This weekend was a feast for my senses. It was absolutely wonderful! Days as these remind me to love my life, to savor my friendships and the beauty present in the most ordinary things, when afforded attention and reverence.
I had the honor of being present for my friend Nikki's Blessing Way. Carla washed her feel in a bowl of aromatic herbs. Petals of rose , chamomile and lavender floated in the water, as her worries were washed away, and symbolically discarded with the bowl of water. Beads were dedicated to Nikki, each bringing well wishes and positive energy for the coming of the new little one. The women brought amazing food, laughter and stories, and the light and joy surrounded us all. I feel so blessed to be present for setting an intention of love and welcome for the sacred journey of this baby's arrival .
Sunday was a day for silk dying with my handwork group. We experimented with natural dyes, as well as food coloring to fill in the gaps. The beet dye worked beautifully. I used the peelings from a dish that I was making, and then cooked the scraps on the stove top for half an hour. They produced a lovely soft pink hue. The other color that came out nicely was from the Coreopsis that grows prolifically all over my garden. It has reseeded itself everywhere, and it was easy to collect ample blossoms for the dye pot. I love to see the kids take delight in stirring the colorful waters and then to watch the brilliant silks dancing on the line to dry.
Evening came, and there was more joy to be had. It was time for my beloved monthly book club gathering. This group is so special because we have such a beautiful friendship among us, and we all savor the chance to share a really fine meal together as women. There are no picky eaters, who snub the greens or beg for pizza or macaroni and cheese. We all love fine food, and take joy in cooking a meal for each other, and sharing it over conversation and book discussion. Did I mention the desserts? Oh my, it is not for the faint of heart! Last night it was a luscious espresso chocolate mousse, and beautiful authentic french tartes. Words cannot describe the bliss of this meal!
My contribution was the Carottes et Betteraves Râpées from Clotide's amazing Chocolate and Zucchini blog. It was a refreshing way to eat beets, and I will make this many times again.
Oh, so much to love.
4 comments:
I just love visiting your blog, so much beauty there :) The blessing way you attended is so special and the dyeing of silks with natural dyes is so beautiful. Do you need to use a mordant with with beets? I really want to dye with plants, I guess I should just start :)
Have a lovely week, it's always wonderful to stop by here...
Warmly
Linda
Looks like you had a wondeful time. How fun!
What a beautiful post...so colorful in every way. We are collecting marigolds to dye silks with this very day and I am smitten by the idea of using glass gallon jars as dye pots...thank you for the inspiration.
By the way, what book were you discussing with your reading group? The photos looked so inviting I wanted to join right in!
Thanks for the wonderful comments! Cypress, I forgot to mention our book which fits so nicely with the senses theme of my post. It was called Perfume by Patrick Suskind. It was a fascinating story that brings the sense of smell to life. Not a book I would have chosen on my own, but very interesting and well written!
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