A Tribute to Tamie Kimura

Emily Dickinson draws me to the quotation:

"We never know how high we'll soar,
Until we are asked to rise,

And then if we are true to form,
Our statures reach the skies."

This passage reminds me of Tamie Kimura. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Tamie, I felt honored when her son, Mike, asked me if I would be interested in writing the Tips column when Tamie became ill. After reading the archives of the Tamie's Tips column and about her life in her well represented obituary, I came to see that Tamie was a florist among florists, a true icon and a devoted philanthropist with sincere passion. Her dedication to family, community and the industry makes me strive for the same energetic spirit to become the servant, which eventually becomes the regal Cattleya.

Tamie was a student at the Shelton-White school and had taken many advanced classes from Frankie Shelton, AIFD, AAF, PFCI. Mrs. Shelton is the co-owner of the Shelton-White School of Floral Design in Memphis TN and a FELLOW Member of AIFD.
Frankie recalls when she was lecturing she could look out in the audience and know Tamie was her cheerleader, something she will never forget.

Tamie invited Frankie to her home for a week, which Shelton states, "was most delightful." Tamie introduced her to the growers of California. "It was an inspirational experience that I will never forget," Shelton said of the visit.

During her stay with Tamie, Frankie visited the Tayama booth in the LA Flower Market. From midnight to 7 in the morning, she observed an incredible experience: watching the truckers and retailers come in and buy their products from the vendors, seeing the whole process at work. This was before the retailers came in before 4 AM.

Frankie also remembers Tamie Kimura as an Educator who helped her learn how things were grown, about improvements in technology in the industry through the industry. "It was like reading a book throughout the week," recalled Shelton.

Frankie Shelton continues to serve as the major teacher at the Shelton-White School, which is an AIFD Education Partner.

The flowers for Tamie's funeral were an outstanding array of color and technique. When looking at the easel arrangements you will see the pillow of pink carnations with swag of orchids. The symbolism of the pillow is eternal rest, which is a great Southern tradition to send to your deceased loved one. To cover entirely, this pillow takes about 2 bunches of carnations in your customer's choice of color. Depending on the technique of the designer, the spray of orchid can be designed into the pillow or can be created as a separate piece for a family keepsake. The heart in this collection is designed in the same manner.
The Standing Sprays are constructed in a wet foam cage and are fastened to the metal or wooden easel with chenille stems. A Tip is to wrap the entire cage with waterproof tape, following the cage structure. Tape around the cage so the cage stays secure. I tape the cage whether it is one unit or two.

The quality of the flowers provided by Tayama were an exceptional display of botanicals. The ribbons displayed across the sprays are a great traditional tribute. Another suggestion is to use TI or Aspidistra leaves and use adhesive lettering, which gives the design continuity and flow.

The three large matching family pieces are breathtaking. The abundance of flowers makes this a special tribute. The dove with ribbons perched atop the design reminds me of the Biblical reference in Mark Chapter 1, which symbolizes the descent of the Spirit of God in which he is well pleased with His servant.