The Hidden Language of My Michigan Flowers

Sipping Coffee on My First Morning at His Place 

The next morning, the flowers are glowing in the morning light on the dining table. 

Whenever I visit Michigan, he prepares flowers for me—smaller ones for what I secretly call "my room," and a larger arrangement for the dining table.

Now that I'm back in Japan and reflecting on my trip, I have explored the language of flowers again, just like in my last post. 🤭

🌼Yellow Marguerite: Beautiful appearance / Happiness / Affection

🤍White Marguerite: Sincerity / Pure love / Secret love

🌹Red Rose: Passionate love / I love you　　🌻Sunflower: Looking only at you / Adoration

There’s no single, universal phrase for this specific combination of flowers. However, according to the Western tradition of Victorian "floriography" (the language of flowers), the symbols of each flower blend into a powerful, positive message of deep love: 

"With a pure and sincere heart, I love only you passionately, and I will make you happy."

Oh my goodness! I bet he bought these flowers pre-arranged as a bouquet at the shop. But does this mean the florist intentionally designed the bouquet with this beautiful meaning in mind?

On my first morning there after he had already left, I chilled out over a light meal. I opened a cute box of treats—a thoughtful souvenir from a couple we had visited together—and also tasted my favorite pecan nuts alongside a fresh cup of coffee.

Since Collie doesn't drink coffee, I made sure to bring my own coffee beans from Japan. I always put collagen powder in my first coffee of the day. Usually I do it beforehand, but oops—I forgot and added it after!

I had absolutely no idea about the language of flowers back then. Now, here in Japan, I’ve discovered that their💐message was as pure and deeply passionate as a marriage proposal. He likely just grabbed a pre-made bouquet, but it makes me feel a little flutter inside. ☺️

What Does It Mean When Your Partner Gives You Yellow Carnations?

Yellow Carnations: Sweet Friendship or a Hidden Warning?

I finally arrived at his place🏡, and when I went into 'my room'🤭, I noticed he had fresh flowers as usual. He always does this whenever I visit, which is incredibly sweet. But this time... 

They were carnations. And wait, they’re YELLOW?! Ummm... okay, hold on a second...

Tied the Astoria string on the vase myself on my last visit.

According to the language of flowers, yellow carnations basically have these three main meanings...

1. Sunny Vibes ☀️

He definitely wanted to brighten up the room and make it cozy for me.

2. Friendship 💔

Wait... Is he putting me in the friendzone?!

3. Jealousy 😬

This makes absolutely no sense.

Later, he told me, "Is there something wrong with yellow flowers? I just bought them because they look bright and beautiful."

In American and Western culture, decorating a room with yellow flowers seems to carry a purely positive meaning. Generally speaking, most regular Americans probably don't think about the language of flowers when picking them out. Most of the time, it's simply because "they look cute and pretty."

Did some studying here during my alone time.

As for my reaction? Let’s just say I didn't go as far as saying, "They really make the room look lovely!" Of course, I thanked him. But then, I had to educate him a little bit and said, "You know, yellow actually means jealousy..."

But seriously, why would he give me flowers that mean jealousy anyway? It makes no sense. And as his partner, the meaning I should actually be worried about is "friendship."

Friendzone...💧 Ugh. 😑

To be completely honest, I actually just looked up the whole language of flowers thing while writing this blog post. So back then, I didn't even know yellow carnations meant 'friendship.' But I did vaguely know that yellow flowers, in general, could mean jealousy.

Well, since he bought those yellow carnations without thinking too much about it, let’s just pretend he meant 'my best friend and partner in crime.'

— My partner is my best friend. —

Right? 😉

Gentle New Start: Cozy Days in Michigan with Founders Mortal Bloom

Today, I’m sharing a few things I picked up at a local grocery store, with a special focus on a regional Michigan beer. As my stay at his place quietly begins, after spending my first few days at a hotel, I wanted to share these little local discoveries that are making the start of our time together feel warm and grounded. Though, truth be told, he was the one who bought everything I needed!

I hope you enjoy a glimpse into my cozy evenings. It’s a gentle fresh start to my trip to Michigan.

Delightful grocery store find: Founders Mortal Bloom

About the taste of Mortal Bloom, the Founders Brewing Co. website reads "Citrus and tropical notes of pineapple and mango. Moderately hazy, low bitterness, soft mouthfeel..."

I was thrilled to spot this beer at the grocery store! I first tried it when Collie and I visited a couple we're friends with in Michigan, and I absolutely loved it. Collie doesn’t usually drink much beer, but he told me that Grand Rapids, where this beer is brewed, is famous for its IPAs. I learned that Grand Rapids is even known as 'Beer City, USA'!

This Hazy IPA is packed with juicy hop flavors, but has a beautifully smooth, velvety finish. It instantly became one of my favorite beers. The floral package design is also quite unique, don't you think?

Along with the beer, we got Dave's Killer Bread, pecans, bananas, and mandarins. The frozen organic blueberries and soy milk are already tucked away in the freezer and fridge, but basically, everything was completely tailored to my liking! Haha.

Here is a bonus photo of the little potted plants at the store. Out of all of them, I think the small red roses in the top center are my favorite. I couldn't quite bring myself to ask Collie to put them at his place, so I just admired them from afar. 

I packed a few cans of Mortal Bloom into my suitcase when heading back to Japan. Back home, I treasured those beers, keeping them in my fridge for a long time, to save that special feeling and savor the taste again like I was in Michigan.

The Warmth of Silence — Sharing a Michigan Sunset from the Passenger Seat

Resuming my Michigan reflections.

We were heading to his town, with him behind the wheel. The sky, which had displayed a rainbow just moments ago, had faded into a dramatic, multi-layered sunset.

It was a regular weekday. While I was on vacation, he had worked all day before coming to pick me up at my hotel. Taking care of me meant his night would be more hectic than his usual routine.

Yet, there was something incredibly special about sharing the sunset he sees everyday in his ordinary life. He usually drives this road alone, but now, I am sitting next to him. He is busy, yes, but I felt a quiet certainty that he was glad to have me by his side.

I wish I could drive so he could take a break. But even though I got my driver's license in Japan, I don't own a car and never drive. So, the best I can do right now is to keep my eyes glued to the road, trying my hardest to absorb how driving works here in America.

While he drives, I keep quiet so I won't distract him. Yet, there’s no awkwardness in our silence. By looking straight ahead and pretending I’m behind the wheel too, I feel like we are sharing the moment, even without words. Sometimes, I softly stroke his shoulder or take a quick look at his face.

That sunset, shared by the two of us, left a warm glow in my heart.

◇ Quick Update ◇

Just a quick tip if you're looking for my blog next time: my Pinterest will now pop up in the results by searching on Google for "Rose Charmed by Michigan," "Charmed by Michigan," or simply "jophielrose." My Blogger URL is linked right there in the profile, making it super easy to come back and read more!  Thanks for staying tuned, and I look forward to sharing more with you.　Best, Rose

A Soft, Magical Rainbow in Michigan's Rainy Twilight Sky

After my few days' stay at the hotel, we were driving to his place at dusk when the Michigan sky colored itself into gentle, impressive hues. Just as the sky was slipping into the soft pink moment, a massive rainbow arched gracefully over the horizon.

A beautiful rainbow arching in the pink dusk sky of Michigan,
captured from inside a car with raindrops on the windshield.

The rain seemed to have mostly stopped, but perhaps a few drops were still falling. In the rainy twilight, we encountered a rainbow—it felt like a serene, magical moment.

Sitting in the passenger seat, I kept snapping photos, trying to capture the rainbow he had pointed out to me while its colors were still at their most vibrant.

From now on, I will be spending the rest of my visit to Michigan at his place. Along with the gentle beauty the rainbow gave us, my heart was filled with anticipation for the life that was about to begin.

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.12】Zachariah's in Mackinaw City

"This is the final day of my 12-day special Michigan reels series.

Thank you so much for joining me and enjoying these memories!"

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

This video features Zachariah's, a charming white building with a quiet cafe atmosphere in Mackinaw City. You can also enjoy their flower-decorated outdoor seating. Across Langlade St, you can spot the historic Dixie Saloon and Mackinaw Bakery & Cafe. If only I were a local, I could visit all these places every day and try everything on their menus! This is truly one of my absolute favorite corners💕

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.11】Mackinaw Crossings Mall

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

Capturing the entrance of Mackinaw Crossings Mall and the lovely shops🏠 around it. As evening approached, I was just about to head back to the hotel where Collie was in an online meeting.

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.10】Camp 33 Gift Shop, Tahquamenon Upper Falls

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

When going up to the second floor at Camp 33 Gift Shop in Tahquamenon Upper Falls, I filmed this staircase adorned with so many stuffed animals. It's adorable❤︎ how they hold onto the pillars, isn't it? Downstairs, the Brewery & Pub offers amazing craft beer. And guess what? This place is in a town in Michigan called "Paradise"!

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.9】Sunset Along the Northern Michigan Coast

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

During our journey, Collie told me about the most beautiful sunset spot he'd ever seen. It was located along the northern Michigan coast. We drove out there and made it just in time for the golden hour. This is the video I captured then. Please enjoy this quiet, mystical world woven by the grand nature of Michigan.

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.8】Boyne Mountain Resort, Northern Michigan

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

Boyne Mountain Resort in Northern Michigan. In this video, you can experience the breathtaking panoramic views, the beauty of the lakeside, and abundant nature.🌳  The air is so pure, and the lake breeze feels so refreshing.

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.7】The Atrium, Somerset Collection

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

The spectacular atrium at Somerset Collection in Troy. Designed to flood the space with natural light, the skylight creates a sense of openness that feels just like being outdoors. This design brilliantly plays with light from various angles, creating a sophisticated and glamorous space.

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.6】Morning Balcony, Royal Park Hotel

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

Capturing a serene morning elegantly on the open balcony of the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, surrounded by lush green nature. The chirping of the birds makes my heart race with excitement. There is nothing better than enjoying a cup of coffee while breathing in the crisp morning air✨

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.5】Outdoor Fire Pit, Royal Park Hotel

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

This video captures the magical yet cozy glow of the outdoor fire pit flames🔥 on the Royal Park Hotel grounds. It's a seasonal treat open from May through October, perfect for enjoying late nights after the sun goes down, during lounge hours. Access is exclusive to hotel guests and visitors of PARK 600 bar + kitchen.