Vanilla & The Sea Phoenix Botanicals

When I was a child, we used to go to a small lake nearby every free day during the summer. While the parents were lying in the sun, we children had a lot of fun exploring the area on our own. (Yes, at that time children were allowed such a thing!)

There was a beaten path around the lake. The dark floor felt cool and smooth under the bare feet and was streaked with thick, gnarled tree roots.

There was much to discover and it was always an exciting adventure. Colorful beetles, little frogs and once even a grass snake crossed our path. The dense canopy provided cooling shade.

At one point a small stream ran across the path. It looked very flat, but when I put one foot in it, the ground gave way and I sank almost to my waist in slimy mud. That was a fright...

Vanilla & the Sea reminds me of this summer at the lake. It smells to me like earthy forest soil, woody like ancient trees, a little salty from sweating and sweet like creamy children's skin. And a little muddy like my involuntary moor pack.

Oh, it was beautiful! :-)