Unfortunately, Noriko Blair's husband died just 10 days after moving into their dream home.
It was very difficult at first," she said.
In the days and months that followed, Blair decided she would get back into one of her passions - Japanese flower arranging, known as Ikebana, which literally means flowers kept alive.
"I started as a teenager in 1963 and went to different flower schools until 1971," she said. "I never had a business, but I kept practicing."
In 2000, her husband was called to duty in Japan and she was able to continue her study for six years in the ancient art and finally received her degree in flower arranging. The training includes ways to open one's mind to the universe and let the creativity and imagination flow.
In times past, old cultures of the Far East held nature in great regard and simple arrangements of just a few striking flowers and branches transported nature's splendor from the mountaintops and hillsides into homes and palaces. It is a form of mediation and contemplation.
"It is very, very different from American arranging," Blair said. "In America, many flowers are used. But more isn't better. In Japanese flower arranging, we use two or three flowers and use their shape and form to give a sense of tranquility."
But the art isn't just in the selection of flowers or blossoming branches or irregularly shaped twigs. Just as much care goes into choosing the vase or container that will hold the flowers and greenery.
An essential part of the display is the weighted "pin cushion" to hold the branches and flowers in place. She has several different sizes and shapes of pin cushions, and each one has a specific purpose for the arrangements.
She often relies on house plants to provide the different leaves and blooms. Mother-in-law tongues provide striking color as well as sharp angles. Peace lily leaves give an arrangement a softer quality that can give curves rather than angles to the arrangement.
Sometimes she has to special order blossoms or greenery, and sometimes she travels to a florist in Tucson.
She talks about her upcoming classes that will be offered in January.
"I would like to teach people how to arrange flowers. Though I would like to have a classroom, I may start classes here if there are just a few people interested," she added.
In November, she gave a demonstration in Sierra Vista and around 20 people attended. Some of those want to be in her class.
"I don't want to charge too much because people have to learn and have to pay a flower fee each time. It's very hard to get the flowers that do best in Japanese arrangements. So we will make do with what we can get," she said.
Just last summer, Blair became seriously ill. Her blood pressure skyrocketed and she developed a sinus infection and a severe reaction to medication.
"I thought I was going to die," she said. "So, I decided I would show people what I can do before I die."
That's how she got started on her one-woman show. She worked through the night to develop 25 arrangements so the flowers would be and stay fresh.
"Some of (the designs) came quickly. Others took some thought," she added. "But, now, I have some businesses interested in my displays. But the arrangements take care, and I don't know if people will keep up with them."
The secret to keeping flowers looking fresh is to change the water daily and trim off the bottom of the stem, she pointed out. Too often, people don't give cut flowers the care they need, she said.
In just a few days, Blair will be heading off to Japan for a visit and to get supplies for her class.
"I'm happy to be going home to see my family. And to get the supplies I will need for my class. There are many things I can get there that I can't find here," she said.
Eventually, she may move back to Japan. In the meantime, she hopes her art and her love of flower arranging will make a difference in the lives of other women and even men who find the same joy in creating spectacular designs with nature's colors and shapes.
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