Altar Art

During this season of Lent when we use only greenery on the altar I find myself looking back at photos of flower arrangements from the past few years and remembering the events surrounding the creation of particular arrangements.  This altar art made of camellias and freesia was a joint venture between myself and my friend, Linda.  We enjoy doing things a little differently (to the consternation of those who want things to be predictable and in keeping with the way it has always been done), so we look for unexpected groupings, surprises for God on the altar.   

These camellias came from the side yard of my office, and the terracotta pot (with a grape motif) seemed appropriate for the alter.  We put together the arrangement in the church kitchen and just swooned over the draping beauty of the flowers as they came together.  Even though either of us can do arrangements alone, we enjoy sharing the experience of placing one branch, then another and standing back to survey where another shape or color is needed.  Finally we stand back and say "perfect!" at the same time.  While often we swear the flowers have never been so lovely, some arrangements remain more vivid in our memories.  This is one of those, and it is full of good memories.