Charlotte, NC September 3rd thru 6th, 2012:
The Democratic National Committee will convene to nominate Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate as the next President of the United States. Every time a convention convenes like this, we are reminded of our Democratic Presidents and what they did and did not do for our country.
This convention reminds me and the staff at Exotic Flowers in Boston who some of our favorite Democratic Presidents were.
* Andrew Jackson, 1829-1837
The face of the second most bill in our currency, the $20 bill; Andrew "Old Hickory" Jackson was tough as nails. He even fought in duels to the death. Jackson believed in small government and expanded the power of the presidency. Unlike many Presidents in history, Jackson was able to pay off the national debt, the only time in U.S. history this has been accomplished. * Franklin Delano Roosevelt, FDR 1933-1945
FDR is most well known for getting the U.S. out of the the depression and helping bring peace to a war torn world. His leadership and radio chats brought stability to a world in turmoil.
* Bill Clinton 1993-2001
Who doesn't love Bill Clinton ? Endearing, friendly and we can empathize with all his indiscretions. Not many people would not liek to have a beer and barbecue with this former President.
* John F. Kennedy, JFK, 1961-1963
Boston area native, civil rights advocate, visionary, tough as nails leader. We long to have another.
Tampa, FL - August 30th, 2012: at the Republican National Convention, Mitt Romney recognized the local florist in his speech accepting the Republican nomination for President. 
At 1pm on Saturday, September 8th, 2012 - Exotic Flowers favorite author Suzie Canale will be signing and reading from her latest children's book, '
Suzie Hearl Canale grew up in Andover and is a graduate of Salem State College. She began writing after a twenty-five year career in the wholesale floral industry in Boston, where she was inspired by flowers named after child-friendly foods. She developed The Beantown Tales, a series of books geared towards educating children to make positive changes within our society. Suzie’s books have received the 2011 Green Difference Book Award by the Massachusetts Green Schools Organization, as well as Honorable Mentions in the 2011 New England Book Festival, 2012 New York Book Festival, and the 2012 Hollywood Book Festival. Canale recently published "Walking Down the Cobblestone Aisles of Boston" in electronic form. As she continues her career writing career, she also keeps busy raising her two sons and volunteering for the Mass Bay American Red Cross chapter as a member of the Disaster Relief division.
peace keeper, international relations stalwart, ended the Korean War, created the Interstate Highway system, balanced the budget, maintained prosperity, drank gin and tonics, avid golfer and baseball fan and he even made his own bbq sauce.
Trust buster, conservationist, man of character. Refused to let his infirmaties control his life. Even had the 'Teddy Bear' named after him.
' Rawhide', 'Dutch' call him what you want. Reagan has been canonized and vilified. What remains is that he is still spoken highly of by many. He ended the cold war, restored our military and gave America back its pride.
The lovable Bruce from finding Nemo who battles with his addiction with eating fish. Bruce is a character we can all relate to.
Former San Jose Shark 
