Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Monday, November 23, 2009

Lavender

In the past, lavender was the primary plant in the famous Tudor knot gardens. Since early Egyptian times, lavender has been used as an astringent cleanser for beauty products and essential ingredients for perfumes.

Lavender soothes and calms, leaving the spirit serene and our minds clear.
Distilled Lavender oil can be used both internally and externally. It's a great treatment for lung conditions such as asthma. Lavender is also good for treating sinus conditions. It relieves headaches, insect bites, and other inflammations. It is an immunity booster.
Externally, lavender is a skin cell regenerator and capable of preventing scarring. It is good to use on burns, rashes and skin infections.
Esoteric Meaning; Serenity within oneself
Lavender signifies serenity and helps us in detaching from any situation in which we feel nervous, exhausted, or irritable. Serenity means we are able of staying centered no matter what occurs in our life.
Affirmation; I am serene as I move through transitions and changes.


Thursday, November 19, 2009

Gifts From Olivia

Pretty gifts from Olivia.

Over the past month I received some beautiful gifts from my dear Friend Olivia.
Above are some lovely post cards with pictures of the meat and produce markets in France, as well as a quaint, all natural bath and spa store by the sea.
There's a very beautiful sachet that Olivia embroidered for me. I just love it. It's so feminine and dainty. Inside was a bag of dried lavender which smelled so good, I slept with it under my pillow the first few nights.
Last but not least I received a wonderful cookbook. I'm so excited to try these delicious dishes from Providence France. I'll have to share some of these mouthwatering recipes on my blog.
Thank you so much Olivia for all the beautiful things you've sent me.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Lemon Tree

The lemon tree is cultivated through out the Middle East and Mediterranean. It's juice is prized for healing and is used in many dishes and household cleaning products.
In homeopathy, lemon is used for sore throats.

In herbalism, lemons are great for cleansing a liver congested from too much fat and sweets. It is recommended for reducing fat in the body. Lemon also helps combat bacterial infections. It also boosts the immune system. Lemon can be taken in plain juice form with a teaspoon of honey if desired.
In aromatherapy, the oil is used to dissipate congestion.
Esoteric Meaning;
Lemon symbolizes our need to forgive. We free our spirit to love and shine again when we forgive. We release our feelings for those who have hurt us and our attachment to them.
Forgiveness empowers us and lets us choose the higher road.

Monday, November 2, 2009

BLOG BREAK

It's time for me to take blog break. I look forward to visiting everyone else's blog while I'm taking this break!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Enjoying A Nice Day Outside!

Me sitting outside on the veranda

Last week my hubby and I went to this great Mediterranean restaurant that I just love! We were lucky enough to have a nice lunch, while sitting outside, enjoying the beautiful autumn day.
It looks as if our short Indian summer is now over, because the cold has obviously arrived here. I'm sure everyone remembered to turn their clocks back last night. Oh, how I'll miss those warm days full of sunshine and long afternoons!
(Cleopatra)
Sticks and stones can break someone's bones;
but names can never hurt them.
(Cleopatra)
Beauty in in the eyes of the beholder.

Autumn Colors In My Back Yard

Last Sunday while out enjoying my backyard, I took photos of the all the different autumn colors. Above and below are photos of one of my Magnolia trees.

It was late in the afternoon when I took these photos and the sun was shining just right, which made the colors of the leaves even prettier.

Above are my summer sweet bushes, along with my magnolias and service berry trees.
Three seasons out of the year my service berry trees are real show stoppers. Early in the year they have profuse white blossoms. In the middle of summer they get dark red berries that are delicious and healthy to snack on. Then in October the colors are so beautiful, with the leaves ranging from blazing red, to bright orange. I'm fortunate enough to have three of these trees in my back yard
.
Above is a view of the corn field and the end of my property. It's so peaceful and pretty sitting out back on warm autumn days. I thought it best to capture the fall display on camera now, because soon enough winter will be rolling in and the trees will no longer have their beautiful color palate.