Insta – Natasja Sadi

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Jan 25

Unboxing video. Seeing my book, A Sweet Floral life for the first time. 3 years of work boiled down to 3 minutes.
I can’t thank you all enough for your amazing, warm response to my book news.
I don’t show myself a lot around here but my message to you is, never give up on your dreams. Never, ever.
Please find the link in my bio for pre-order.

#asweetflorallife #dreamscometrue #tenspeedpress #penguinrandomhouse #wednesdaywisdom #newbook #bookcover #booksarelove #floralstories #underthefloralspell #flowerportrait #inspiredbypetals
#littlestoriesofmylife #homedecor #nofloralfoam #flowerarranging #classicstyle #inspiration #flowerlove #flowersofinstagram #dsfloral #delftware #blueandwhite #blueandwhiteforever #dutch #stilllife #flowerphotography

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Jan 22

Yay! The secret is out, I wrote a book! A Sweet Floral Life is here and available for pre-order where books are sold. My heart is bursting, there has never been a post I dreamed, hoped, wished (no longed!) to write more than this one. Someone pinch me because even after all the work, I can’t believe the day is finally here, actually sharing the news and cover with you.
A lifelong dream turned into reality, A Sweet Floral Life, romantic arrangements for fresh and sugar flowers, will be published April 25 by @tenspeedpress imprint of @penguinrandomhouse the best team.
I always find it difficult to ask for things but you would do me a huge honor and great favor to follow the link in my bio, and pre-order this book. You may wonder why pre-order when the book comes out in April? Your pre-orders would help me tremendously as an author. They increase the chance of A Sweet Floral Life to be picked op and stocked in (local) bookstores. This book is about flowers but at the same time about so much more than just flowers. Filled with personal and historical essays, my love and soul is in A Sweet Floral Life. I care so deeply about this book and although the stories are mine, I know in my heart you will care for them too.
Just a few numbers:
3 years in the making
257 pages
46.000 words
300 (new) full color photographs
12 flower projects
6 sugar flower and cake tutorials
100‘s visits to the flower market and fields
1000 ‘s stems of blooms
10.000 cups of coffee
In the coming weeks I’ll share more about this book and my journey. It kept me from being here with you at times but I hope that when it’s in your hands, you will be pleased. Thank you everyone, this amazing community, for supporting my work and flowers. It is because of you I live my dream. Please find more at the link in my bio, I’m forever thankful.
Happy, happy sunday❤️
#asweetflorallife #newbook #bookcover #booksarelove #thankyou #currentmood

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Jan 21

Sugar roses and blossom flowers. Although they are very much a big part of my life, it has been a while since I shared some sugar flowers here. These flowers is how it all began for me so many years ago. Over the years I tried to improve my work and let’s just say the very first roses I created out of sugar were….different… than the ones I’m holding here. I can honestly say though the joy creating them wasn’t any less. Isn’t that the purpose of creativity. No matter the result, it is the joy of the process that matters. I was wondering if you would be interested in hearing more about these sugar flowers? It’s sofa Saturday after sundown for me. Just saying hi and hope you have a great weekend. Tomorrow I will share some news and I hope you will stay tuned. Happy Saturday everyone, I’m back with you real soon.
#sugarflowers #saturday #staytuned #currentmood

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Jan 15

Muted colors. Not my regular repertoire but every now and then it is good to value the quieter sights and moments. I just came home from one of my neighbors, a special home concert right next door. It is an annual celebration always organized at the start of the year. It had been two years since we could enjoy the magnificent music of a string trio playing Mozart. Chats afterwards and although there have been friendly hello’s on a daily basis passing by, it was lovely to reconnect and have real conversations again. Not just pleasantries of “how are you..”, but room for honest answers. I have been at work mostly I said, a project close to my heart but now catching a bit of a break and how strange that feels. One of my neighbors responded and said: “…Rest is productive.” Absorbing his words, I thanked him for this very wise message. It is true, when we rest and recharge, we regain productivity. These past years have been like no other for me and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been up to.
Have a lovely Sunday, have a lovely week and remember, rest is productive. Please stay tuned, I’m back with you real soon!

#roses #amaryllis #winterlove #currentmood

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Jan 1

Happy Sunday and happy new year. The first day of another chapter in our lives. I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, just trying to enjoy myself while reminding myself of the word joy in enjoy. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Even it makes you feel shy, don’t hesitate to say your wildest dreams out loud. Nurture that dialogue with yourself and the Universe. And always remember not just each year but each day we are offered a fresh new start.
Taking the opportunity to say thank you. Thank you for being here with me. Your messages, words and wisdom you generously share means so much to me. Please know each and every message is read, I’m so thankful for your connection.
Sending joyous, warmest wishes and good health to you and yours. All the best for 2023, Happy new year everyone.
#happynewyear2023 #flowersalways
#currentmood

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Dec 25

Happy Sunday, Happy holidays and merry Christmas everyone. On Friday we drove to my old small town, where I lived for over a decade, to buy our Christmas groceries. Even though I can get everything in Amsterdam there are some shops there that have the best delicacies like cheese and Christmas bread. Taken only once a year, it is a 30 minute drive and absolutely worth it. There is an old cake bakery that sells cakes and cookies that is always on the list. The decor is still from the ‘50 and a loud bell ringing when opening the door, announces your entry. Like stepping back in time, the atmosphere, scent and sounds remain the same each time when I visit. Every year I’m relieved the brown shades haven’t been replaced by some cold modern décor. They sell a mocha and walnut cake that is my absolute favorite. Sold in portions I used to buy two portions every single week when I lived there alone. Not because I expected a visitor but because looking back I felt slightly embarrassed at the time to buy just one. This cake was my comfort food and the first portion to be enjoyed the same day on Saturday and the second one on Sunday. Two cakes always felt excessive but given the choice it felt easier to buy two cakes instead of just one and pretend I wasn’t alone or not expecting a visitor.
There are people in my life who I would have loved to join us at our Christmas table but unfortunately circumstances sometimes decide differently. Although I would have loved to have bought plenty of portions of the mocha and walnut cake there are 5 portions and I will savor them with my family 4. Just like the old days, the extra piece of cake as a consolation just incase.
We are moving towards the light with warm brighter days ahead. Roses and amaryllis to wish you a wonderful time. Celebrate, spend as you feel comfortable. Kindness goes a long way to others but especially for ourselves. Even if that means having an extra piece of cake.
#roses #amaryllis #christmasishere #holidaydecor #winterlove #currentmood

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Dec 11

Less than two weeks until Christmas. The days are cold on my side and daylight is limited. For someone like me, born in South America, this isn’t the easiest of time. I miss the warmth of the sun and I have my ups and downs but Winter has its beauty. The optimist in me always tries to look on the bright side. Being kind to yourself is the best gift you can give yourself. There is this list that I have that helps me get through. For me, it isn’t the extravagant but the ordinary that creates moments of extraordinary. Flowers, favorite food, a warm sweater, lighting the fire place or plenty of candles, baking something (anything!), creative time, time spent on my sofa (without guilt), my electrical blanket, texting or receiving that one message from a friend. Some things may vary depending on the season, but I know this list by heart. I know the things that give me warmth.
What are your favorites? What brings you joy?
Roses with delphinium for a touch of blue and the first tulips from the greenhouses. Ammi exploding like fire works for a festive feel. Flowers for hopefully a bit of joy.
Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone. Make your list, learn it by heart and fill your days with joy.
#roses #winterlove #creatingjoy #currentmood

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Nov 27

Part II Back story.
Dutch grown roses, chrysanthemums and lilacs. The Netherlands almost twice the size of New Jersey has 10.000 acres about 17.000 soccer fields of greenhouses. I try to go with nature and the seasons as much as I can but when for instance lilacs shown here, are offered at Saturday’s market, I can’t help myself. These roses and lilacs from our greenhouses. There are some who don’t consider this nature but what is nature? I know that the tomatoes I devour come from the same greenhouses. So I ask myself, are those not nature? Gas and electricity (inc renewable energy) used to warm the greenhouses to make these flowers grow. The Dutch are the second largest supplier of food and largest supplier of flowers in the world. I know most of these breeders and farmers have love and commitment for their land and the people who work them. Universities take part in agriculture for all research and development. The latest joined innovation is the produce of food in an environment without water like the dessert. Pesticides are kept to a minimum often using bees or other bugs welcoming unwanted guests.
When you find Dutch grown roses on your side, they’ve arrived by truck or plane. When I ship my goods I always choose the fastest carrier so it is difficult for me to point my finger when I understand this necessary step after all love and care for these blooms. The plastics used, the worst when I see them.
Some may find it all bad and might even consider my story greenwashing but one thing I know for sure. These flowers make me happy and are the best remedy when feeling blue. They truly lift my spirit. We never know the choices people make in their lives. I’m not a vegetarian but try to limit my meat intake to once a week. I also take my bike almost everywhere I go. Creating sugarflowers a sustainable way to arrange blooms is my art, especially those out of season. One thing I will never do is use floral foam as there are many great alternatives (previous post and reel!). I hope my story contributes to my Sunday flower shares. There’s always room for improvement but being conscious is the first step. Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone.

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Nov 27

Part I of back story of my flowers ❤️
#reel #littlestoriesofmylife #sundaybliss #homedecor #nofloralfoam #inspiredbypetals #flowerarranging #classicstyle #inspiration #flowerlove #flowersofinstagram #dsfloral #delftware #blueandwhite #blueandwhiteforever #dutch #stilllife #flowerphotography #happysunday

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Nov 13

An interesting question I was asked this week. Do elections overseas affect me personally? Economically or otherwise? My first reaction was yes, of course. When countries do well it has its ripple affect on us. When prices increase else where, I will notice it at some point in my wallet. Elections can have consequences. But sometimes clarity comes afterwards and I thought about this question some more. Did you know that the Netherlands (after the US) is the second largest exporter of food and largest exporter of flowers in the world. Holland is small, twice the size of New Jersey and I always find these numbers mind boggling. But economics aside, I care for the environment. Two third of the Netherlands is below sea level. Our dikes are world renown and it is essential for us to take precautions. So in that sense any country that makes climate change a priority has my vote. They say don’t mix flowers with politics but I disagree. One can’t do without the other. Flowers and their beauty have meaning, they are often used as a way to express love and affection and care. I care what happens on your side. When we care for one another, really care, everyone wins. We are all connected.
I was wondering, and I’m hoping you will give me feedback. Would you like to hear more about the back story of these blooms? Looking forward to hearing from you in the replies.
Roses, gloriosa and scabiosa to wish you a happy Sunday and great new week everyone.
#falllove #roses #sharingiscaring #flowerlove #currentmood

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Nov 13

Late afternoon stroll, watching the sunset in Amsterdam. As you can see, keeping it real, I wasn’t the only one! I don’t blame anyone though. So lovely to see people (in love) enjoying it as much as I do.

#amsterdamlove #instagramvsreality#myneighborhood ##postcardfromamsterdam #withlove #littlestoriesofmylife #verilymoment #livethelittlethings #passionpasport #amsterdamlife #canalsofamsterdam
#archilovers #mycity #theprettycities #mytinyatlas #hello_worldpics #persuepretty #veryTandC #beautifuldestinations #happysunday
#currentmood

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Nov 6

There was rain all day with strong winds in Amsterdam today. The trees blowing heavily from side to side. The sun undoubtedly with us but shielded by a thick grey, dull blanket. Fall is here in all its glory. The last leaves barely holding on until it is time to let go. This is natures glitter and confetti sprinkling from the sky. The weather and sights of my city a reflection of my mind.
I can find these days challenging at times but I also know they are only temporary. Life is all about transitions and when I feel anxious or lost, I remind myself that this too shall pass. No rain no flowers and even after the most stormy day, there is always sunshine after rain. It was hard for me to photograph on such a dark day but I hope the beauty of these roses brings a bit of light. I know some of you have an election this week and I hope everyone eligible to vote, will vote. With democracy comes responsibility. Every vote matters. Flowers sometimes feel futile and extravagant with so many countries where democracy is under threat. But flowers also stand for hope and even on the darkest day, they remind me of all the beauty and kindness in this world.
Have a lovely Sunday and warm, bright new week everyone.
#falllove #roses #vote #everyvotecounts #currentmood

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Oct 23

Slide.
First image: Sunday flowers from my home to yours.
Second image: the sugar flowers used in this weeks Sunday flowers.
Third pic: sugar marigold part of this weeks flower study.
My Sunday flowers are often composed of fresh flowers from Saturday’s market and a few sugar flowers. The sugar flowers faithful supporting actors to complete the arrangement. There is always a bit of fear you will get bored with these arrangements because of certain flowers reappearing. I also try to honor of what is available. Dahlias are in season, so dahlias it is, no matter how many times I’ve used them before. This is my way of working as sustainable as I can. I don’t have a garden but my endless of choice of sugar flowers, are the closest I can get, picking them for each arrangement that I compose over and over again. Like a favorite dress, do we have to buy a new one, just because it has been worn before? Working with flowers, recreating flowers, changes your relationship with them. I absolutely love studying flowers and observing their potential. I will never beat nature and it is always a race against time before they wilt, but his process gives me so much joy. Dissecting each center, petal or leave, always trying to come as close as I can.
Which ones are real flowers, which ones are sugar flowers? Often asked. Do you like what you see? My best answer. A peek behind the curtain sharing bits of my creative process.
Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone. Follow your heart and never limit yourself.
#falllove #dahlias #roses #sugarflowers #currentmood

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Oct 16

This week was mental health day on Monday. A new week ahead but wanted to sprinkle some reminders. I just wanted to say you are enough. You are doing good and you are great. And for anyone who might need this, try not to beat yourself up because you are doing the best you can.
A fall break this week from school. The city is changing its colors and the days are getting colder. After traveling this summer for so many weeks, I’m looking forward to staying home with my family. We baked apple pie with more to come and there is a soup brewing on the stove.
Delicious pears and fresh walnuts gifted by my dear friend Nathalie from her garden. Fruits and flowers, family and friends, it is time to cherish the beauty close to us. We are enough. Have a lovely Sunday and wonderful new week everyone.
#notetoself #falllove #roses #dahlias #currentmood

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Oct 9

It feels so good to be back on IG. More and more every day I’m getting (back) to my old new self again. In the coming weeks I’ll share what I’ve been doing and where I’ve been. It was so kind of you to say there was no need for me to apologize for my absence. But here is the thing: sharing my sweet and sunday flowers is such a pleasure for me to do. You have embraced and welcomed my flowers here on Instagram with so much love. It almost feels like I have been a guest in your home for so many years on a regular basis. If I would frequently stop by at a friends place but would suddenly stop visiting, I would have apologized for my absence. I know this virtual environment may feel abstract at times but the connections are very real and genuine. Your support matters. Roses for love, color for joy, floral abundance for saying thanks. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone.
#falllove #roses #colorlove #currentmood

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Oct 9

Singapore, lily pond at Gardens by the Bay. For 6 weeks over the summer we traveled to Thailand and Singapore. Crisscrossing both countries, never as a family have we taken a trip this long. You might remember our previous trips to Phuket. A no entry because of safety measures made it impossible for us to visit Bangkok or Singapore. We had several stopovers but were never allowed to leave the Airport. The restrictions made us all the more curious for what was outside of the gates. I have traveled to Asia ever since my young teenage years. The warmth, sounds, smells, food, people and their traditions have shaped me to be the person who I am today. All on the maternal side of my family are originally from Jawa Indonesia. I’m happy to live in Europe but parts of Asia are in my heart. It always feels like coming home. There is nothing I wanted more for our children than to see these bustling ultra modern cities and pittoreske countryside. My husband and I are fortunate that we were able to take our work with us when we were away. We booked and arranged everything ourselves. There were a few fancy hotels but for the most part we found great deals and stayed at budget (family) friendly hotels. I will post some Insta stories soon because I thought it would be nice to share what these past months have been for me. Hope you don’t mind. There was so much beauty that it made me decide to live in the moment and just enjoy what was right in front me. Up next Sunday flowers from Saturday’s market. My heart full of memories. It is always good to be home.
#singapore #gardensbythebay #familylife #currentmood

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Oct 1

Two weeks into the new school year, early September, our son came home. I heard the key in the door and usually by the sound of his steps, I can sense his state of mind. My gut feeling made me stop what I was doing but then the sound of tears became heavy. Filled with worry, what’s wrong I asked, what happened?? He could barely speak with shoulders shaking and tears flowing. “I can’t do it… it was so difficult… I didn’t understand!” Math was the final class that day and he couldn’t keep up. The change from math at grade school to high school was hard. We tried to help as best as we could with homework but in his mind, all of his and our efforts, now felt like failure. All I could do was give hugs and acknowledge how hard it must have been and that he would be ok. Later I asked why he didn’t say anything to his teacher. Why didn’t he raise his hand to say, please help me. “When I looked around [everyone] looked like they got it, they seemed to understand. I was afraid, I was so embarrassed…”
Understanding every word, I held him tight and stroked his hair, hoping with each stroke his worries would disappear.
I was reminded of this day after all the kindness I received on my previous post. I read your messages (multiple times) and you reminded me I wasn’t alone experiencing obstacles. I love IG, but it can sometimes feel as a place where beauty is a challenge. The likes a visible reward showcasing our worth. Sometimes I would open this app, see perfect squares and flashy reels (more on that another time) and it made me feel lost. Like driving on a highway, everyone else going faster with ease but me, in need of slowing down.
That evening my sons WhatsApp exploded. Many classmates feeling the same way but also too afraid to ask. Pretending all was well earlier that day. We agreed he would try to ask for help next time. Doing much better, he now realizes he probably isn't the only one and might even help someone else along the way.
Happy October and a great weekend everyone. Thank you for all your love.
#sugarflowers #familylife

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Sep 25

Hi it’s me. How do you start a post when you’ve been away so long. I never meant to take a break but one thing led to another and before I knew it, it became harder each day for me to return. They say it’s ok not to be ok. I’m okay now but these past months were challenging and thrilling altogether.
Intensive home restoration, change of schools, goodbye to friends, homework supervision (math not my forte), more (painful) surgery for my sons jaw and celebrations just to name a few events. Setbacks and joy alternating daily. My focus shifted to my children, who I wanted to give all my attention while I worked hard finishing a lifelong dream project that turned me upside down and inside out without warning.
We also traveled for 6 long weeks, criss-crossing Thailand and Singapore. And while my heart had every intention to share our adventures on IG, my mind thought differently.
For 5 years, every holiday, there was a book that I packed in my suitcase only to be put back neatly on the shelf, unread whenever I returned home. For some reason I never found the time or peace of mind to start let alone finish. This summer I did just that. Reading every word, completing the story with new found attentiveness. I went within and captured our time together through the lens of my camera without expectations.
My apologies for my absence. I had to take care to give wholeheartedly. Perfectionism can kill creativity and with a full plate it became difficult for me to post with confidence. Please let me know how you are doing, I missed you all here. Thank you for all your kind messages, they meant so much. In a few months I will share that ambitious project that got a hold on me. But first things first. Wishing you a lovely Sunday and happy new week everyone.
Much love, Natasja
#falllove #dahlias #roses #cosmos #currentmood

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May 15

Back home from a magical time spent in Gent and Paris. The beauty of these two cities filled my heart again. Paris in the spring is truly magical. The roses, irises and tulips were in full bloom everywhere. Inspiration for days and a very busy week ahead filled with lots of flowers and baking. I’ll keep you posted in my instastories. Have a great new week everyone. Sending roses and lots of love.
#withlove #roses #inbloom #springlove #currentmood

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May 15

Paris. I took a little break in between weeks of wedding cakes and more, to visit Gent and Paris the other week with my family. (More in stories) Back in Amsterdam again I hit the ground running, but my heart is full of all the beauty we were so fortunate to see. Paris is a dream and to be able to see it with our children, who saw this city for the first time, was more than I ever hoped for.
I had seen this restaurant before but thanks to my dear neighbor @panos_chasapis.eu I got the address. Panos and I had great conversations before I left. We spoke about good food, racism, family, photography, beauty and of course flowers among other things. Instagram can sometimes feel like an escape where we forget about hardships in the world. But we both agreed that as long as we keep these conversations going the awareness can make a difference.
Another week of baking and sugar flower making for me. I need some time to work myself through deliveries on time but I promise to share more of my work by the end of this week. Up next a few roses from Saturday’s flower market. The romance from Paris must have gotten a hold on me. Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone. Hope you get to spent it with friends or if you’re lucky, sweet neighbors.
#pinkmama #paris #springlove #currentmood

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May 1

Happy Sunday from my home to yours. The most beautiful tulips from @passionfortulips I have been visiting the fields this week. Feeling incredibly privileged to have such dear flower friends. I wait for these tulips all year. The joy to have them in our home is like no other. Thank you Michel and to all the growers giving everything you have sharing so much beauty and passion with us. More tulip love in my Instastories. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone.
#flowersalways #cololove #tuliplove #tulipmania #currentmood

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May 1

Happiness is tulips as far as the eye can see. A wonderful day spent @visitkeukenhof Closed for the public for two years, such a joyful moment revisiting the tulips again. Over 7 million bulbs in full bloom, it is a floral spectacle like no other. Spring in the Netherlands is so beautiful this time of year. More of my visit in stories. Wishing you happy May. Have a lovely Sunday and bright, cheerful new week everyone.
#keukenhof #tuliplove #springishere #fieldsofdreams #fromhollandwithlove#currentmood

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Apr 24

Happy Sunday from my home to yours. This week has been one of the most delightful weeks in a long time. A class for the sweetest traveler all the way from Austin Texas, recordings for a French broadcasting company, tea with visitors from South Korea and a wedding cake for New Yorkers celebrating in Amsterdam. We had our first night out in two years attending a concert from my favorite Portuguese Fado singer, Mariza. I had longed for days like these and savor every moment. The biggest gift this week though came from our daughter (10). She was chosen by her classmates as the best debater and was sent off to a semi final contest on Tuesday. Monday night she barely slept because she was too nervous.
At breakfast, the day of the contest, she expressed her fears. This type of fear is real but we also said that we had every faith and that she should just be herself. How do I do that? ‘Be myself’ she asked? Don’t worry about mistakes. Get comfortable and try to enjoy how far you came. Listen to your hart and your mind and answers will follow.
Although she didn’t win at first she came home elated. I can’t even tell you what this meant for me. This wasn’t about her winning this round. In my mind she had already won. Just a year ago she had speech therapy for her stutter. This moment was a personal victory. She took the stage despite her fears, there was no stutter. On Friday the debate committee (Discussiëren Kun Je Leren) went to her school and surprised our daughter during class with confetti. She has been given a wildcard for the finale. I cried from happiness for her. She perfected her imperfections with tons of perseverance.
Happiness from a week passed, looking forward to the next. Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone.
#flowersalways #tulips #roses #ranunculus #springishere #currentmood

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Apr 23

Sugar ranunculus. What do you find the most difficult flower, frequently asked. There is no such thing as a difficult flower for me. There will always be flowers impossible to recreate like dandelions but difficult no. Most time consuming a better phrase. Ranunculus with its endless petals one of those. Rows and rows of sugar petals. I’ve lost count at some point. Worth it though. This ranunculus found its way to a cake for a wedding that was postponed for two years because of the pandemic. I’m so happy for all who had to wait and finally got to celebrate.
Weddings in full swing and planning parties. That Saturday feeling back again. More sugar flowers in my stories. Have a lovely weekend everyone.
#sugarflowers #botanicalart #ranunculus #springmood #currentmood

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