I realise that at any given time, there are countless awful things happening around the world, but the planet does seem to be particularly unhappy at the moment. Whilst I have no intention of turning this blog into a venue for discussions of global events, I will just permit myself to say that, wherever you are, when you read these words, you might like to take a moment or two to reflect on all the things in your life for which you should be grateful.
I’ve been pulling my hair out for the last few days desperately trying to get to trips with EU cosmetics regulations and IFRA Standards, but I suppose I ought to focus on the silver lining: the fact that I’ve been aggravated means I’ve been fortunate enough to have the time to play around with my essential oils and read articles on the Net. [Mind you, I don’t feel quite so philosophical and composed about the regulations themselves, but that’s something I’ll return to another time. Watch this space!]
I should also be grateful for the fact I have the opportunity to keep writing this blog and to interact with so many enthusiastic perfume-lovers.
And here’s one more thing: the other day, when I got home, I was greeted by a delicate, gentle, barely perceptible scent carried on the wind. The plum tree in our garden is in full bloom… which will hopefully mean that we’ll be able to make some jam again this summer… and life can’t be too bad when you’ve got the time to make your own jam.
Persolaise.
[PS Please don’t forget that you’ve only got until 10 pm tonight (UK time) to enter my special, first anniversary competition.]
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Excellent post. Sometimes (often, OK, most of the time) we really don't realize how fortunate we are. It's good to be grateful (and to have nice things to smell).
-Marla
There was a plum tree in the yard of the house I lived in until I was 10 years old. I cannot remember the scent of the blossoms, try as I might. What I do remember was getting too close to the tree and being stung by a swarm of yellow wasps!…So, be careful around the lovely tree with its sweet perfume filling the air. There may be hidden dangers.
My heart goes out to Japan and all those affected by the disaster.
I think when you can stop to smell the roses, or plum trees, you should remember unfortunate others can't.
Marla, I couldn't agree more… especially about the smelling bit.
Alice, I'll definitely keep my eyes (and ears!) open for wasps
Cutecandyhearts, thanks for your words. Sadly, the Japanese aren't the only people who need our good wishes at the moment.
Liam, you're absolutely right.
My husband had cancer, and is clean now.
We dont' take things for granted anymore. Life is good, even if it's hard? It's good. It's great to be alive, and healthy, and have food and water to drink, and have people who love you.
Really, what more can you ask for?
Enjoy the jam making!
AbsintheDragonfly, I'm so pleased that your husband is better now. And yes, you're absolutely right that life can be extremely good even if it's very, very hard.