HEERA ALAYA

I have a vivid recollection of a beautiful Sunday in late May.  Double espresso down, it was time to savour spring. I stepped out of my apartment, just a stone’s throw from the Jardin du Luxembourg [Jardin du Sénat] in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. The streets were largely quiet, with most shops closed except for a few florists.

A low-hanging pendant lamp casts a warm glow over a petite woman who, along with her assistant, diligently crafts an array of bouquets at the table de fleuriste [florist table]. The light reflecting off the table surface harmonises with the muffled sounds—instrumental music, exchanges, and the snipping of stems.

The mood is curated for the arrival of something special.

“Bonjour, madame,” greets the florist as I enter the quaint florist shop. Inhaling the concoction of spring flowers, I half-hoped a cat would saunter out from behind the galvanised flower pitchers, “Bonjour. ça va. Just browsing,” I responded, sensing her assumption that I had come to collect an order.

Our conversation unfolded naturally, as I admired her creations, watching her move gracefully from large, flowing arrangements to delicate corsages. To my surprise, she gently tied a corsage to my wrist (refusing to accept any payment in return). I wore that exquisite creation for the rest of the day (se sentir absolument spécial).

Though the florist’s gesture stemmed from a spontaneous blend of kindness and sensitivity, it ultimately earned her four new customers. Rather than approaching others with judgment or arrogance, when you operate from a place of grace and empathy, in time, it will cultivate loyalty and growth: Offer them (or sell) a flower, and they will return for a bouquet.

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ALLISON ARGO

“Resiliency is another quality that comes to mind with the individuals I have filmed and profiled. They [animal individuals] have been through so much, yet they are still willing to trust.”