June 2012 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

The Perfumer’s Garden is absolutely amazing this time of year – I am thrilled to see that my Kazanlik rose is starting to bloom! This is a damask rose that can be found in some of the richest perfumes in the world. I’m in awe of the wisteria – it’s garlanding the Purrfumery windows – and the lilac dell is in full bloom. The jasmine and lemon blossoms leading to the Purrfumery are intoxicating! The irises are beautiful this year… they’re beautiful every year! Bees are sipping from the Pride of Madera and the borage. Roses are bursting open everywhere! Attar of rose geranium, and many other scented geraniums fill the air on the deck of my apothecary garden. It’s magical! In the midst of all this aromatic gorgeousness, I am busy as a bee planning for a very eventful summer.

Save the Date!

First, I’m getting ready for my dear friend, Philadelphia novelist James Rahn, who will be visiting on June 30. Save the date! James and I grew up together in Atlantic City and his book Bloodnight recently hit the streets. James will be on the West Coast this summer promoting Bloodnight and will spend an afternoon at the Purrfumery, where he’ll read a few pages from his gritty past. We’ll gather in the garden from 1-4 p.m.; the reading will begin at 2:15 p.m. Copies of Bloodnight will be available, and the Purrfumery will be open, too. I will be serving light refreshments, so please join us! The Purrfumery address is 727 Sea View Drive, El Cerrito, Ca. 94530. RSVP to laurie@purrfumery.com or call me at 510-528-8040. Bloodnight is James’ first book, and I am so happy for him. The story transports readers to a Jersey shore resort town that was a violent and volatile place. By 1970, tourists who once loved the town were traveling to newer, trendier places. As tourist dollars dwindled, the locals lost their jobs. They unleashed their frustration on their kids. Kids, in turn, punished each other. Growing up meant hustling, and learning to be tough. James’ stories and articles have appeared in numerous publications. He also taught fiction at the University of Pennsylvania for 15 years. And, he leads the Rittenhouse Writers Group in Philadelphia, a series of acclaimed fiction workshops. I’m looking forward to James’ reading and visiting with you, my dear Purrfumery friends! See you in the Perfumer’s Garden this summer!

Yummy Scents… Literally!

If you love perfume, art and wine (and want to experience them all at the same time!) mark your calendar for TasteTV's Artisan Fragrance Salon happening this summer. This incredible scent event happens on July 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gallery 4N5, 863 Mission Street, San Francisco. The salon features artisan and luxury perfumers from Los Angeles to Vancouver. Perfume lovers will find a dazzling array of perfumes, as well as olfactory tastings, demonstrations, wine pairings, an art exhibition, and more! Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery will be there so please stop by and say hello. I will have all kinds of delightful treats for my Purrfumery friends – don't miss it! Visit TasteTV's Artisan Fragrance Salon page to learn more. Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie