Flowers For Hot Summers

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

Summer season is one long party, with picnics, fairs and other events running throughout the summer months. Although perception is not reality, but that shouldn’t stop you from thinking of the perfect gifts for the events you do attend. Flowers are always welcome, but during the summer heat you might want to pay attention to which flowers are best able to withstand hot temperature and hence last longer. Luckily, there are a number of fragrant and beautiful flowers that will keep their shape even while sitting out in the hot temperature.

HELENIUM

Some varieties of this flower resemble daisies, but on closer view they have a look all their own. They can add punch to a more elaborate bouquet, or hold the floor themselves when your florist’s creation is in the center of your summer table.

SUNFLOWER

The brilliant oranges, golds and yellows to the sunflower’s petals brighten up any summer table—particularly because of the plants hardy resistance to the heat. For all new beginnings, for having the wind at your back and setting your face towards new horizons, the gorgeous sunflower carries all these attributes.

RED VALERIAN

Red Valerian's thousands of tiny florets cluster in dense showy heads held above bushy, fleshy, gray-green foliage. The flowers have a nice but not strong fragrance, and the flower heads will last a full week when cut for an arrangement in the house.

ORCHIDS

Orchids have a reputation of being delicate, difficult flowers—but many forget that these amazing blooms grow wild in hot, humid temperatures. One can send white/pink orchids to say, "I am thinking of you..." or "I care about you...”. The meaning of the word orchid, when roughly translated means “delicate beauty”. Orchids are a beautiful way of expressing your feelings of respect, love and adoration. Thus making them a perfect gift for your someone special in the hot months.

CALLA LILIES

Like orchids, calla lilies are exotics, growing naturally in humid, tropical climates. For all their radiant beauty, calla lilies are strong and versatile enough to shine in many different temperatures. Lilies also tend to be a fantastic option, to gift to your lover as they stand for beauty and sweetness quite just like your loved one.

Keeping your flowers fresh and make them last for more than one event—we have a few tips on how to do that here on the site. Or you can ask any of the local florists at FlowerAura.com.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

How to Re-Use Flowers

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

Flowers can be used to express a number of emotions. They can be given as a gift to convey affection, sympathy, or congratulations. At the same time they can be arranged and enjoyed for the aura they generate. If you have ever received a floral arrangement, you already know that the life of these bouquets is approximately 1 week. It really breaks one’s heart to throw away the withered flowers, so here we with some tips for you to avoid discarding them.

• Stake out an area of focus in large yards. Aim for trouble parts of your lawn and scatter the withered flowers throughout the yard.



• Composting made easy. If you have a garden of your own, the leaves and stems will biodegrade over time and in the end help to fertilize your new plants.



• Craft can be an ideal use for dead flowers. The flowers can be dried up and used to make potpourri. Not only they will serve as a sight to the sore eye, but also make your home smell nice.





• Another idea is to create a liquid potpourri by boiling and condensing the liquid, then saving it in a jar. Play on the decoration theme by using fun and whimsical jars or bottles, if you desire.



• A pressed flower picture is one of the best ways to use withered flowers. The pressed flowers can be framed to preserve them for a lifelong memory, of the person who sent you those flowers.





• Children use old petals for craft sessions with dried stems and petals. Save all those withered flowers, for your kid’s next Art Project.



• Hairspray can used to preserve a bouquet of flowers. A single coat of hairspray for 3 consecutive days and allowing them to dry thereafter would preserve your flowers. Put them in a vase and enjoy the bouquet.

We hope the next time you toss those withered flowers into the garbage bin, you’ll think about using one of the many suggestions made above. Withered flowers can be re-used to make special gifting items for your loved ones. Potpourri’s and Pressed flower frames are an ideal gift for housewarming.

Celebrate your special bonds with FlowerAura, let your loved ones know how much you love and value them with our special gifting options, that we at FlowerAura promise to deliver at their doorstep with your emotions intact. Also please check out the affordable flowers range, especially for your friends and family, only at FlowerAura.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Valentine Love Calender

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; Being purged, a fire sparkling in a lover's eyes; Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears: What is it else? Madness most discreet, a choking gall and a preserving sweet. - William Shakespeare

7th Feb - Rose Day

It marks the start of Valentine’s week celebrations across the world. The fragrance of roses envelops the atmosphere on this day. It’s the starting and you can gradually make your girl know, that there is something very special coming her way this week. Roses are the best gift you could ever give to anyone. See our Rose Day Gift Collection especially for you.

8th Feb - Propose Day

It presents an opportunity to raise the subject of marriage proposals in a light-hearted and non-threatening manner, and it's a gentle way to get a glimpse of how the person you love might feel about a marriage proposal. Singles, who are looking for an opportunity to express their love to someone, should make the most of this day. For the perfect proposals, see our Propose Day Gift Collection.

9th Feb - Chocolate Day

It falls on the 3rd day of Valentine’s week and is celebrated by people of all ages with love, desire and great enthusiasm. Chocolate has always been associated with passion, romance, affection and love. As chocolates are sweet so you can gift these to your better half to make your relation sweet and remove the bitter from your love. Send your loved ones, the best collection of assorted chocolates, check out our Chocolate Day specials.

10th Feb - Teddy Day

It is an opportunity to make your partner feel the softness of your love. You may give a small teddy bear to your Valentine or a life-sized one, to mark this occasion. This is the finest gift on Teddy day and your partner will love this gift, as it would always remind them of you. The best and the cutest cuddly-waddles are at Floweraura; check out our Teddy Bear Collection now!!!

11th Feb - Promise Day

Promise is defined as a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future. Promise also leads to faith which makes a strong relationship. Make an eternal promise to your paramour with our Promise Day Collection.

12th Feb - Hug Day

Hug Day is a day to physically show your love. Hug is the real sign of showing your endless love towards your friends, mates, beloved and your relatives. This day is meant not only for the love birds but even for those who have parted ways. What better way than to accompany a hug with a little surprise for your dear one. Check out our Hug Day Collection, selected by your very own flower and gift experts; Floweraura.

13th Feb - Kiss Day

Kiss Day on 13th Feb is celebrated in every corner of the world. This day is the most romantic day in the valentine’s week. Kiss day holds varied meanings for varied couples. While new couples choose this day for their first kiss, there are others who make this day special with a French kiss, which represents passion. What’s your idea of celebration depends largely on what relationship and equation you share with your partner. Kiss to make love more special! Revive the passion with our special Kiss Day Collection.

14th Feb - Valentine's Day

It is one of our most popular holidays, inspiring a flurry of card and gift giving to our loved ones. The meaning of Valentine’s Day is to cherish the one or one's that you love. Telling your loved ones how important they are for you and even renewing your lost love. It is celebrated on the 14th of February and the origin of this concept of romantic love goes as far back to the ancient times, long before the legend of St. Valentine. Select the perfect gift for your perfect soul mate. Check out our Valentine’s Day Specials.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Flowers, Chocolates And Beyond..

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

Flowers make a wonderful gift for just about everyone. The smiles that light up faces when a floral arrangement is delivered right to them are a wonder to behold. Yet, every florist knows that there is a time when gift-givers need, or want, something more than simply a bouquet. Or even something other than a flower arrangement at all. For you, this is when gift baskets, chocolates, cakes and stuffed toys take their spot on the stage.

For Sickbeds

Sending “Get Well Soon” flowers and gifts can sometimes be a little tricky. Some hospitals, for instance, don’t allow flowers in some areas. Though local florists will be familiar with regulations and can guide you through them, sending a fresh fruit basket and stuffed toy instead might be a better idea.

For The Toddlers

For children, flowers are usually not enough, obviously. To get them in the habit of sending and receiving flowers (and to leave them with warm thoughts about the matter,) include chocolates and perhaps a teddy bear in the order. And gift baskets, as well, if they suit the occasion. Floweraura has baskets that are designed especially for such situations.

Birthdays

Birthdays are not only for the young, yet many times an older person’s birthday is treated as an afterthought. If you have someone in your life who will be celebrating a birthday, no matter their age, send them a bouquet to let them know you remembered. Add in a cake, a box of chocolates and have the surprise gift delivered right to their door with Floweraura.

Housewarming Presents

Gift baskets and Chocolates are almost always welcome but, in some cases, floral bouquets and live plants are not. If you don’t know those throwing the housewarming party well, bring or send a gift basket instead. You won’t have to worry about setting off anyone’s allergies. Or include the basket with your bouquet order, in any case. Those newly moved-in will no doubt appreciate having convenient nibbles on hand.

Anniversaries

Some anniversaries, like those for marriages, are better remembered than others. Sending an anniversary bouquet to friends (or spouses!) can often make up for your inability to be there in person… but don’t just stop here. Other important events no doubt deserve remembrance as well. The first time you met your other half; the one year anniversary of beginning a dream job or any number of other events can be reasons to get in touch with FlowerAura and send a special gift.

In Sympathy

Not all events are happy ones, and sometimes that is when friends and family need the most support. A sympathy bouquet with a greeting card can bring comfort, even if you cannot be there to offer it in person. It doesn’t take much to add a little color and brightness to someone’s life, even when it’s not the best of times.

These are just a few times when you might want to be somewhere in person, but cannot. Flowers can’t replace you, of course, but they can give uplift someone’s spirit, and let them know you care. If you are unsure if an occasion warrants flowers, or which would be the best to send in any case, take the time to talk to one of our customer care representatives through call or through live-chat on our website. They can surely help you in choosing the appropriate flowers and gifts to suit any occasion.

Your wishes are important, so never disappoint your loved ones by forgetting to bestow your best wishes on their special occasions. No matter what the distance, you can send your warmest regards just by the click of a button, through our online delivery system anywhere in India. Choose from a wide range of exquisite flowers and combos especially for your friends and family, only at FlowerAura. Order today and let your wishes touch the hearts of your near and dear ones.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Pongal - Indian Thanksgiving

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

Pongal is celebrated all over Tamil Nadu and is like a harvest festival, similar to Lohri. Pongal is connected with cleaning up the old, burning down rubbish, and welcoming new crops. Pongal is celebrated during the same time as 'Bhogali Bihu' in the North Eastern State of Assam, 'Lohri' in Punjab, 'Bhogi' in Andhra Pradesh and 'Makar Sankranti' in the rest of the country, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Bengal. This year Pongal falls on the 14th of January. It is typically a 4-day festival.

DAY 1: The houses are cleaned, clothes are washed and old things are thrown away. At the entrance to their houses brightly colored designs, called Rangoli, are drawn using flowers or powder.

DAY 2: Sugarcane is brought to decorate the Pooja room. Sweet Pongal rice is cooked using a special pot, it is made from rice (of course), jaggery (a type of sugar), coconut, cashew nuts and milk. When cooked the pot is decorated with ash and fresh turmeric is wrapped around the rim.

DAY 3: The farmers decorate and garland their cows and oxen, usually painting their horns with the colours of the Indian flag or of a political party. In some towns bull running occurs where mad men try to jump on Brahmin bulls (the ones with humps) and hang on for as long as they can. Many get injured.

DAY 4: This day birds are worshipped. Girls prepare coloured balls of cooked rice and keep them in the open for birds and fowls to eat. On this day sister’s also pray for their brother’s happiness.

Stories associated with Pongal:

The most popular Pongal legend is the one associated with the first day of the celebrations when Lord Indra is worshipped. The story behind it is, on this day Indra being honored by all, became proud and arrogant. To teach him a lesson, Lord Krishna asked his cowherd friends to worship Mount Govardhan instead of Indra on the Bhogi Pongal day. Awfully infuriated, Indra sent forth the clouds to generate thunder, lightning and heavy rains and flood the land. But, as the tale goes, Lord Krishna lifted up the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger and sheltered the farmers, cowherd and their cattle. Indra then begged Shri Krishna's forgiveness and the latter re-permitted Bhogi celebrations in honour of Indra.

Tradition of exchanging Pongal gifts multiplies the joys of the festival and helps to develop stronger bonds of love and affinity between friends, relatives and neighbours. All through the four days of the festival people pay a visit to their near and dear ones and exchange box of sweets, dry fruits generally accompanied with flowers are a thoughtful Pongal gift. Children are particularly excited about the festival. For them it is the time for wish fulfillment as all their elders are too eager to pamper them with the best of Pongal gift.

Though there is a tradition to visit dear ones and personally greet them with Pongal Gift but for your dear ones staying in different cities and countries you can send Pongal gift by means of Floweraura, an online floral service throughout India. In recent times, online shopping for Pongal gifts is becoming increasingly popular as it is a convenient and faster way of sending good wishes. Flowers are regarded as the most beautiful medium of expressing good wishes and love on any occasion. For special ones, flowers could be accompanied by a cute gift to make a lasting impression. Sending Good Luck Plants is another great Pongal Gift Idea. Celebrate Pongal with Floweraura, with our wide variety of gifts and flowers, meant especially for this festival. Remember, Floweraura is always there to help you!

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Welcoming New Year - 2014

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

2014 is just around the corner and it’s time to put on your party hats. For many people the New Year not only is an excuse to rejoice but also it’s a new opportunity to make promises and reinvigorate their spirits. Each year millions of people make promises to themselves, and to others, on everything ranging from eating better, to being a better person. What better way to symbolize this time of regeneration, of emerging from the frayed into the pristine, than with flowers? Flowers, delicate and beautiful yet unassailable–they are the warriors of extreme weathers, emerging victorious season after season.

This year let Floweraura assist you to spread the message of hope and renewal. Celebrate the New Year with Flowers - a lovely gift for friends, family, loved ones–or even your own self.

Sunflower For all new beginnings, for having the wind at your back and setting your face toward new horizons, the gorgeous sunflower carries your wishes.

Gerberas This bright, cheerful flower asks that you enjoy life more. That you’ll dance when you want to, visit new places and that you’ll be infused with strength.

Orchids One of the most alluring and captivating flowers, making them a perfect choice for the loved ones in your life. They are the ideal choice for a gift. They signify strength and purity.

Lilies Lilies stand for happiness, though different varieties of the flower carry different meanings. Rain lilies are well known for unfurling their petals after rain, which makes them a perfect symbol of new hope after hardships.

Petunias Petunias are popular and reliable flowering ornamental plants. Petunias suggest a charming presence, as if quietly whispering in the ear of your loved ones that, “Your presence is highly appreciated!"

These are just a few of the many flowers that symbolize new hope, life and beginnings. Remember that each flower has a different meaning and florists at Floweraura, are always there to assist you. Each bouquet you send this year can be unique, personal and infused with meaning and we at Floweraura grail towards these qualities. We know that this busy season is stressful for many, especially when last minute gifts are needed. But you don’t have to do it all yourself— Floweraura is always there for you, just a click away!!!

New Years is all about celebration and looking ahead. Take the time to celebrate your loved ones and the good times ahead with New Years flowers and gifts from Floweraura. Shop from our selected array of flowers and gifts to kick off the New Year.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Birds Of Paradise

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

The colorful “plumage” of the bird of paradise flower stands out even in an array of beautiful blooms. When it is in full bloom, its “head” uplifted on the slender stalk, it’s easy to see the flower’s resemblance to the bird from which it reputedly gets its name. These flowers make wonderful conversation pieces, and their inclusion in a bouquet adds a touch of elegance to any space.

Strelitzia Reginae

As with many flowers and plants, the common name of the bird of paradise flower is much different from its scientific name. Add to the fact that, in addition to the bird, there are other types of flowering shrubs and bushes that are called “bird of paradise” and you can see why it’s sometimes necessary to define which one you are speaking of. When most people refer to the bird of paradise flower, however, they mean the “Strelizia Reginae”, which also is sometimes called a “crane flower.”

Climate For Growth

Though the bird of paradise flower is indigenous to South Africa, where it can reach heights of up to 15 feet, it grows well in many warm climates around the world. For all its ornamental appeal, the flower is fairly easy to grow, under the right conditions. With warmth, sunlight, and just enough watering and feeding, the bird of paradise offers its surprising blooms to both professional and amateur gardeners. Even so, florists in many locations, with their unique artistry, create designs that highlight the flower’s exotic appeal.

Symbolism

In the language of flowers, the bird of paradise has a few meanings. Magnificence and joyfulness are two meanings often associated with this stately bloom. Then again, since it reminds them of a bird that has spread its wings and taken flight, the flower symbolizes freedom to them. Faithfulness and happiness are also terms that are associated with this flower. If you want to send a message with flowers, Floweraura will no doubt be helpful–but remember, sometimes a beautiful flower is its own simple message.

Notice, when you look through Floweraura’s online floral market, how sometimes the most magnificent flowers, like the bird of paradise, are hiding in plain sight. A unique bouquet may, at first glance, just seem like a collection of colors, but then you begin to notice the florists' artistry. Each flower is placed to amplify or, sometimes, subdue, the blooming flower next to it, on the whole presenting a robust picture.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Meaning Behind Flower Colours

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

Flowers are the music of the ground.
From earth's lips spoken without sound.
Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful;
they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.
Flowers, they have a language of their own. Each type and colours of flowers communicate with the universe in their own rhythm. One bunch of flowers could tell a thousand tales of love and devotion, while another could be a gentle reminder to a loved one, that no matter how hard times might be, there’s always a silver lining.

Professionals florists at Floweraura are well versed with this mystical language of flowers and can communicate your messages to your dear ones, just by arranging flowers in a designated manner. So the next time you send or receive flowers, notice the arrangement carefully and try to decipher the story that they try to convey in the most elegant manner.

Here are some of the colours of flowers and their significance:

• RED : Vibrant, passionate, it is the colour of love and romance. Red flowers symbolize respect, courage, admiration and desire.
  
  
• PINK : Delicate and gentle. A very romantic as well as feminine colour signifying elegance and beauty.
  
  
• BLUE : This is the colour of the ocean, the colour that represents serenity.
  
  
• YELLOW : These are full of life and can brighten up a dull room. Joy is the feeling they evoke.
  
  
• WHITE : White flower constitute within them a number of emotions. Sympathy, brilliance, gentleness, boldness, purity.
  
  
• LAVENDER : Delicate, feminine and vintage. They also depict elegance and glory when set in a modern arrangement.
  
  
• PURPLE : The colour of royalty which signifies dignity, tradition and success.
  
  
• ORANGE : The colour is full of vibrant joy and speaks vigour, excitement and exhilaration.
  
  

Now you're well adept and know all about the different flower-colours, and the finer meanings attached with them. So what are you waiting for, choose the most appropriate flowers for your dear ones.

Celebrate your special bonds with FlowerAura, let your loved ones know how much you love and value them with our special gifting options, that we at FlowerAura promise to deliver at their doorstep. Also please check out the affordable flowers range, especially for your friends and family, only at FlowerAura.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

A Pot of Petunias

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

My grandfather has always a great enthusiast for gardening (growing flowers). Ever since I was a little child, I remember him dressed up in his gardening attire (including a cap) accompanied by his gardening tools, make his way to the little garden he had made in front of our house.

Years went by and like each of my siblings; I went onto do my own thing, having hardly any time for anything else. It had been a long time since I had seen my grandfather and I felt guilty about not visiting him more often. So I decided it was time to pay a visit to the old man who had taught me a lot of things about survival in the real world. I wanted to do something special for him so as to reflect my love and gratitude for the all the things he had ever done for me, knowing his passion for gardening, I decided to surprise him with a pot of home grown petunias.

The very next day I went and bought some petunias seeds from a local shop. Over the years I had gathered some knowledge from my grandfather about growing flowers and I intended to put it all to use. Here are some tips which helped me grow this annual flower in the convenience of my apartment.

• Initially keep the plant inside for 10-12 weeks before setting them outside.
• Petunia seeds are very small and need a lot of light to grow.
• The soil should be well drained and the plant should be sheltered against wind as it is very delicate. Petunias are heat tolerant and hence don’t need much water. A thorough watering once a week is enough. (Depending upon the area where you live in)
• Fertilize the plant monthly to ensure good growth.

Petunias are popular and reliable flowering ornamental plants and continue to rank among the most popular flowering annuals year after year. They originally are of South American origin, blooming in vibrant colors (pink, ruby, white, purple, yellow etc.) and are full of life. Petunias suggest a charming presence, as if quietly whispering in the ear of your loved ones that, “Your presence is highly appreciated!!!” What a unique way to praise your loved ones for their undying support throughout one’s life.

My gift for my grandfather is growing at a steady pace and looks stunning. It’ll be a while till the plant will be in its full bloom and when it is, I’ll take it to my grandfather and I hope he likes them. Fingers crossed.

Away from your loved ones? Let them know how essential their presence in your life is, because when words are not enough… Floweraura is your messenger of affection, 24*7 at your service and just a click away. Let your loved ones know how much you love and value them with our amazing gifting options, which we promise to deliver at their doorstep through our Express Delivery System. Also check out our affordable combo range, especially for you, at FlowerAura.

With every purchase you make at FlowerAura, you contribute Rs. 2/- towards social development initiatives taken by Association for India’s development (AID). AID is a volunteer driven non-profit organization promoting sustainable, equitable and just development.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Rakshabandhan - The Thread Of Love

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

“A sister is a friend and a defender, a listener, conspirator, a counselor and a sharer of delights as well as sorrows.”
I received a phone call from my mother, reminding me that Rakhi was just around the corner and I better buy my elder sister a gift in advance as she wasn’t going to help me buy one this year. Ever since I was a little kid, I remember the festival of Rakhi as being one of the many festivals our family celebrated every year. This year this festival falls on 21st August.

I have always been very close to my sister. There was a time when we couldn’t stand next to each other without pulling the other persons hair out. I pulled her pigtails and she complained to our parents that I was not studying before my exams. Yes, like all siblings we used to fight a lot. Maybe it was a phase, but the truth is that I loved fighting with her. I have a lot of memories with my sister and all of them holding a very special place in my life. One time, on a fine Sunday afternoon; we took sleeping bags and pillows, putting them on top of the steps and "bobsled" down the stairs along with my sister. Thank god nobody was hurt. Then I remember the time our parents weren't home. My sister and I got pizza and we were eating it at the kitchen table. We started a pizza fight and it got ALL over! Boy did we clean that up fast! And most of the times, when our parents caught us, my sis had to face the brunt of it all, being the elder one. There are just way too many other things I remember, but it wouldn’t be possible to list them all.

But all of it changed when she went off for college to an entirely different city. I missed her like hell and used to look forward to the summer months, when she would come back home. Over the years my sister has been my advisor, my friend and even a parent (when the situation called for). I know I can always count on her to point me in the right direction and even to give me a piece of her mind when I screw up. The bond between a brother and a sister is a special one. In spite of the childhood fights and arguments or the many trials of adulthood, the love and loyalty that we as siblings share survives.

The popular practice of Raksha Bandhan has its historical associations also. The Rajput queens practiced the custom of sending Rakhi threads to neighbouring rulers as token of brotherhood. The most important part of the ceremony involves the tying of a Rakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother's wrist. This thread symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's vow to protect his sister. The festival grew in popularity in the 15th Century, when When Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of the king of Chittor, realised that she could not defend her kingdom against the invasion by the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, she sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun. Touched by this gesture, the Emperor immediately set off with his troops to defend Chittor.

Sometimes one might feel that you and you sibling are two side of the same coin, but the bond between a brother and a sister doesn’t wane but only gets stronger with time. Our siblings share with us a lifetime worth of memories and stories, which certainly are priceless and become more valuable as time moves on.

Celebrate this Rakshabandhan with FlowerAura. We provides the best Online Rakhi Combos. Send these to your beloved Brother on Same Day through our Express Delivery. You can also combine these Rakhi Combos with the Add Ons like Kaju Katli, Cadbury celebrations or Dry Fruits. All this and more with Free shipping this Rakhi.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Parents - Our Real-Life Superheroes

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

You have seen me laugh
You have seen me cry
You were there when others made me shy
From my first walk to my decent talk
One thing that never changed
Was your endless love and support

"As time goes on, I realize, how much they mean to me," is how some old song goes. It is certainly true of the way I view my parents.

In the past few years, I have struggled to express my love and thanks to them. But today I want them to know what it means for me to be their son.

Throughout my life, I have never doubted your love. I have never doubted your support. And perhaps most importantly, I have never once doubted as if both my sister and me are the luckiest children in the world for having parents like you. I am so grateful to my parents because they were the kinds that never really let me do whatever I wanted, at the time I thought it was because they didn't want me to have a life. But my parents sacrificed so much to make sure I had everything I needed, and sometimes even what I wanted.

As I grew up and learnt about the ways of the world, I saw many of my friend’s experience their parents getting separated. I saw the strength of your love for each other. A love that could never be questioned. It is as evident and constant as the sun rising from the East every morning and setting into the West. Ever since I gained consciousness, I remember my Mom sitting on the sofa reading, and my Dad watching T.V. after a tiring day at office with his eyes closed. That stability never fails to make me smile and I remember the amazing times that I have spent with my parents.

I know my teenage years were incredibly difficult for you. But I always knew that you were there for me. I knew that no matter how bad it got, I could count on you for being there. Like all children, especially teenagers, I pushed you away at times. But what I knew then as much as I know now is that you would still be there for me, whenever I need you.

My parents were not perfect, as no human is, and they never professed to hold the title of perfection even once in their lives. They have flaws, as do I, but they taught me many things that helped me grow, and develop into the person I am today. I have much more to learn, as life always teaches, but the foundation of my true self was nurtured, and brought to life by my parents' love, patience, lessons, and sacrifices that were very much part of my upbringing.

They did not sugar coat life for me. They told me things won't always be easy, and fair, but, that comes with the whole package that life offers. I am tremendously grateful to my parents for teaching me that I have a voice, and not just a bunch of words. And with time I have certainly realized that Parents, are our real Superheroes.

Celebrate this special bond with FlowerAura, let your parents know how much you love and value them with our amazing gifting options, that we at FlowerAura promise to deliver at their doorstep. Also please check out the affordable gifting range, especially for your Parents, at FlowerAura.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Epiphany In The Rain

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

There is nothing quite that can beat the Monsoons. The darkening of the skies, the cool breeze, the smell of earth – and this entire feeling of the city being washed clean of all its sins. I have fallen in love with the monsoons; all of it: the storms, the lightning and thunders, the rains and the cool fresh air that follows the rain. Don’t ask me how, why or when it happened because I don’t know. I just knew that until now I had been pretty sure that I had been an urbanite I believed myself to be a person who hated the monsoons. They say you attract what you fear and as expected I found myself in the midst of this dreaded season.

It was a beautiful Sunday and I had planned a simple movie/lunch date with the girl of my dreams. But god had other plans for us. Within minutes after I picked her up, it started to rain. Never at a loss for ideas, my girl came up with the idea to spend the day at Sukhna Lake. Well, honestly it did seem a pretty weird idea to me at that time, and before I could register my protest at leaving behind the buffet at the amazing little Italian restaurant, I found myself being forcibly driven to the road, that led to the lake.

Upon reaching the lake, we got out of the car and noticed that the hot and humid July air was gone and a delicious, rain-cooled breeze blew, accompanied with gentle life giving rainfall. I glanced at my watch – 2pm; we made our way towards a small open air café on the lake. Coffee and conversation followed and somehow I found myself reluctant to leave. Yes, I was beginning to like the weather. This might sound straight out of a romantic Bollywood movie, but both of us had this sense that the day held the promise of something more that neither of us had imagined.

The day dissolved in frenzy – and all we could do was to capture a few photos to keep the memories of this fine day alive. Dusk had begun to fall and there was still no sign from the heavens that the rain would stop. We decided to go for a long walk alongside the lake in the pouring rain. A pretty filmy idea to say the least, that’s what I thought at that time, but today it seems one of the most romantic dates, I had ever been on.

The serene and re-generative beauty of the lake in the rains, the amazing flora and fauna, along with the endless path that ran alongside the lake, proved to be much better than the movie I had planned. That day, it was as if a cloud lifted from my heart. The words Lake and monsoon now spelt magic and romance to me. Let someone complain about their watery woes, traffic snarls or water logging and I'll remind them how beautifully the rains had lent a hand in turning my wonderful dream into reality. Ironically, it took a heavy downpour on a Sunday for me to see the bright side of the rains, but it was worth it in every sense. We drove back home later in the evening, carrying memories that would last a lifetime.

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More about the author - Abhay Kanwar