I have been quite tardy with my posts...I am hoping it is due to spending more time exploring and enjoying Korea! I will start with the most recent posts and work in reverse (plus I can remember this week much better than last!):-) The photo on the bottom is from our October 29th class, which was held here. We utilized quite a large container which made some parts of the arrangement more difficult. The most interesting flower is the bright yellow 'fox face'. This is the first time I have seen this and we all just loved it. Not only is it interesting but long lasting and cheerful! This was another modification of the traditional modified style and our first time working with such a large (and heavy) container. We had about 6 ladies in this class. The picture on the top is from our most recent class November 5th. It was a very small group of three...but it was really nice having the extra time with the instructor. One of the neat parts of this day....the Korean lady (who is also an Australian citizen) sent her driver AND her new/huge Lexus to pick us up...at our apartment. Her driver was so 'dapper and professional'....and the ride was really like a tour of Seoul. We crossed the river into Hangam (I think) and arrived to a gated community/high rise surrounded by trees, gardens, flowing stream, all marble facade, flooring, walls....huge entry with an indoor greenhouse area....'wow' really doesn't do it justice...and that was just the entrance to the building! :-) When we arrived to her place on the 49th floor...we were greeted by a very sweet live-in helper and a super cute Fox Terrier named Sammie ..'but she's a girl' the hostess said...:-) That little dog reminded me so much of Gil...she ran around, skidded on the marble floor (Gil would skid on my hardwood floors) and brought a variety of toys for us to throw and play 'tug' with. I told the gal I would be happy to dog-sit anytime! Once we entered the front door we were provided with embroidered slippers and escorted to the HUGE stainless-steel kitchen where china tea/coffee cups, silver spoons and tasty treats awaited us. (I took mental notes...but not sure I can replicate this setting at my home anytime soon!) After we had our snack she gave us the tour. Absolutely magnificent- both the inside and the view. I would say it was one of the most beautiful views I have seen while in Seoul. Awesome view of the mountains, trees (changing into crisp reds and yellows), river, creek leading to the river....and quiet! You felt like you were truly in another world. And she was such a gracious lady....loved every minute of it. She did not brag or boast ....but was genuinely proud and pleased that we were enjoying our visit. When she took us to her bedroom and dressing room...I noticed all of the furniture was a beveled/mirror look...not tacky in the least...spectacular....an Art Deco feel for sure....and then she smiled and said "I bought all of my furniture in America!" After the tour we settled in for our class...and just the variety of flowers utilized was awesome. The ornamental cabbage and the sunflowers with some of the pedals removed...added another dimension. She also had us partially strip the fern stems. All of the tall/purple flowers had to be an exact height. This arrangement is not Asian...but more of a European style....a bit of a fusion. This arrangement is specifically made for table tops/in front of mirrors etc. Important for all of the green foam to be covered in a layered manner (which takes time) or at least a stem of Fern along the side...positioned with little pieces of a firm plant stem. The instructor also demonstrated how to make smaller arrangements from your older ones...you never want to waste a flower! I rushed right home and made little mini-arrangements from the previous weeks lesson....before I forgot! I was so pleased with the day, the little dog, my ride and of course the lesson!
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