Over the last three weeks I have been attending a course in Cork City on running your own business. With there being relatively few jobs in the tourism sector, I thought that at least I should understand what may be involved, should I think seriously abut such a venture. I have to say it was a great, if somewhat intense course, that was put on by Cork City Enterprise Board and one of the benefits was meeting other individuals all at varying stages of development. It was great to share experiences and thoughts and to be amid such positive energy.
One of these individuals was looking to follow her dream of growing her own flowers and using these, when freshly cut, to make natural flower arrangements and bouquets. As each would be fresh they would not only reflect the season of the year, but be eco-friendly as they are not leaving a jet trail behind them.
But what of winter? Last Saturday on the final day of the course we got our answer, when Anne provided us with a bouquet each. It was like receiving an award just for attending the course – it was brilliant. To me this bouquet spelt out mulled wine, open fires, Christmas, scarves and gloves, mince pies and all that winter should be. I include a couple of images of the bouquet and you can judge for yourself, though please be gentle on my non-existent flower arranging skills as I simply took out the bouquet from its wrapping and placed them in a vase – no preening or arrangement going on. Also included in the images are close-up detail shots, just click to enlarge if you wish.
Anne is working on her plan, but my advice would be to watch out for “Wild Bunches” in 2014 and presently the best way to do that is to check out Wild Bunches’ Facebook Page. You can use this link to see more of her work, to contact Anne directly or simply to ‘like’ what she is doing. Good luck Anne, you rock.
(ps you may have noticed that my watermark has changed for these latest photos – you will soon find out why)
Meticulous Mick 
MM! This is so beautiful and inspiring. I loved the bouquet. Reading this made me “wonder” and appreciate anyone who was able to follow their passion and make their dreams a reality.
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Great post I am interested in the course you did. I would lime to relocate my leather business to cork. what is the job market like at the moment?
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The course I did was on “Starting Your Own Business”. See http://www.corkceb.ie for general help. Training courses which are heavily subsidised can be found at
http://www.corkceb.ie/our-services/business-support/training
Jobs market is tough and competitive but very slowly improving. Good luck. MM 🍀
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Wow… superb…
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Thank you so much – Anne does a wonderful job with the flowers. 🍀
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quel bouquet magnifique… I love wild flowers! 🙂 Have a relaxing, positive, optimistic weekend! My very best and respectful regards, Mélanie – Toulouse, France.
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Merci Melanie, et tu aussi. MM 🎄
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Fabulous flowers, what a great idea. And beautifully photographed too!
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I agree Anna, and thank you…MM 🍀
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I think that’s a great idea. We are blessed in this day and age to have more of what we want, even when it has to get a long way to reach us (or for us to go to it). And of course I wouldn’t change that.
But I think Anne is onto something here. The flipside of being able to get the world’s “greatest hits” is that we have lost something of the art of celebrating what’s unique about the place and time we’re in. Anne’s winter bouquet helps do just that.
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Brilliantly put Bronwyn and thank you so much for taking time out to comment, really appreciated. Enjoy the weekend. 🍀
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Such stunning flowers – the red stems and berries set it off beautifully! All the best to Anne in her new venture – a fabulous idea for a business! 🙂
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Thank you, I will make sure that Anne gets the message. 👍
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Exciting times! You will always be MM for me. You are totally doing the right thing. It’s the best thing possible to use your talents in your day job! I wish you well and hope that whatever you have planned is a great success. P 🙂
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Thank you Patsy. MM 😃
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Gorgeous flowers – totally December. All the very best with your future in self-employment. I’m a great believer in people achieving what they want when they try hard enough. We’re all behind you as you can see from the comments and look forward to hearing more news.
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Cheers Safia, your warm comments are much appreciated. 🍀
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Beautiful seasonal bouquet, Well done to Anne. I hope your course will be useful to you in whatever you decide to do,Mick !
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Thanks Cath, on behalf of us both. MM 🍀
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I did notice, Mr. Grant! Wow, I’m sure Anne will succeed – absolutely gorgeous (and you put ’em in the vase quite nicely, for an “amateur”!
So nice to see the handsome face that belongs to the fabulous photographer we’ve learnt to love!
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It’s a fine job you can’t see the blush 😳 seriously thanks for all your comments and ongoing support Dale. 🍀
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That is one gorgeous winter bouquet. Please let Anne know she is very talented. What is that white flower in the bouquet?
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Will pass it on, along with your query on the flower! Lol. 🍀
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The white flower is …..lisianthus
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Lovely bouquet! Are you one of the 5 people in the picture on the Wild Bunches Facebook page, the ones from the class holding these bouquets?
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Yes I am Theresa, that was a good spot on your behalf – I am down on my knees – well I am used to getting them muddy out in the field! 🍀
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I thought that man-of-the-right-age-to-change-careers was you! Great to put a face to a name, MM…
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Do you take all the pictures published on your blog? They’re magnificent and majestic, I love them.
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Yes I do and thank you so much for your uplifting comments. Am just learning how to use Lightroom in order to get rid of flaws and marks, but am enjoying it. I use my desk as the “studio” for some close up shots so I can control the light better. Thanks once more and have a great day, MM 🍀
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You’re doing such a great job, trust me. Too many others call themselves photographers but you are a real one. Take more pictures of the rain and snow and I’ll be your best fan ever. By the way, it’s not a comment, it’s merely the truth. 🙂
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Bur911, Have not been ignoring your unbelievable comment, just trying to grapple with it. Thank you so, so much. MM 🍀
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What a lovely winter arrangement and great idea! I love the idea of using what’s available seasonally and she’s done that successfully. Thank you for sharing 🙂
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Only too delighted to share, just remember, I have the real deal in my front room! 🍀
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Very beautiful 🙂
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I know Anne will be pleased with these comments, so will pass them on and thank you. MM 🍀
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Great post. Love the sentiment/s and photos.
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Thank you for your comments Jean. Anne is very hardworking and simply wants to provide beautiful creations – nothing better than a happy customer for her. She deserves the support she gets. MM 🍀
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Wild Bunches! ….splendid, deserves to succeed just for the name of the business (fabulous flowers too)
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Cheers Robin, a result of a last minute name change but all the better for it. Anne is good. 🍀
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