April… will forever be in my heart… as one of my favorite months of the year… because my wonderful daughter…Aurora was born in the wee hours… in the first week of this joyful month.
Besides the blessing and gift of her birth… this month always makes me feel so alive and full of promise… of things to come… and that I look so forward to each April… because the month of April is all about new growth and new life… which I can see bursting forth on the land… all around me.
One of the most favorite things for me to do this month… is to get into my yards and garden. Going to the plant nursery… to smell… feel… and take in all the new herbs and plants… I want… this month…to grace my back porch and plant in my flower beds…with love… is something that brings me great joy. I have done all the landscaping myself in our back and front yards… over the course of the last few years… and now I take great pleasure at seeing the results… of all my work… and creative energy… in my ever expanding gardens.
My yards… now…look so beautiful…to me…because they look like my own creativity… that I wanted to express with my own hands and heart. I did the hard… dirty… and sometimes back breaking work myself… not because I had to… but because I wanted to feel alive… and connected… not only to my own spirit… but to the land and nature itself.
Some of my most inspiring ideas and enlightened moments… have come from digging in my gardens… or sitting outside listening to the birds sing… or watching the squirrels at play… their quick tails darting in and out of the tree branches… almost if they are playing hide and seek with me.
Nature inspires… it is that simple.
The month of April… IS… the energy of natural beauty and nature… and the very essence of life and creativity. All you need do… to connect with your own inner spirit… your own unique creativity… gifts and talents… is to look outside and see the vast abundance of beauty… and continuation of life itself.
Nature is creativity… in her finest hour.
Make this month of April… a special month… in your heart and mind… to reconnect your own soul to nature and all living things. Get back to basic and simple living… by enjoying the simple pleasures in life… that will embrace all your senses… and motivate you to slow down… and enjoy the wealth and abundance… that the natural world offers you.
Nature is one of the most beautiful… heart warming… and inspirational gifts that you will ever experience… or receive in your life. It is yours to enjoy… but also to care for… just as you would all living things.
This month… step away from your computer… your T.V…. your to do lists… and the unauthentic world… and embrace nature and all her gifts… that await you… just outside your door.
Happy April,
Victoria
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS IN THE MONTH OF APRIL
April Fool’s Day… April 1st… National Librarian Day… April 16th… April 25th… Take Your Daughter To Work Day… Arbor Day…April 26th
In Italy… April 21st is the city of Rome, Italy… birthday festival. Concerts… food… and fireworks honor this grand city’s birthday… founded in 752BC
In Greece…on April 23rd… The Feast of Saint George is celebrated on Lemnos… with horse racing
FACTS ABOUT APRIL
April’s flower is the sweet pea… a symbol of blissful pleasure
April’s birthstone is the diamond… a symbol of innocence and success
April wedding ideas… Fill your wedding with freshly opening flowers… symbols of the new life… you two will share together.
FEMININE LIVING TRADITIONS FOR YOUR HOME… HEARTH…AND HEART
… FOR YOUR HOME
… Invest in house plants this month… they add such beauty to your home… and help pull toxins from indoor air.
Place simple flower arrangements in yellows and soft pastels in each room… and put scented soy candles or bee’s wax candles on tables… and around your bathtub… for a simple… and elegant touch.
Wash and put away… heavy blankets and throws… tucking in organic Lavender sachets between them… for a lovely scent… but also for natural pest control.
… FOR YOUR HEARTH
Use fresh… organic herbs in your food this month. And plan on visiting farmer’s markets for your veggie and fruit purchases. Eat more salads… as a main course for lunch… or dinner…or toss together sliced fresh fruits… to lighten up… and eat more healthy.
BABY LETTUCE SALAD with AVOCADO DRESSING
serves 6
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces mixed baby greens
1/2 very ripe avocado… pitted
Puree the avocado… oil…lime juice… shallot…sugar…salt… and pepper in a blender. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the greens… and toss until coated well. Serve…and enjoy!
… FOR YOUR HEART
There is nothing more uplifting than nature… so each day… make a positive choice to sit outside and enjoy the warm sunshine on your face… and take a brisk walk. Your attitude will be happy… and your health will also benefit.
It is so much fun to get into the kitchen and make your very own spa and skin products. Here is one that is easy… affordable… and a recipe that you will love… be sure to make some for your family and friends as well!
FOAMING VANILLA HONEY BATH
Honey is great for your skin and will leave your skin silky smooth.
1 cup almond oil… or olive oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup liquid soap (organic)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Mix all ingredients well… and then pour into a clean and dry glass bottle or jar (recycled)… with a tight fitting lid. To use… shake before using. Pour 1/4 cup into bathtub… while you are running the water. Soak and enjoy!
Makes enough of this yummy bath treatment for 8 baths.