“ There's still something so pure and heartfelt and emotional and genuine about a bouquet of flowers that, even with all the advances of technology and the millions of ways we have to communicate with e… Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ The Victorian language of flowers began with the publication of 'Le Language des Fleurs,' written by Charlotte de Latour and printed in Paris in 1819. To create the book - which was a list of flowers… Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ We all make mistakes, and we all need second chances. For youth in foster care, these mistakes are often purposeful - if not consciously so; a way to test the strength of a bond and establish trust in… Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ I've always loved the language of flowers. I discovered Kate Greenaway's 'Language of Flowers' in a used bookstore when I was 16 and couldn't believe it was such a well-kept secret. How could somethin… Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ We are more and more into technology. Everything is texting, and everything is instant. Flowers are completely impractical as a method of communication when you could just send a text. Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ Though politics is by nature divisive, surely we all can agree that foster children need stability, safety, education, opportunity - and love. Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ Now, as an adult, my hopes for the future were simple: I wanted to be alone, and to be surrounded by flowers. It seemed, finally, that I might get exactly what I wanted. Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ For eight years I dreamed of fire. Trees ignited as I passed them; oceansburned. The sugary smoke settled in my hair as I slept, the scent like a cloud left on my pillow as I rose. Even so, the moment… Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ I would keep her, and raise her, and love her, even if she had to teach me how to do it. Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ Over time, we would learn each other, and I would learn to love her like a mother loves a daughter, imperfectly and without roots. Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ Her eyes were open, taking in my tired face... Her face twitched into what looked like a squinty smile, and in her wordless expression I saw gratitude, and relief, and trust. I wanted, desperately, no… Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ She was perfect. I knew this the moment she emerged from my body, white and wet and wailing. Beyond the requisite ten fingers and ten toes, the beating heart, the lungs inhaling and exhaling oxygen, m… Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ I believe you can prove everyone wrong, too, Victoria. Your behavior is a choice; it isn't who you are. Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ I’m talking about the language of flowers. It’s from the Victorian era, like your name. If a man gave a young lady a bouquet of flowers, she would race home and try to decode it like a secret message.… Vanessa Diffenbaugh
“ This time, there was no escape, I could not turn away, could not leave without accepting what I had done. There was only one way to the other side, and that was through the pain. Vanessa Diffenbaugh
