Eat, Pray and Love…or Bug Off!

Saturday I had three very interesting ladies visit the shop. It’s so fun now that we have downsized because I actually have time to listen to my visitors! These gals were so in tune with themselves, each other and the universe they just oozed good energy from the moment they hopped out of the car. Conversation started flying. Fran mentioned Elizabeth Gilbert’s new book, Eat, Pray and Love which I have discussed with a few other customers. It really cracked me up recently when I read about an interview Elizabeth gave when someone from the audience asked: “Do you have a condensed version of your journey?” Which brings me to a book someone gave me to review, “Words in Action” by Jeri-Lyn McCrea. I took it to bed with me one night thinking it would be an easy make- me- feel- good- book- just- by- reading- it. Wrong! This is an action book. Just like the title suggests. Each page is accompanied with an energizing quote and, get this, blank spaces to write in! The whole concept is to get involved, acknowledge and commit to change. If we want change, how else can we get it except by being committed?

Speaking of commitment, we’re getting ready for a wedding! Erin, our niece, and Dan will be married somewhere in the garden next week. It’s a family tradition…25 years ago her mom and dad were married in one of our former gardens. So both Arleigh and I are on weed patrol and three of our grandchildren are sweeping the decks, washing windows and arranging outside furniture. AND the lavender and roses are at their best and the grasses are really showing off too!

The other day I was having coffee with a friend at Wendels in Fort Langley when try as I might, I did get distracted when she madly started to bat herself all over with both hands. Ha! Mosquitoes! Well they didn’t bother me. I was covered from head to toe in Lemongrass Body Lotion. I took a quick mental inventory and came up with several products that are natural bug repellants. Many of our soaps include essential oils that are natural bug replants. ..Licorice (anise), Gardeners Hand Soap (lemon), Patchouli, Tea Tree, Lavender and even our salves and balms are known to soothe bites and itches.