Paula W. Millet, Author

The Peonies

Peonies were my momma’s favorite flower. They appeared with regularity (and great fanfare) at all special events and celebrations, whenever she was in charge of the decorations. Because peonies aren’t commonly grown in the hot climate of South Louisiana, finding a supply in those pre-internet days was quite a feat. But she was relentless in her search, usually ordering them weeks in advance. Perhaps their scarcity is what made them all the more special. She would take a deep whiff of their heady scent and for a moment escape to some ethereal place of joy. I can remember marveling at how someone could delight in something so simple, but I suppose that was one of the many lessons that she tau