A little MOR Violet please

Today is the birthday of the friend who gave me MOR's Basil and Grape Soap Bar. Happy Birthday, CW!!

The description on the back says, "Clusters of sweet, ripe summer Grapes are tempered with fresh Basil and a whisper of soft Violet."  Although this particular product doesn't contain any essential oils, I thought I would look up the referenced elements and see what they had to share.

Grapes, like people, come in a variety of colors. Unlike most people, however,  they are RICH in antioxidants, increase immunity, improve heart health, and are a significant source of manganese and potassium - capable of reducing hypertension, and depression.

Basil, according to The Fragrant Heavens, uplifts, awakens and clarifies, and is particularly useful for those who, through life's emotional circumstances, have become numbed to the wholeness of human existence.  For those who have lost themselves through constant sacrifice to others, basil offers an opening of the heart and a view of the universal whole.

Violet is for emotional healing - to encourage security, courage, confidence, centering, gentleness and upliftment to those who have within them deep knowing, who silently wonder at the marvel of life, who yet are shy... unable to voice the troubles of their heart and soul.... unable to pray out loud, and instead silently offer a prayer from their heart... sometimes wondering if it will be heard.... too timid to step into the light and feel its strength-giving warmth - which gives courage to speak and be heard.... too timid to accept the love offered... For all these shy, timid spirits, violet offers understanding and empathy....and a way into...love...

 

I thought it was poignant that the back of the soap container says, "Discontinue use if irritation occurs." Some of us have done this with life and love and need some of the uplifting and awakening elements of basil, the healing richness of grapes, and especially (dear to my heart) the emotional understanding offered by violets.

I've only used this soap once, and found that the fragrance did indeed provide a sense of "awakening". I often open the elegant green box, think of my friend (a professional therapist) wonder what she's doing on the other side of the world, and say a quick prayer for all those who need uplifting. ~Hope your birthday is beautiful, CW, and that through your career you will help many who need, a little more violet...

~Soap Whispers~

Pillow Talk

 

"Your hair feels so luxurious...", Ryan whispers. Of course, I melt.

What girl doesn't want to hear that?

 

Judith Jackson's Citresse Shampoo and Conditioner with natural essences.

Discovered in a hotel room in Los Angeles. Full size acquired online.

No, I'm not going to give you the link this time. Some things are just too personal to share.

 

~Soap whispers.~

Ok... upon reflection, maybe that's a bit selfish.  www.judithjackson.com is really a fun site to explore!
~sw

Sweet Expectations

I happen to love this Caswell Massey's Almond and Aloe Foaming Bath Gel, with accompanying lotion (given to me by my sister and family this Christmas).  The cleanser is soothing and luxuriously calming, while the lotion adds a touch of silk - a very comfortable cleanse, that smoothes and enriches your bath water.

~The first notes of the almond deliver a bitter sweetness with a confectionary anticipation. Aloe is used in warm climates as an intestinal purge.
~Submerged in this pool of cooling sweetness, I found myself contemplating "cold-hearted people you love" - which of course, should be an oxymoron. Sadly, it isn't.
~Those people you want to hold dear - who seems to have the potential for being a lot of fun.  Maybe they have a great sense of humor, intriguing talents or you just like the sharing you think you might have with them, but, when you get close, you find them cold, miserable, rude, conceited or bitter.  You find yourself spasming with pain or recoiling in disappointment and you can't get them out of your system fast enough.  Like a dose of aloes, they leave you feeling absolutely empty and drained.
~So what to do with these souls? Having dealt with (actually, been deeply hurt by) one of these encounters recently, I woke up one morning with my heart filled with love, and simply began to pray for them.  Whether or not this will help further encounters is yet to be seen, but, I found it deeply and sweetly soothing.
~ Soap Whispers