Ojai Summer Weekend ...

As you can see, dog-sitting in Ojai for Lucy and Stella, my sister's Labradoodles, was quite strenuous! Lucy has calmed down since her antics of last summer! I managed to make it to my pastel workshop on Saturday as well as going to my favorite used bookstore Bart's Books, before the thundershowers hit. (It's indoor/outdoor!) Plus a few other delights ...

Some weekends just feel like summer ...

Watching the veggies grow ...

Picking some herbs ...

and fruit from my parents trees ...

Enjoying an evening with an old friend ...

Having henna'd feet ...

Figs and blue cheese ...

Brie and honey ...

Enjoying the moment ...

and knowing how blessed I am.

"It is essential sometimes to go into retreat,

to stop everything that you have been doing,

to stop your experiences completely and look at them anew,

not keep on repeating them like machines.

You would then let fresh air into your mind. Wouldn’t you?

This place must be of great beauty with trees, birds, and quietness,

for beauty is truth and truth is goodness and love."

~J. Krishnamurti

Henna

The sun is finally out!  I don't want to jinx it or anything but when the sun comes out, it's time to break out the henna. (It's easier to show off when you aren't all bundled up!)  The first time I had mehndi done was in Pakistan in 1997!  I loved it and eventually started doing it myself for friends and parties. Henna is used for all sorts of medicinal purposes and is said to have spiritual properties as well.  Someone spiritual guru once told me that babies can even see the designs from inside the belly!  

Anyway, there is something that feels very ritualistically romantic about doing mehndi  ... very "Red Tent" and I just think it's beautiful. (Mehndi feet are ultra sexy)  These are a few I did a couple of years ago...

I am not currently doing events but if you are looking and are out west, check out this fabulous chick I know!  Her name is Merritt and she cant be found at Party Henna.  I just love her.