Okay, let me tell you, running a flower shop with my sister, Kim, is never dull. Veda's Flower & Gift Shop, nestled right here on the historic downtown square in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a whirlwind of color, fragrance, and, let's be honest, occasional chaos.
We get a lot of orders, and I mean a LOT. Birthdays, anniversaries, "just because" – you name it, we've got a bouquet for it. But let's be real, nothing compares to the madness of Valentine's Day. It's like the whole town suddenly develops a serious case of "flower fever."
"Rhonda," Kim will say, her eyes wide with a mischievous glint, "you're on delivery duty!" And that's my cue. It's time to load up and get delivering!
I grab a cooler overflowing with arrangements, making sure to secure them with as many "floral transport delivery sponges" as humanly possible. You'd think we'd have a lifetime supply after Valentine's Day, but somehow, we always seem to need more.
Deliveries are an adventure. You never know what you're going to encounter. Once, a particularly enthusiastic dog decided our delivery van was his new favorite chew toy. Another time, we had to politely but firmly shoo a flock of curious chickens off the driveway of a farm.
And let's not forget the time a rogue rooster decided to stage a one-bird protest against our presence. "Just breathe and smell the roses Kim would say, trying to stifle a laugh. And you know what? She's right.
Even amidst the chaos, there's always beauty. The smiles on people's faces when they receive their stunning arrangements are priceless. The sheer joy of delivering a little bit of happiness to someone's doorstep makes it all worthwhile any time of the year.
Of course, there are challenges. Coordinating deliveries for dozens of addresses can feel like solving a complex puzzle. It takes a village, and I mean that literally.
Our family and friends become honorary delivery drivers, navigating the streets of Murfreesboro with a mix of enthusiasm and mild panic. Sometimes you are so busy delivering you forget about filling up the gas tank.
There are those times when you are so busy getting from place to place that you forget to grab something for breakfast or lunch. Our GO TO is to grab a few coffees and doughnuts.
But despite the occasional near-miss with a runaway goat or a surprise encounter with a grumpy goose, we always manage to deliver on time, on schedule and sometimes we encounter the coolest pets that just know how to chill. And that's something to celebrate.
So, if you're ever in Murfreesboro, stop by Veda's. We'd love to create a beautiful arrangement for you. And who knows, maybe you'll even get to witness one of our legendary delivery escapades firsthand.
Just try not to laugh too hard at my attempts to keep a dozen roses from toppling over. Happy delivering!
