Roses and Valentine's Day!!

As long as I can remember, roses have played a big part of Valentine's Day!!  Whether it was walking by the office at school and seeing all of the different roses lined up on the counter waiting to be delivered to all the expectant young ladies or seeing the normally sparse parking lot at the local florist filled to a point that cars were lined up twenty to thirty deep in each direction leading away from the store. I knew at a very young age that roses were POWERFUL!!

In fact, I was heartbroken, when Jan Walker, got roses when I was in the fifth grade!!  I always had a soft spot in my heart for Ms. Jan.  I remember going through my Valentine's and finding the "special Snoopy," one just for her (Jan loved Snoopy).  I took special care to write my name very neatly and I even put "Your Friend" on it, hoping she would get the hint.  So all of my hard work and trepidation was shot down in a blaze of glory, by a carefully created bouquet of three red roses!!  Snoopy could not hold a candle to the fragrant LOVE flowers.  That was my first experience with the POWER of roses.

 Later on (years later), I would come to learn that her Dad sent her those flowers.  Doesn't change the fact, that I took a whole lot of grief from my friends, because I passed out Charlie Brown Valentine's cards and not something cool like G.I. Joe.   Those knuckleheads would later find out that I was ahead of the times and that G.I. Joe wasn't the coolest as far as the girls were concerned, but that is another story.

One thing I need to point out is that roses were not as easy to come by, as they are now.  Earlier, I mentioned the florist being so busy on Valentine's Day.  The reason is that the florist was the only place that you could get roses.  Now, you can get roses anywhere this time of year.  From the Chinese buffet restaurant, to WalMart, and even the local gas station, you can get the last minute rose to fulfill your Valentine's needs.

Since this is an advice blog, pay attention, if roses are the direction you are going, only use a florist.  Florists will have the best roses available and they will arrange them with the loving care you want to demonstrate when giving them to your special friend.  The little bit extra you spend will pay off in the long run.  I promise.

I don't give roses on Valentine's, because I think it is too easy.  It takes a little more work and attention to get something else.  Taking the road less travelled is not always a bad idea.  This advice may be best used as you get older.  Roses are probably what young ladies equate more with Valentine's than that carefully picked out necklace or charm bracelet.

The best time to give roses is July 12th,  November 2nd, or March 15th.  What I am saying is you send roses on a day that has nothing to do with anything.  (I know March 15th is the Ides of March, but your girlfriend probably won't)  You get my point, giving roses just "because" is the best way to send flowers.  By doing it this way, she gets roses every so often and you get to be the hero.

Roses and Valentine's Day.  If this is the road you take, make sure you send the right color.  You didn't realize that each color has a different meaning?  Well they do.  Here is a primer for some of the basic colors.  If you have questions about less common colors, call the local florist, I promise they will be able to point you in the right direction.

Red is the classic color of beauty and love.  By sending these roses, you are saying "I love you."  These are the most popular color sent, just remember their symbolism when you send them.

As a symbol of grace and elegance, the pink rose is often given as an expression of admiration.  Pink roses also convey appreciation and joyfulness.

The bright, sunny color of yellow roses conveys a feeling of warmth and happiness.  The warm feelings associated with the yellow rose are often akin to those of shared with a true friend.  As such, the yellow rose is an ideal symbol for joy and friendship.

Peach roses are my favorite and the color I always try to send.  Why?  Because, I think they are beautiful, also, because it takes a little more work to get than the traditional colors.  Their meaning involves thankfulness, appreciation, and admiration.  All of the things I want to convey to your Mom.  For me peach roses are the ultimate win-win situation.

White roses represent purity and innocence and are traditionally associated with marriages and new beginnings.


I could go on and on, but you get the point.  When sending roses, pick out the right occasion, the right person and the right meaning.  I promise, if you will invest as much time and effort as you do money, your efforts will be greatly rewarded!!

Take time to stop and smell the roses.  I love you guys,

Daddy