Happy Valentine's Day...right?

I find myself missing the hustle and bustle of the flower shop this year (last year I had a 10-day-old baby, so I was a little too busy to think about Valentine's Day). In fact, I find myself missing all aspects of my life when my partner and I were living in the D.C. area. In particular, I miss working at the flower shop.
I started working there the last week of August, 2001 and I came to love that shop, the family that owns it and my marvelous co-workers so quickly it was amazing. There had been an ad that had read 'Want to make art with cut flowers?', and it sounded so fun, that despite the fact that I didn't have a car at the time and it being a fifteen to twenty minute walk to the nearest Metro station, ten minute train ride and then another ten minute bus ride (only if I timed it right), I went to the interview anyway. I was interviewed by the shop manager at the time and the chief floral designer of the shop, the owners of the shop were away. They decided between the two of them to give me a couple of trial days to see if I'd work out. I had the job by the end of the first trial day, and my life was changed.
I worked there for almost nine years and learned so much. Started with register and phone, then to creating displays for merchandise and plant care, then handheld bouquets and lastly design basics. ..and I loved much too. I quickly found working there that everyone (except me) at the shop was a gourmet chef. There are always parties going on in that shop, be it birthdays, holidays, special events and even just becauses. Everyone would cook something awesome (except me, I'd try and bring beverages to make up for it - The girls never seemed to hold it against me, thankfully) and usually exotic, and you know me, I LOVE to try new things. First shepard's pie, there. First hummus, there. First pulled pork, there. I think you get the idea. My world was opened up so much being there. Not just in terms of food either. All sorts of things like art, design, fashion and trends were required knowledge on any given day working at the shop. I had finally found something to do that was beautiful, inspirational and that I loved!
...and speaking of inspiration and love, it was also the place I met one of my dearest friends, whom later became my partner and father of my daughter. It was a good nine years and I miss it terribly today. I wonder if they'd ever take me back if the family moved back up north? That would be a dream.
So, I think of the shop this Valentine's Day and give my best wishes. May they find some points during the day to laugh, drink a fancy coffee, have a piece of chocolate and produce their art and love it, if even for a moment in the madness. ..and know an old friend is thinking of them and sending a little love their way.