Roses are red

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses"

Abraham Lincoln 

I know valentines day was last week, but I wanted to share this cute card a friends daughter made for her granddad on Friday. I like this quote, because it reminds me that even in the most uncertain times, when things don't seem to be going to plan, there is always a positive way to look at your situation.

It also made me smile, remembering the year after university when I worked in a florist and was given the job of dethroning the long stemmed roses that went out to the lucky ladies in the most expensive bouquets. My hands were cut to ribbons (due to my poor technique) and I could only see the downside to my position, especially as I didn't even receive any flowers myself that year.

Then I met my now husband and I received many beautiful bouquets of flowers including many long stem roses and I have learnt to love them again. Like so many disappointments in life the human spirit can overcome and we come up 'smelling of roses'. You just have to keep seeing the other side of the equation and not get too rooted in your own problems. I want to do more rejoicing this week than complaining.