Vanilla & The Sea Phoenix Botanicals

When I was a child, we went to a small lake nearby every free day in the summer. While the parents lounged in the sun, we kids had a blast exploring the area on our own. (Yes, back then kids were allowed to do that!)

There was a worn path around the lake. The dark ground felt cool and smooth under my bare feet and was crisscrossed with thick, gnarled tree roots.

There was so 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 refreshing shade.

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

"Vanilla & the Sea" reminds me exactly of those summers by the lake. It smells to me of earthy forest floor, woody like ancient trees, a bit salty from sweating, and sweet like creamed children's skin. And a little muddy like my involuntary mud pack.

Ah, it was lovely! :-)