Flower Power at the Olympics

While traveling through Vancouver last year I picked up three little stuffed Olympic mementos - mascots Quatchi, Sumi and Miga. They made adorable gifts. The red knitted mittens with the Canadian maple leaf was also an ideal souvenir.

But, it turns out that the most cherished keepsake at the Olympics Games comes with petals and stems. It's the hypericum berries and green spider mum bouquets with monkey grass that represent the true glory of the games.

For these simple arrangements are made by women with physical and mental disabilities, alcohol and drug problems and others with a history of abuse. When these women see their creations in the hands of winning Olympians, they too feel a sense of pride, achievement and confidence and perhaps even a second chance at life.

For more information on this story, read the news clips at Just Beginnings.