The five floating flowers are not perfect looking. And yet there is something perfect about them. High winds blew them into this graceful arrangement in a bird bath during tropical storm Debby in 2012. My husband and I were on Sanibel Island at the time in the midst of that storm. During a lull we ventured outdoors. Although the grounds were strewn with debris, there was much beauty to be seen in the downed branches, leaves, and flowers. One example is this arrangement of fangipani, which offers several lessons rather perfectly.

Frangipani, also known as plumeria, represents strength to withstand tough challenges, such as the storms of life. It's also a symbol for lasting love and warm welcomes. For me it also stands for hope.

Let's begin this month and advent calendar with hope, with trust in the strength within us to handle challenges, and with a readiness to welcome guests into our home and a rebirth of love in our hearts. 

Joy too,
Charlene
HOPE: Through each passage and season may you trust the goodness of life. - from The Twelve Gifts of Birth.