This is a rant. You've been warned.

You know, if something is bothering someone- something that you did or said, if it somehow offends them or if they are feeling embarrassed or bothered by it because they give a flying f*ck about others opinions, you know what I say? Screw them. Why do you need to feel bad about yourself more than you probably already do?

So often we're told that something we said was wrong, or that we should be more polite (I call that a farce of character, an untruth, a facade of bullsh*t) or tame, or whatever it is that is just so offensive (I call it being yourself- your whole self, which includes, but is not limited to: sarcasm, vulgarity, sexual explicitness, etc) to whoever it is that is just so darn prude or delicate that they can't bare to be forced into reality. Honey, those Mad Men repressed days are over.

Why sugar coat things? Why act like a completely different person at first? Why put up a guard? I mean, it would appear to be more psychotic to put on this appearance that we want to portray, or rather, are told that we should portray, only for others to learn what a sick, vulgar bastard you really are? I mean, really? That's what society prefers? No thank you.

Obviously I've been so enraged in this moment that my fingers are faster than my synapses, and while my temper has cooled, the anger lingering within has not.

If you don't like what I say, then you know what? I don't really care. I truly don't. I mean, I really, really don't care. Because as my dear friend Mo reminded me, Dr. Seuss says: Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

I also have the Shakespeare quote This above all to thine own self be true  tattooed on my left wrist (if you were wondering what it said).

Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else. Judy Garland summed it up with that one. I think that's why people say I have such a good brand, although none of it's intentional. I simply do what I want to do, and lead the way. I mean, why follow when you can lead, right?

As you can tell, I have a real problem when someone tries to tell me how to act. I encourage you to stay true to yourself and if someone doesn't like that, well ya didn't need 'em in the first place. And if you do need them, and you tell them, sorry buddy ol' pal, but I ain't changing sh*t, this is who I am, take it or leave it, then good for you. Stand your ground. They will probably feel really bad about themselves and start being concerned with why they started criticizing you in the first place.

Although her wedding was in October, I just now finally got my dear friend Stacey's wedding photos! View them here.

She was a gorgeous bride, and it was such a moving wedding. Although it was a lot of work, it was definitely worth it! I may have had some tears running down me cheek during her and Steve's speeches. A gorgeous day in Santa Barbara during Halloween weekend at the Rockwood Santa Barbara Women's Club was a day to remember (even if those memories were a bit foggy after the cupcake dessert bar, champagne, and probably, most likely, okay many, shots).

This year, The Hippie Vase, has been a frequent order. The person that originally ordered this custom arrangement a year ago asked for something "fun, unusual, colorful and quirky".

In case you missed it;)

A dream of mine, the vision that started Flour LA, is coming to fruition. Art + Food + Flowers all under one roof for a TWO WEEK ONLY Pop-Up Shop. May 24th- June 4th 2012.

We did these arrangements for a Hollywood celebrity event a few weekends ago. The blues, yellows, oranges and greens are vibrant, summery and unisex.

We used kangaroo paws, protea, delphinium, ranunculus (Yes, I do use them in almost everything!), and dianthus (the green balls that look like moss).

The silver containers adds a touch of class. Use these colors to create a summer look year-round.

As you know, I participated in my first gallery show at Royal-T in Culver City this past Friday. What an amazing experience. Now all I want to do is destroy my kitchen, cover it in paint, plaster, clay and flowers, and create little sculptures all day long. When I arrived, two hours after the press VIP opening (since I was setting up a wedding during that time), I was shocked to see that they put a different florist's name on my work!!! Can you imagine?! My blood, sweat and tears, pouring over these little sculptures for the past week. I was devastated. Plus my apple pie and pizza were nowhere to be found. They did take down the other person's sign immediately and put up one for me. So, How Did I Do That?!

Above:
Hamburger - Styrofoam, molding paste, gerbers, ranunculus, moss, bluperum, ti leaves.
French Fries: Paper mache, branches
Ketchup: Carnation Petals

Below:
Donuts - Clay, molding paste, carnations, leaves, snapdragons, waxflower

Above:
Apple Pie (Seen in LA Weekly last year) - Felt, sand, ranunculus, hydrangea