August 2011 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

This summer has been a season of transformation. I am beginning to feel like a caterpillar that has emerged from a silky cocoon not once, but over and over again! It all started with a retreat I took to Spirit Rock Meditation Center in June. I had been feeling pretty overwhelmed with work and life and just needed some time to slow down and smell the flowers. You may be asking yourself, "But Laurie, don't you always take time to smell the flowers?" Well, yes. And no. I always take time to appreciate the world and nature, but this retreat opened a door to a new place within me. I considered my life and my upcoming birthday – I'm turning 55 in August and it feels like a milestone. I also thought about my work and about things I'd like to change and develop. I hadn't had time to do this for a while, and taking a few days to deeply relax was just what I needed to stir my soul. I emerged from the retreat rejuvenated and anxious to get back to the Purrfumery, where I am playing with some new materials that I hope will guide you through YOUR transformations, my dear Purrfumery friends! Stay tuned...

The Woman in the Purple Sweater

So I am back from my retreat and delighting in the joys of summer. I've been taking time to hike in the Sierras, enjoy the waterfalls, and feel the sun on my face and body. Sometimes I wander into the Perfumer's Garden and reflect as I walk among the blooming jasmine, magnolia trees, sweet peas and hydrangeas. Princess flowers and our scented geraniums are gorgeous right now, and the herb garden is brimming with mint and Melissa. Anyway, I also take walks in the hills around my home. One morning I was out meditating and walking when a woman in a gorgeous purple sweater took me quite by surprise. She stopped me, touched my arm and asked, "Why are you here?" I just started to laugh and laugh! She was suddenly embarrassed and said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else." As I walked away I thought, wow! That is such a great question! Why AM I here? It's the perfect question to ask someone who's in transition, by the way. While a few things may have changed, my vision for life remains the same: to blend my art and creativity with my deepest passions, which include making animals feel safer in this world and enjoying nature to the fullest!

A Great, Big "Happy Birthday to Everyone!" Sale

rose-perfume

My birthday is almost here, and I want to do something fun, my dear Purrfumery friends! Through the month of August, I am holding a "Happy Birthday to Everyone!" sale. This is your chance to purchase a perfume and get a second perfume of equal or lesser value – free. It's a fun way to treat yourself and then treat yourself some more! Let's celebrate my birthday with presents for you, too! When you make your purchase, order the perfume you want and in the comments box let me know which perfume of equal or lesser value you would like to receive free. Cheers!

Heart on a String

newsletter-17-b If you're looking for a fun way to take your perfume to go, check out my gorgeous new Scent Charms! I fill these vintage-style lockets with tantalizing beeswax-based solid perfumes – Rose Jasmine and if you like a hint of citrus, Jasmine Orange Blossom. Whether you're out at a party or at work or school, or out running errands, a delicate touch of scent is just a moment away. Scent Charms hang on supple velvet cords and make great gifts and party favors. I recently made some for a friend who wanted something special to hand to guests at her mother's 85th birthday party. They're a really nice touch, and just $25 to $30 each.

New Interview on the Web

Have you read Perfume Pharmer? It's a wonderful blog that features news from natural perfumers and info on new products. Recently, natural perfumer Ambrosia Jones interviewed me about Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery and posted it to Perfume Pharmer. She asked some excellent questions that really made me think about how I have grown as a perfumer since I started my business five years ago. We are delighted to share the link here. Enjoy! And thank you so much, Ambrosia!

Velvet, Love in the Form of a Cat

newsletter-17-c Early this summer we said goodbye to our very dear little Velvet, a companion that I always said was love in the form of a cat. Velvet had been in poor health for a while, and she died peacefully at home with us. Velvet was a very special kitty – she came from dire beginnings, but went on to found her own Internet perfume company! Turned out she was all about transformation, too! She was alternately brave and sweet and snuggly and was a wonderful teacher to me. In the spirit of Velvet, let's love and be loved! Thank you to everyone who expressed sympathy for our loss. It was tough, but we are doing better. Enjoy the rest of your summer, dear Purrfumery friends! Delight in the moment, and even if things get hectic, find a place that's beautiful to stop and smell the flowers. Until next time… Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie