Just a note!

   A very, very quick note: Remember the Golden Lotus Electric Incense Burner?  Well, definitely DO NOT wipe out the interior of the lid. After a while there is this wondrous oily, sticky "build up" that smells beyond divine! And today I realized that you can dab it on as a perfume............ I'm in heaven! Very concentrated and lasts for hours!

When Atomizers Attack!!!

Looks benign enough, doesn't it?

    The afternoon started out innocently enough. A highly anticipated package arrived in the mail. My bottle of Ma Griffe   parfum de toilette. The perfume box was in pretty rough shape, it had obviously not been treated kindly. The bottle seemed fine. The cap offered a bit of resistance to being removed. I noticed a little "sticky" residue along the sides of the bottle, but didn't really pay much attention to it.    Wish I had. Perhaps I would have proceeded with more caution.  That would have been a good thing.........
     So, per my usual actions, I went to spray a little bit in the air so I could wave the back of my hand through the mist. I've found that to be a safe and sane way to test a perfume when I first receive it, especially one that has some age to it and/or has been used.      Unfortunately, my technique wasn't exactly "safe" this time. In no form or fashion did I ever anticipate what happened when I depressed the spray nozzle. After a tiny sputter and spit..... that bottle took on a life of its own, and a possessed one at that! What force! What fury! Once it raged to life, it would NOT stop!   The spray of Ma Griffe reminded me of a small fire hose, blasting full force...   on my curtains, on the window, even the dogs, who had been resting peacefully at my feet.
    The cats, being CATS and obviously possessing a certain level of psychic premonition had quickly slipped away as soon as I unboxed my fragrant treasure.
    With PDT shooting forcefully across my kitchen table, dogs jumping up and trying to run for cover (remember, they're at MY FEET), I'm there trying to maintain my balance while fumbling with the nozzle until in desperation I simply ripped it off the bottle!   In retrospect I should have done that immediately after this chaos began.... but I was in a state of shock and, yes, awe! And as they say, hindsight is 20/20. 
   So, there I was, hands dripping with Ma Griffe. Decided to rub as much as possible onto the all ready wet curtains. At least my kitchen smells freaking AWESOME!  And hey, I now know why the bottle was sticky feeling!!!
    Now there is a lesson to be learned here! No matter how excited I get about a new acquisition, you can bet that from now on I'll examine it very closely! Especially if it has any sticky perfume residue on the bottle or cap!!! AND from now on, that first spray......... that will be done outside on my porch.



Here is the spray mechanism that caused all the trouble! ........ look at the width of that perfume stem. Hmm, another point to remember to check on older bottles.

 

  
 All this and I've neglected to give any information on the actually fragrance! hahaha  
   Ma Griffe is one of my favorites. And while I didn't really get a chance to enjoy this perfume due to my rather "rattled" state of mind after all that, ah, excitement. I did go through the rest of the day smelling absolutely divine!! (And the kitchen STILL smells wonderful.)   Will do my review a little later.

ma griffe   by Carven   Jean Carles   Chypre Floral  1946

Notes (according to various internet sources)
   Top: Aldehydes, Gardenia, Green notes, Asafoetida, Clary sage, Lemon.
    Heart: Iris, Orange blossom, Orris root, Jasmine, Ylang ylang, Lily of the Valley, Rose.
   Base: Labdanum, Sandalwood, Oakmoss, Cinnamon, Musk, Benzoin, Vetiver, Styrax

Nina. A Captivating Beauty.

    Well now, I was finally able to procure a bottle of Nina by Nina Ricci. Mind you, its the one from the 1980's.  Don't really know where to begin trying to describe it. Its so lovely. Very feminine! A complex composition that flows so smooth and effortlessly through my olfactory sense.   Its all about "old school" elegance with an underlying sensuality.
    Seriously, it made me want to put on my softest silk blouse and a long, full skirt (the one with the lush roses printed all over).  Curl up in an overstuffed armchair next to the window with my old book of Tennyson's Poems. And it would have to be the one published in 1874 in order to give me the proper tactile experience I'd want with this fragrance.  Oh, and lest I forget.... it should be a "gentle" day. Delicately overcast with the softest of rains casually strolling through. With just enough sunshine to occasionally make the raindrops glisten on the leaves like little gemstones. 
   Yes, that's how Nina makes me feel.   I truly do love this one.


Nina   by Nina Ricci   Christian Vacchiano  Floral Aldehyde   1987

Notes (gathered from various internet sources)

   Top: Aldehydes, Mimosa, Orange blossom, Currant buds, Green notes, Peach, Basil, Marigold, Bergamot, Lemon
   Heart: Mimosa, Violet, Orris root, Jasmine, Ylang ylang, West Indian bay, Rose
   Base: Iris, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Musk, Civet, Oakmoss, Blackcurrant syrup, Vetiver

Really Need to Get This Under Control!

    Well, I've written before about my ability to convince myself of things. Such as "Yes. I do need that." or "That's such a great deal! I can't NOT take advantage of that." and, of course, the ever popular "Its ok to use money from my account to buy this perfume. I can just replace it on payday!" etc., etc..
    WHY the heck do I do that to myself? More importantly, HOW do I STOP doing that? My logic and good sense have all fallen to the wayside.... and that is not a good thing. I must retrieve them somehow!
    Perhaps I shouldn't be so hard on myself. After all, I'm doing so much better than I was! Baby steps aren't so bad.     SEE, there I go again...... its an automatic response! Arrgh!
    Where has my ability to reason things out correctly gone to anyway? Yes, I do repay my bank account. But that just evens it out again. Or it would.... except that I pay bills out of there! So the total amount of money is decreasing every month.    You know, before I got back into perfumes, and fragrance in general, I would have looked at a situation like this and SLAMMED on the brakes!  Now my brakes have failed.... and I'm the one sneaking out in the middle of the night and cutting the lines!!!  This is quite the eye opener for me! I'll have to stay vigilant in order to keep my compulsive behavior reined in.   You'd think at 55 years of age I'd have a better grip. But perfume does that to me.... and incense... and those astounding tropical flower plants I keep trying to resist buying. I don't want to plant what I can't eat. But then.... there is food for the Spirit! And that's what fragrance does for me. Feeds my Soul. 
   Perhaps I was just deprived of it for too long. Seventeen years IS quite a while! (There I go again!) But that's no excuse for reckless behavior.   Oh my, guess I have to reorganize my thought processes and focus on things that are more important.   You know repeat it enough times and it becomes habit. Maybe those exotic flowers would be a good thing after all. Perfume and beauty all in one.... plus the time I'd spend taking care of them.  Communing with the plant people used to be one of my greatest joys! Always brought me back to a place of balance within myself.      Hmm, I think I've just stumbled onto why I've been rambling on here. To remind myself to Be in Balance.  chuckle

Seeds for sale. Michelia Champaca.  Also know as Yellow Jade Orchid tree or Joy Perfume tree. Sounds like the blossoms smell heavenly! Although I've read where others recommend Michelia Alba as the most fragrant. They are in the Magnolia family. Rumored to be a flower used in Joy perfume.

I'm Smitten........

I Feel like Gardenia today!

May 12th, 2014
   Do you ever wake up in the morning thinking to yourself  ~ "Today I want to smell like a gardenia! And not just a single flower... oh no! I want to smell like a huge bouquet of gardenias! A whole bush absolutely smothered in blooms! Yes! That's what I want to smell like today!" ?
   What do you mean "no"? You actually NEVER wake up with that thought first and foremost in your brain?     Really?      Why not?      Gardenias are AWESOME!  
   But lets get back on track here. Today is a Gardenia day. I don't know why, but it is. I have Rose days too.... and Lily of the Valley days... and light, green leafy days.... rich resin and incense days... and watch out now! Those drench me to the bone in essential oil of Patchouli days!  Whoooaah! I LOVE THOSE DAYS!!! Patchouli seeping out of every pore...   Wow, got completely distracted there. Hang on a minute... "breathe deep ~ exhale slowly ~ center Self ~ find balance point ~ keep breathing deeply.  Now, refocus thoughts on... what was it again? .... oh yeah. Gardenia. Gardenia, GOT IT! " OK, I'm back. (And now y'all know that patchouli is my drug of choice! hahaha)
   Now I like to use gardenia to lift my spirits.  There is just something about that scent that makes me happy. Perhaps its childhood memories or just how gorgeous those flowers are!  (Hmm, I need to remind myself to plant a couple of bushes around here.  Until then I'll just have to keep wearing my Gardenia by Elizabeth Taylor.)  Also the full moon is approaching. And that plant has immense feminine and lunar energies! 
   They're said to aid in healing. Place a bouquet in the room or just one flower next to the bed. They have a very high spiritual vibration so in that way they can assist in communications with angels, ancestors and helpful spirits.   And, of course, down through history those lovely petals have been used in love spells of all sorts! Considering how lush and sensuous the flower is, I can understand that connection.  Almost forgot, they're said to enhance dreams and ritual dream states too.
    Need to gain some compassion? Either for others or yourself... this is a flower that can help.  Cup a bloom in your hands and inhale deeply. Feel its energy.   I always get the visual of Kwan Yin sitting on a gardenia instead of a lotus!     The scent has a way of wrapping itself around my shoulders like a light, velvety prayer shawl. It gives me great comfort and gladdens my heart.
    Well, there you have it. Gardenia days are good days!

This is my favorite go-to Gardenia fragrance. Always makes me smile!

1st Decant Supplies.

     My little batch of decanting supplies arrived today. Now I can really make a mess! chuckle I didn't really know what I needed, so I guessed at it!  This will be enough for me to get the "feel" of it at least.  
     Certainly seems like it will be easy enough. As usual, just apply common sense. And, as I've learned from experience, don't try to rush through any procedure!!!    I use to mix up my own oils and such, but it never involved any sort of spray apparatus. Will have to get the hang of that maneuver.
     That's where those cute little metal funnels come in. I could not resist! If they turn out to be totally useless, then I can make them into earrings or something of the sort. Jingles for a medicine bag.... the possibilities go on and on. Have some different sized plastic funnels as well. I'll just have to see what works the best.
     Oh no, I just realized that now I have to come up with some way to keep these things relatively organized.    Come to think of it... that's easy! A nice big tackle box should be a great start.  So on my next trip to the store, its off to the camping/fishing department.
     I'll also need a fairly deep box and, in this early stage, a piece of "foam" for the bottom. You know, that crunchy sounding stuff that everyone always used to make Christmas decorations with. I figure if I cut out a piece to fit the box I'm using.... then make impressions, aka holes, that the vials and sprayers can fit down into.  Would like to eventually make that base piece of wood.  Hey! Its a concept. I'm trying to conquer my seeming inability to organize. My brain just isn't wired well for that application. hahahaha
     All in all, this should be lots of fun! Wish me luck!!!!!

Darn These Dust Allergies!!

    About a week ago I made the major decision to start cleaning out both workshops AND both storage areas, one of which is being used as a chicken shed.  Time to get rid of things that no longer serve any real purpose in my life. I need to "lighten the load" so to speak. Get organized and create a wonderful space in which I can make the things that I've been guided to do.   
   And that seemed like a fantastic idea when I decided to do it. But it also seems I forgot all about my dust allergies!  So here I am with my sinuses threatening to commit mutiny. My eyes and skin are itching like crazy .... sheesh!!!! Did I forget to mention that I'm awaiting the arrival of a couple of bottles of perfume? And I can hardly SMELL ANYTHING!  Aarrgh! 
   Oh well, my cleaning project will be ongoing for a few months.  (How did I collect THAT MUCH STUFF?!) And there is repair work to do.   Guess the perfumes can be tucked safely away. Of course, I'll wear my regular "protection" ones and I'll be burning smudge herbs and incense while I'm actually cleaning out those rooms. I doubt very sincerely if I'll be able to detect any of the individual notes of any perfume for some time. But when I get my smudge bowl filled with sage or start burning breuzinho.... the neighbors will be smelling it for a good two or three blocks in every direction!!! hahaha   
    Just hope no one calls the fire department.  Again.... Don't you hate it when you hear the neighbors trying to explain to the firemen.... "But you should have seen the smoke rolling out of those windows! I thought the whole place was on fire!" Oh my, all the attention can be a little embarrassing.   "But sir, I was just purifying my home of negative energies. I don't understand what all the fuss is about!" Yeah, you guessed it. I'm the only one around these parts that does stuff like that. hahaha  And my little corner of the Universe is that much more peaceful because of my actions.  
   Maybe I'll have to make myself a t-shirt that says "Smudge On!" hee hee hee 
   
    

Oh my.....

Vintage Cartier Panthere  Eau de Toilette

   Oh my...... I don't even know what to say. Its so lovely.  And this isn't even the bottle I was talking about. That one still hasn't arrived! (Yes, I'm getting concerned.)     This one has blue panthers.... my favorite color. And I just got  in a vintage insert that contains more perfume that will fit this.

Temporary posting for drummagick..... Histoire d'Amour

First and foremost, let me apologize for my photos! And the lighting is definitely poor. This is a post to supply someone with quick visual reference. My photography skills are severely lacking on the best of days.... this is not one of them. hahaha   Hope they help anyway!

 

   Just a few quick photos that I hope will help in your search. (My parfum stash is tucked away so deep I'm afraid I won't be getting to it any time soon. The parfum bottle rendition I have is a small black glass bottle with frosted clear stopper. Lovely!)
   Above from left to right: older Edt, with small cap. That is the one that has the box with no ingredients listed. The middle is the pre-reformulation bottle that was easy to get until last year. The juice is still beautiful! On the right is a bottle of the Edp. All glass. The stopper is so lovely! Especially compared to the plastic ones! The older the edt bottle, the better quality the plastic top.

    A little closer look. Some of the glass is matte, some not.

    This is the packaging of the latest "good" version. Back and front. Sorry about the lack of flash. In some shots it kept "wiping out" all the print.

   Older version on left. "Daniel Aubusson, Paris".

   Once again, older version on left. Absolutely no ingredients.  The "still good" version has a relatively short list.
   The nasty reformulation is marked made in USA. Long list of ingredients. I have a very low opinion of it!

Sekhmet, Synchronicity and a Vintage Perfume.

 
    I just love it when synchronicity comes dancing through my day!
   So here is what happened.... the other evening I was perusing Ebay ( no surprise there. ) and came across an "affordable" bottle of vintage Panthere. I say "affordable" with a high pitched squeak to my voice. The old version of this fragrance commands prices that just aren't within my range. At least not at this time of my life. (I'm on a positive attitude kick! Can you tell?)  AND I really need to stick to my budget.   But vintage Panthere is one of the few perfumes that I truly crave to have in my possession!!!  Now I love the present incarnation of the fragrance. It is BEAUTIFUL. But I've always heard how the old version is spicier and richer......  Sound familiar?  So I find myself consumed with curiousity about this perfume. And, of course, THAT BOTTLE is fantastic!!! Who wouldn't love that pair of panthers scaling up the sides! Oh! And there it was. Staring at my from the computer screen. Arrgh!!!
   After oohing and aahing a bit more, I headed off to bed. Throughout the night I had snippets and bits of dreams..... interiors of temples, swishing skirts and the soft sounds of bare feet on the stone floors. Woke up intrigued by these nocturnal images and sensations, but it was off to work I go! Yet even at work I could feel a presence nearby. In one quick moment a tall figure swept by me.... skirt swirling against my leg and then a strong growling purr followed by a soft laugh. And the scent of Panthere perfume.
    Well, you can bet that as soon as I got home I got out the computer, popped over to Ebay, looked up that listing..... and it was still there!  So, I put my faith  firmly in the hands of the Ancient Mothers and clicked on Buy Now.
    I've had enough interactions with Mother Sekhmet to recognize Her energy! Then..... and I love this part. It just sealed the deal..... I checked my Facebook page and found a posting from Mermade Arts of a letter written about a talk given at the Getty Museum in Malibu, CA. by a Prof. Maria Rosaria Belgiorno. The focus of the talk was an ancient perfume and cosmetics factory that they had unearthed on Pyrgos, Cyprus. Mentioning several Goddesses, she also spoke of Bast, Sekhmet and Nefertem (son of Sekhmet by some accounts). Then it goes on to mention how felines are usually associated with perfumes. Well, of course they are!!!!   The picture with the post shows a painting of a woman in a temple surrounded by cats.  As I said.... I just love synchronicity.
    So here I am, anxiously awaiting news that my bottle of vintage Panthere has been shipped. And I'm even more excited to see what beautiful Sekhmet has in store for me. This should be very interesting!

This is the recent version of Cartier's Panthere.

Donna Karan Gold

 
    Have been absolutely craving lily! Don't know why ~ just have. I know the fragrance is supposed to be protective. Helping to keep evil away! (Hmm, I'll have to plant some more lilies in the yard. chuckle)
   Realized that I don't have much in the way of fragrances that showcase this note, much less any soliflores. Hadn't really ever given it any thought. Rose perfumes, yes. Those I've gone out of my way to look for. But never lily.... that will have to change!
   The only one in my possession that glides up to the front of my mind and whispers to me in a low, soft husky voice is my bottle of Donna Karan Gold. " I shall place small mountains of Casablanca lilies at your feet. Baskets full of heady jasmine. I will bring you precious resins and spices. Wrap you in a cloak of rich floral velvet."    After that, how could I resist?
    Now I'm asking myself why I don't use this more often. And WHY don't I have some back up bottles? Besides being beautiful, I find it very comforting and supportive.
  

   What a fragrance! Its a bouquet of big, lush lilies. Dripping with nectar. With those velvety soft, thick fleshy petals and stems. Pollen dusting my nose ever so slightly. I'd swear there is a hint of myrrh in there. (But can't find it on any list of notes.) Jasmine slowly creeps in.... the sweetest note in the composition.... but at times just a bit indolic. There is a soft amber throughout. Not overly sweet, but with a nice earthy scent to it. This fragrance is almost tactile on my skin. I feel as if I could reach out and actually touch it. And it feels like lily petals. Yes, my brain works that way!
   I find it exceptionally well blended. It creamy and luscious. I'll actually use the word Opulent. Sophisticated, yet sensuous.
    A very strong feminine energy. She is a matron with voluptuous curves, showing off ample cleavage. Long, thick mane of hair and heavy lidded eyes. Eyes that never miss any detail and have the tiniest glint of steel in them. A woman that strikes a bit of fear into men's hearts. A woman that gently tends to and protects the young and those that are in need. A woman that reaches out her strong arms and embraces Life. An Earth goddess with fire hidden deep within her very core.
    All that said, I recommend you sample this if possible. I've read a lot of individual reviews and there seems to be quite a few folks who either find it boring or they just plain don't like it. Once again that could be because of skin chemistry or it could just be one of those polarizing fragrances. Either you hate it or you love it! Obviously, I ADORE it!
    I was also surprised to find so many people making reference to a banana or weird fruit smell.   Uhmm... NO. My best guess is perhaps they mistook that heavy, fleshy smell that the base of a large lily blossom will sometimes take on. That "almost over ripe" scent. At least that's the best way I can describe it. Its just part of the way a heavy lily smells.
    Another thing to mention is that quite a few folks commented that the edt smells more of just lily. My bottle is edp, so I don't know first hand. Of course, this gives me an excuse to find some edt and buy it!! All in the name of good research! hahaha      Also, the edt bottles are clear. They don't have the metal  on the sides.      And by the way, its a nice, heavy bottle. Very attractive!
   

DONNA KARAN GOLD   by Donna Karan

Yann Vasnier, Rodrigo Flores-Roux and Calice Becker    Oriental Floral   2006

Notes (This wasn't easy. I found different versions, but they all have several notes in common.  I'll list two. So I guess only the perfumers know for certain.)
    Version#1: Casablanca Lily, Amber, Acacia, White cloves, Gold balm, Golden pollen, Patchouli.
     Version#2: Casablanca Lily, Amber, Black locust, Jasmine, Cloves, Violet leaf, Patchouli.
  

Priorities!

April 20th. The morning drive to watch my grandchildren hunt eggs!

   Up early and on the road! My grandchildren hunt eggs first thing in the morning! Can't be late!    I'm happy to report that an awesome time was had by all. They'll be living up in Virginia soon, so I don't want to miss ANYTHING.  The youngest will be four years of age next month, so I also used this opportunity to see what would be a good birthday present. He LOVES dinosaurs... and bones... and fossils... and he has the beginnings of a tooth collection. Hmmmm.....
   So when I came home I immediately hit the internet. To my own surprise, I totally ignored two auctions on vintage Magie Noir! (They both went for a song. OUCH! That hurt.)     So what was I doing on my computer? Well, I was searching, pricing and comparing dinosaur teeth and coprolite specimens.
    For the uninitiated, coprolite is fossilized dung. That's right, I was looking for the perfect piece of petrified poop!   Found some really nice ones too!  I'm also in a state of shock at how expensive some of that sh#t is.  hahaha  (No. Seriously. Its outrageous!)   The varieties of teeth and bone is absolutely amazing.  While I was there I even purchased some small pieces to make into jewelry.
   Anyway, my point is about priorities. The perfume can wait. My grandson and granddaughter won't stay this age. All children grow up faster than you can imagine.... better enjoy them while you can!  Put having fun with them first in your life. THAT should be your greatest passion/obsession.   
   Of course, sharing my love of fragrance with them is a lot of fun too! chuckle

Just Because Its So Pretty!

      Ah, look what arrived. Beautiful isn't it? I just love the feel of these old bottles. This one is app. 3 1/2" tall by 2 3/4" wide and app. 1 1/2" deep.

   I'm so intrigued. I can detect, very faintly, that "Guerlain" note. Lovely!

I'm a Sucker for a "Stucker".

   Well, I did it again. I've gone and purchased another "stucker". That's my pet word for a perfume bottle with a stopper that is wedged in tight as all get out!
   Now I don't ever look at myself  in the mirror and say "Hey, you're a real glutton for intense aggravation aren't you?" No, I do not do that.... but I might have to start. I prefer to call myself an optimist. You know, all that "hope springs eternal" sort of stuff. But guess I'll just have to admit that I have a small masochistic streak when it comes to vintage perfume bottles. And maybe a few other things.... but I digress.
   Just let me see or hear the words "glass stopper stuck" and my attention is THERE! Drawn in like a fly to a cow pile.  Hmmm, a more pleasant way to express that would be in order. Its as if a gauntlet has been thrown down right in front of me and I'm more than willing to scoop it up and attempt to meet the challenge and emerge victorious! (Well, that is if the price is right. I still have that pirate heart. hahaha)  
   Anyway, the initial posting said "unidentified perfume with stuck stopper". So they had me on two counts. The label was worn enough so the name of the fragrance couldn't easily be deciphered, but it clearly stated Guerlain. OH! BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!!!  I love a mystery and one from that renowned and hallowed House of fragrance was too good to NOT buy!  (Plus it was really, really cheap.)
   It was almost a disappointment when the seller contacted me and said she had figured out the name, Rue de la Paix. But hey, that meant I could start trying to research the notes, when it was created, how long it was produced, etc..  That way, when it arrives I can focus entirely on trying to open it!  chuckle    Will post updates on my efforts!
    The photo above is of the three bottles that have managed to resist my every attempt at opening them. They are such beauties. They have caused me so much apprehension, aggravation and just plain FEAR. hahahaha    Each is my little preciousssssss.   On the left is Camot Soir. I can find out nothing about this one. Not yet anyway!   In the center is an unidentified Chanel. Lovely isn't she? I can detect, very faintly, a beautifully sweet fragrance. On the right is Chypre by de Bertalot. c 1915 ? The front label fell off the first time I put it in the refrigerator in an attempt to open it. Have it tucked safely away. From what I can find out this bottle has an interesting bit in perfume history! All the more reason NOT to break it!!!
   So here I am. Waiting for that Guerlain to arrive. Waiting to see if it joins my three lovelies here... or if I get to enjoy that fragrance from the Past. I remain ever hopeful. And that's how it should be!

Fragrance is my Therapy right now!

   Goodness, its been a while since I've been able to get back to the blog. Went through the whole Winter season unable to wear much in the way of perfumes because I spend so much time at my mother's home. She has Parkinson's and Dementia, so either my brother or myself have to stay close to her. She doesn't mind perfume, as long as it isn't REAL strong. ( That's more than half of my stash! hahaha) My brother on the other hand, can't stand fragrance! And since he lives with Mom...... well, you get the picture. No perfume during the day.
   But when I return home for the evening, one of the first things I do is head for the perfume cabinet. Its therapy for me! Shifts my focus away from the unpleasant aspects of caretaking. And believe me, there are quite a few of those!  Fragrance is so healing to the Spirit! Of course, there are those times when I not only put on perfume.... I also take out one of my belly dance belts and maybe even one of my favorite hats...... and sway and shimmy around while my dogs and cats look askance at me. They should be used to their Mama acting weird sometimes. I'll do whatever it takes to break up the negative energy that tries to cling onto me!!!    Those little bells help to chip away at it, like old plaster! Then I grab my broom and SWEEP IT OUT the door!   Shimmy, shimmy, sweep. Shimmy, shimmy, sweep. Shoulder rolls, twirls, shimmy, shimmy.... and sweep, sweep, sweep!!!!     If its really bad, I smudge myself before I come into my home. Yep, I keep everything handy! Oh! And don't forget some incense for the house too!
   Even if I do find myself "down", I REFUSE to stay that way for very long! There is no sense in wasting my time and life energy that way.  And yes, I've used my slightly warped sense of logic in "rewarding" myself after a particularly rough day. (Especially after Mom's latest hospital stay... I don't ever want to revisit that first evening in my head again! Emotional torture. UGH!)   Suffice it to say, I have a couple of new vintage perfumes (actually more than that) and a hat or two. Trust me, I DESERVE them!   chuckle

My Little Present for Myself!

   I just love it when the postman brings packages. Especially when I know whats in it.... and it smells GOOD!!  I decided to celebrate the arrival of 2014 with a little present from myself from Mermade Arts. I needed new tongs and wanted to try the tripod... so I just added a few little tiny extras.
   First of all, opening a package from Mermade is a joy in itself! Colorful wrapping, lovely packaging and the smell.........!!!

   See, not too much! I couldn't wait to sniff the Oman Honey Frankincense. She described it as being "more woody and balsamic than most". Its luscious! I want MORE!!!  chuckle
   The Salome is an Aloeswood Bakhoor from Cambodia. I can tell that I'm going to like this one.
Veil has a base of Arabic Aloeswood Bakhoor, then she added Oman Frankincense and Somalian Myrrh. Also Rose oil and delicate little rose petals. My grandchildren and I just kept going back and sniffing this one!
   Gomme. Dominica Tree Gum. I've been very curious about this.  I really like the turpentine smell when I opened the jar. What can I say, I love the scent of pine pitch too! Gomme is supposed to burn sweet ~ I'll be finding out soon.
   A sample of Pan's Earth. The info says that "this is sex in the woods". Come on! With a description like that, who wouldn't want to try it?!
   Also a sample of Wildwood. I took one sniff and told myself I was going to get more of this as soon as possible. Its a forest. Seriously... its smells like being deep in a forest. Fantastic! (I'm planning an altar for global reforestation. This would be an awesome choice for workings!)     Ingredients listed are Hougary Green and Black Frankincense, Copal Blanco, Pinion pine resin, Cedar tips, Himalayan Juniper, Grand Fir, Fir and White Spruce Balsam and Western Cedar oil.
   There are several other incenses that I want to try. Heck, I want to try them all. I really like the site too. It has a lot of helpful information if you don't know how to use certain tools and tips for burning the incenses themselves. I wholeheartedly recommend a peak around!
   http://www.mermadearts.com/index.php

   Coco proved, once again, that she has a discriminating nose when it comes to fragrance. But... she also has teeth and kept wanting to chew on my pouch of Honey Frankincense!!!  Perhaps she heard about the health benefits attributed to this resin? But I'm not so sure that they mean that you masticate it! chuckle         So into my cabinet it goes for safekeeping!