Fleur

I had a special ladies luncheon to attend last week, so I put a flower in my hair. I think a flower tucked into a bun or chignon at the back of the head is perfectly appropriate for a special occasion, but only certain women can rock a big bloom right near the face. It is traditional in some cultures, and those gals know how to wear it with panache. A flower in the hair is like a hat: you can’t just put it on and go. You have to commit to it. It can look really silly if not worn with the right attitude and outfit.

I am determined to wear the occasional flower near my face, as I think it is a beautiful adornment and want to be able to do it without feeling or looking foolish. Style involves risk. I decided to go for it:

I did a bit of a dramatic eye because I think an older woman with a flower needs to balance the sweetness of the accessory with a bold face. I mean, I’m not trying to be girlish, I’m paying my propers to women like Doña Lydia, my 8th grade Spanish teacher who wore her black shiny hair slicked back in a chignon every day and a huge red flower behind her ear. She was SO. FIERCE. She was eleganza.

I just remembered: I did a flower three years ago at my DMin graduation.

I think that a flower tucked into a back knot or bun for CPE rounds would be really pretty and a sign of life in a sterile and often sad environment. Think about it. You’re visiting patients and you turn around to leave and they see a bright spot of yellow or pink as you walk out of the room.

Flowers are happy. There’s no reason you can’t have a floral tie or shirt, fellas. For people who are sad they can’t be out of doors and who can’t tolerate the real, scented and pollinated thing, a cheerful floral print might be much appreciated. Just a thought.