Honestly there are days that I want to climb on her lap and just be her child.  I have my flower shop girls who not only provide me with their incredible abilities as florists,but they also ,offer me friendship and they have relationships with all of my family. My little people are constantly in the shop. There are wonderful schools and preschools in Loudoun County that provide an unbelievable education to my kids. I have a family Doctor who always sees my children the day they are sick. I have never once had to go to the emergency room or wait days for an appointment. I have a community around me in church and my neighborhood that would knock the door down to help us. I have loyal, faithful fans and friends that support my business.  I have a husband that cooks, loves, and tends to this family in a way that most men are simply not capable of. I have always loved the saying "it takes a village" and that could not be more true for this flower shop, house and family.  Thank you all for a fabulous 2009. I have even bigger goals for 2010. Are you with me?