Joyful Simplicities For April

Since tomorrow is the first day of April, I wanted to share a few pages from a book called, Simple Abundance: A Daybook Of Comfort And Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. My mother-in-law loaned me this book and I have been reading the daily passages and really enjoying them. At the end of each month, a list of joyful simplicities is included. Here are the ones listed for April.

~ Remind yourself what it's like to have fun on All Fool's Day. Surprise your loved ones and co-workers with whimsy-not practical jokes that embarrass. Instead, devise comical, absurd, and amazing surprises. At home, turn everything topsy-turvy: serve bagel or English muffin pizzas for breakfast, pancakes or waffles for supper. After school tell them you've got to take them to a doctor or dentist appointment and then head to the ice cream parlor.

~ Pick up a copy of Diane Ackerman's marvelous exploration A Natural History Of The Senses and revel in an exhilarating reading romp that will intrigue and inspire you to become a sensuist. 

~ April is a wonderful month for all kinds of walks, whether in warm spring showers or balmy sunshine. The scent of the earth reawakening and the sight of Mother Nature's brilliant display of color will rouse and remind you how wonderful it is simply to be alive. 

~ Visit a hat store and try on a variety of chapeaux. You're dashing in a black felt fedora, but perhaps the broad-brimmed straw with the cabbage rose has captured your fancy? Play around with the many different possibilities. You might just catch a glimpse of your authentic self in the mirror. 

~ Find a large fabric store for a creative excursion, even if you don't sew. Browse through the upholstery remnants. They make great inexpensive tablecloths or upholstery for furniture. Flip through the pattern book. Visualize the possibilities. Is there something you'd like to make for yourself? For the house? Then why not consider the possibilities? Search out sewing classes at adult extension courses. 

~ Sort through your lingerie drawer. Discard ratty, old bras and panties and delight in pretty new undergarments. Lay down scented paper and tuck in lavender-scented sachets.

~ Go through your makeup and discard what's old and dried out. Replace darker colors with a paler palette for spring. Learn the secret of applying foundation lightly so that it seems natural by blending with cosmetic sponges and brushes instead of your fingers. Visit the cosmetic counters of a large department store and discover who's offering free makeovers. (Many cosmetic companies introduce their new spring line of makeup at this time of year.) You don't have to buy anything! When the beauty consultant is finished, thank her enthusiastically and tell her you want to walk around with your new face and see how it feels before investing in new makeup. 

~ Visit a large record store for half an hour and simply browse. Discover all the different types of music available: classical, country, soft rock, New Age instrumental, gospel, opera, jazz, rhythm and blues, and soul. Flip the radio dial and give something completely different a fair chance. Visit a large library to check out new tapes and compact discs to enjoy sound bites before you buy. Spend a few hours in silence (when you're at home by yourself) and discover how restorative it can be.

~ Collect rainwater to wash your hair. Victorian women believed rainwater made their hair softer.

Living Libations has amazing scents! 

~ Find a refreshing new scent for spring- try rose water, lilac, or lily of the valley. Wear a scent you love everyday. 

~ Dye Easter eggs and hide them for children of all ages to hunt.

~ Resume the restorative pastime of weekend roaming; be on the lookout for vintage linens at estate sales and for plants and herbs at farmer's markets.

~ When it showers, curl up under a blanket in the afternoon and listen to the sound of the raindrops on the roof. 

~ Bake a batch of hot cross buns. Eat jelly beans. 

~ Find the perfect hat or trim an old-fashioned bonnet.

Living Libations Hi-Fi Essential Oils

~ You can learn all about the healing and beauty benefits of aromatherapy in The Art Of Aromatherapy by Robert B. Tisserand. One thing you must be aware of: essential oils are not to be swallowed because they can be toxic, even fatal. They are for external use only. If your skin is sensitive, test a spot on your arm before submerging your body in a bath. Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children as you would any medicine, and treat them with the same respect. Mugwort, for example, should not be used by pregnant women. Essential oils should also not be used on the body undiluted; they need to be blended with a neutral base, such as almond oil, wheat-germ oil, or jojoba oil. Read up on the subject and check with a knowledgable aromatherapist. You can also locate an aromatherapist through health food stores, herbal shops, natural cosmetic shops, therapeutic massage centers, or word-of-mouth. Seek and you shall find.

Have a wonderful April!

~ Love & Light ~