I just read about a paper being published today in a British medical journal concluding that happiness may be contagious - and that people can pass on their happiness even to total strangers.  Isn’t it great when science tells us something that we already know?  They say the effect can last up to one year.  So just think of the effect Second Bloom is having on everyone we meet!  Not only are we bringing flowers, which in and of themselves promote well-being and smiles (Rutgers study of the emotional effect of flowers, more scientific confirmation if you need it ) but because we are genuinely happy, we are having a double effect on people!  Just look at the effect of our flowers on Rhonda, Wendall and Nanette.  They’re totally loving it.  In the photo to the right Wendall’s looking like he’s helping Nanette, but let me tell you - in the flower arena, Nanette needs no help.  She put together most of the 110 small floral arrangements for the residents at Magnolia all on her own.

Today we had a lot of flowers, from both Fresh Market and The Biltmore Estate.  With so many flowers we were able to go to two big facilities:  The Laurels of Green Tree Ridge and Magnolia Healthcare Center.  At The Laurels we arrived during lunch hour so we missed out on getting Marjorie to help us.  But we did get to visit with Marilyn who came in while we made the arrangements for the residents.  She likes to visit the bird that lives in the activity room and she loves flowers, always choosing a beautiful bouquet for her room. Marjorie came in as we were just finishing up.  That room exudes cheerfulness when we’re there.  The staff usually stops in and someone always talks about how important the flowers are for the residents.  I went into William’s room and he said, ‘It’s a blessing what you do for us with these flowers.  I love to look at them.’  Such a simple thing and yet such a rippling effect of, what I’ll call today, happiness.  So come and join us - get contagious!