3/14/2024 The flower arrangement exhibition commences its ticket sales in February annually, with the exhibition itself blossoming into action come March. Take today, 3/14/2024, marking the inaugural day of this floral showcase. Perhaps it even unfurled its petals yesterday. Just the day before last, I ventured to the North Carolina Museum of Art, camera in hand, eager to capture preliminary sketches. Alas, technical troubles left me with no pictorial spoils, yet I witnessed a steady stream of individuals adorning the entrance with floral artistry. Serendipitously, an early departure from work today led me to a packed parking lot, piquing my curiosity about the event drawing such a crowd, predominantly seniors. It was the flower exhibition that blossomed into realization. Inquiring about the nature of the blooms from the ticket inspector—an elderly lady—I learned that amidst the artificial, some were indeed genuine. When questioned about complimentary access, she informed me that not only was there a fee, but all tickets had been claimed. This sparks curiosity; given the ephemeral beauty of real flowers and their inherently brief display life, why not open the doors wider and allow more visitors to partake in this transient splendor? Life's fleeting nature mirrors that of these botanical wonders. By next February, some of today's visitors may no longer be with us. Moreover, many may depart without ever grasping the true essence of this exhibition hall.