last night i attended a lecture on Ikebana. it was very interesting to  hear about the history and the various meanings of this art. However, the simplicity of the basic concept really touched me. the three 'symbols' creating the universe> heaven, earth, consciousness /beings. the three different height levels. the fact that you have to think of the place where the flower arrangement will be seen and that it is almost considered to be a painting, like a two dimensional object. I looked at my little vase on the dining room table that evening and i realized that my flowers are truly not arranged with any meaning or concept. not that i like them less now, but i found it intriguing to at least try a different approach. for example an arrangement  for the kitchen window sill or for the vase on the side board. So i went out this morning, cut some grasses and flowers and gave it a try. Just doing it enhanced my mood. the focus on creating something beautiful in the early morning hours is beautiful within itself.