In the Garden: Gardenias

Despite watering and pulling weeds, the garden has pretty much been abandoned since February when I began putting the course together. (I really need to find a gardener to help out!) In the meantime the gardenias, both here and at my mothers, have started their bloom cycle which means a 2016 gardenia enfleurage is underway.

When I swap the big fragrant gardenia flowers out I put the spent ones in a bowl in the kitchen to infuse the air with their fragrance.  Its amazing how long the scent of those big, leathery flowers will last and change over time.

Spring Flowers

Spring flowers begin blooming here in Los Angeles in January with our native white ceanothus. The little sky blue, rosemary flowers on our back slope usually start up at this time as well, which begins to hum with the sounds of busy bees. The cascade of colors then slowly ebbs its way in with the blue ceonothus, also referred to as California lilac. The photo above is the one on our front slope which is very happy.

Although we had a bit of rain in the early part of the new year elemental water has become scarce once again, with only a few sprinkles now and then. It sure would be helpful to have more rain before we go into the dry, hot months looming around the corner.

I've been so immersed with assembling all the bits and pieces for the Art of Botanical Perfume online course and making/fulfilling perfume orders that most other aspects of life have dropped away. The content for the course includes both written material and video. Although the footage for each module was shot and a first draft of the edits sent over, Greg has been sweetening this footage with his artistry.

Only Modules 1-4 have been released so far, mostly as written content, the videos are being added slowly as Greg finishes them up. The kit I designed with Eden Botanicals is now complete and were sent to students last week. Modules 5, 6 and 7 will be released on April 17th..with or without the corresponding videos.

One of the students sent in this note to Jade today, who then forwarded it to me:

"I am doing the art of botanical perfumery with Roxana Villa. And it's absolutely beautiful.  Hands down one of my favorite courses ever. And I have taken a lot. I love all the sensory stimulation writhing the course and extra credit pieces. I'm so glad you have brought this to your course menu."

Notes such of these make all the hard work so much lighter. I mentioned to Greg that when we are complete with all this a vacation is certainly on the horizon.

Thus, my absence here at the journal is due to the overwhelming amount of work involved with launching a sensory rich course. The challenge with detail oriented / perfectionist people like Greg and I, is that we have high ideals. In the end its a good thing but in the middle is the worst. One of the students sent me this note after reading my apology regarding the delay in including the videos with the launch of each Module.

"You need Chaos in your Soul to give birth to a Dancing Star." 

~ Nietzsche

Refresh

Part of the inherent impetus of the new season is the urge to purge on multiple levels, most often referred to as Spring cleaning. For me, the purification impulse has been directed at my website and the studio. To the website I changed the opening slide show and added some more content and photos to the "Who is Roxana" link from the About page.

In the meantime, I submitted my site to Peek for an evaluation. I was aware that whoever I received to critique the site might not be my niche market, but, I figured I had nothing to lose. Here is the link to the review if you would like to check it out. I feel pretty lucky with the person who took the time to look at my site, she clearly had no troubles moving through the links and the information.

Thus, I must be on the right track. If you feel the website could use something added to it please send me a note, I really appreciate all the feedback from the best fans and customers in the whole world. One of the things I've been considering doing is adding a new slide show every month or season, what do you think?

The Return of Persephone

Spring is officially here embarking on the time of rebirth, all things new, vital and green. The energetic impulse of the season births forth from the earth through the flowers. Everything feels fresh and alive. It's a playful time of year when we emerge from hibernation and begin peeling away what no longer serves. We come out of the darkness, shed our woolens and match the radiance of the sun with an inspired outlook on life and new vision.

These characteristics are more obvious in Northern climates, than in temperate zones like here in the City of Angels where we dwell in a more monotone climate. Never the less, we do can "feel" the energy of the season and can visibly see it in the blooming California poppies and other natives displaying their seasonal beauty.

Ah, which reminds me, the Theodore Payne Foundation will be having their Poppy Day Spring Sale of native plants and their spectacular once a year Garden Tour.

For some interesting insights about the energetics of Spring in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), check out this post by Jennifer Raye on her blog.

Figure 1: Noir is a moist, loamy earth of perfume of early Spring compared to say the fresh greens in Hedera helix or Gracing the Dawn that embody her in full bloom mode. Where as Blossom, Lyra, Rosa, Cimbalom and Chiaroscuro are the waning of Spring and Summer. However, your intuition always trumps knowledge (in my opinion), follow your nose and go with what "feels" most appropriate for your self.

The opening image that accompanies this post is a painting by Lord Frederick Leighton of the mythological figure Persephone as she returns from her time in the underworld. The second image is a photo Greg took of Gwen Cunningham which illuminates Hedera helix, which is now ready as a liquid!

Spring Fever

Thursday was Greg's birthday. Since he is so busy finishing up his retrospective book and working on illustrating a Comic and a Tarot deck, spending the time celebrating was not on his agenda. Thus instead he conceded to a birthday lunch somewhat locally.

The delicious uber-healthy lunch was followed by a bit of spontaneity. It all began with observing that the structure that the restaurant was in would be a great location for a perfume studio, thus we began exploring which led us to a gelato store which led to a bit of antiquing.

A short, local lunch turned into a fun adventure that I am yearning for more of, I think I have a case of Spring fever.

Renewal

Renewal and vitality have arrived on the navigational winds of Spring, mainly due to the unseasonal rain we were graced with last week. Here in this terrestrial ecoregion known as the California chaparral we tend to get our biggest rainfall in the Autumn. The City of Angels this past Autumn was abysmally bleak of elemental water.

Then, just when things were looking pretty bleak for the Spring blooms and forage for the honey bee, the rains came. Unseasonal and quite welcome, we were graced with April showers. The rain seems to have woken the garden fairies or perhaps washed the dust out of my eyes to perceive them.


All the different native sages in the garden have finally started flowering, while my beloved Apiana (bee) sage and Matilija poppies are starting to grow tall. The wild woodland roses I moved up slope in the Autumn are super happy in their new location. I can tell because they have lots of new siblings from underground runners. The new location, away from the sandstone rocks and Eucalyptus roots has allowed them to stretch their legs. Fingers crossed for some of their beautiful pink flowers later this Spring.

Like last year at this time of year I am seeing lots of volunteer plants most likely due to the increase in visits from the pollinators and local fauna. As instructed by the Theodore Payne Foundation I leave the seed heads on the plants for the birds and trim them off later when they are empty.


In the last year I planted more native sages, some pretty white roses, a helichrysum from Australia (pictured above) and cistus down among where the roses were. Its take the roses some time to get acclimated, unlike the natives that although slow growing adapt perfectly to the difficult clay terrain.


Meanwhile, I have been re-shooting some of the photos of the ever multiplying illuminated perfume collection. Although anyone and everyone seems to call their perfumes "natural" these days, despite what they are made with, I am incorporating a more natural Darwinian feel to some of the imagery. Weaving all my artistic talents to more fully illuminate our natural, botanical world.

Photos ©Roxana Villa

The Month of the Spring Goddess

A very Happy Veneralia: Day of Venus to each of you on this first day of April the month which was named Eostre Monath by the Anglo Saxons after "Eastre or Eostre" the Goddess of Dawn or Spring.

"Eostre is generally said to be an Anglo-Saxon Goddess associated with the renewal of life: Spring (season), fertility and the hare (for its quick and numerous reproduction). Eostre has been made to be a "goddess of Dawn" by modern writers, improvising on the theme of Eos; there is no sanction for this aspect in any historical document or ancient tradition. Though it has been said that she was sometimes depicted with a hares head, no authentic animal-headed deities appear in Germanic or Celtic cult objects. And, perhaps for good reason, there is no Celtic depiction of an Eostre whatsoever. Most likely the name of the Spring Goddess was lost and the name "Eastre" was substituted in the transcriptions of the 8th century. Other names given to her include Ostare, Ostara, Ostern, Estre, Eostre, Eoster, Eostra, Eostur, Eastra, Eastur, Austron, and Ausos."- edited from Wikipedia

Many of the attributes associated with this Goddess which I have listed below appear to be from contemporary Western neopagan traditions. I suggest working with what "feels" right to you and honoring the many varied festivals and traditions on our multifaceted planet. Here in the wooded hills we begin to see the bunnies at this time of the year, thus, the mythology that the Goddess of Spring was associated with rabbits fits quite nicely.

I'm rather liking the idea of Alice of the WonderLand as a modern icon of the Spring Goddess Eostre. She's fesity, very brave, smart, witty and has a great sense of adventure. And Mia of course, portrays her so perfectly.

Colors: White, green, pastels
Associated symbols: Rabbit, egg
Best day to work with: Monday
Best Moon phase: Full Strongest around Ostara
Suitable offerings: hard-boiled eggs, honey cakes, first fruits of the season
Associated Planet: Moon

The full moon for this month arrives on Friday April 6th, it will be in the astrological sign of Libra and is called The Pink Moon. The name is in reference to the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month’s celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn.


This month we are wondering in a forest of Alder wood. According to the modern neopagan Ogham calendar, it is the fourth month called "Fearn" (Alder) falling between March 18 - April 14. The Alder is associated with protection and courage. Steve Blamires, my favorite Ogham scholar, refers to the Alder period as one to find the strength to face things you have been avoiding.

The Song of the Alder Fairy
by Cicely Mary Barker

By the lake or river-side
Where the Alders dwell,
In the Autumn may be spied
Baby catkins; cones beside —
Old and new as well.
Seasons come and seasons go;
That's the tale they tell!
After Autumn, Winter's cold
Leads us to the Spring;
And, before the leaves unfold,
On the Alder you'll behold,
Crimson catkins swing!
They are making ready now;
That's the song I sing!

Reference:
Pagan News
Pagan Book of Hours
Farmers Almanac

Images:
Mia Wasikowska as Alice in Wonderland
Alder Photo by Phillip of Halifaxlight on Flickr

Spring has Sprung!

Green is the color of the day on this blessed Vernal Equinox. In celebration I have two special items to share with you all. First, a review of Hedera helix by the very articulate Elena Vosnaki author at Perfume Shrine. Sometimes I feel like much of the artistry and subtleties that go into my work go unnoticed, not today, Elena sees it all. Hop onto a dandelion seed and transport yourself over to her blog for a delightful read and a giveaway.

Roxana Illuminated Perfume Hedera Helix at Perfume Shrine

Chaparral® has been selected as one for the featured perfumes in a special "Scent Dinner" taking place at the Woodward Garden in San Francisco. Chef Dana Tommasino and author Alyssa Harad will present a series of "scent courses" inspired by the artistry of California perfumers designed to wake up your nose, your palate and your imagination.


When Alyssa first contacted me she shared that her initial concept of only showcasing SF perfumers was stretched to include my work because she is such a fan. In the beginning phases it wasn't determined if they would select Chaparral® or GreenWitch. In one of the notes from Alyssa she mentioned, "Greenwitch is such an incredible green/savory/briny perfume that it lends itself to food. I've been writing "translations" for Dana and the one for Greenwitch involved black forbidden rice, seaweed, a raw oyster on the half shell and flying fish roe (all of this will get blogged about eventually). No idea what she'll come up with in the end but she did say she loves forbidden rice (me too!)." In the end Chaparral® won out over GreenWitch for the magical evening, just as well me thinks since this event does transpire within the aromatic landscape that inspired Chaparral®.

I'm thrilled to be part of this very creative exchange and look forward to reading more. Alyssa was very generous and sent me an advanced copy of her upcoming book Coming to My Sense: A Story of Perfume, Pleasure and an Unlikely Bride. Every night before bed I savor a chapter of this delicious book. The release is scheduled for July 2, 2012.


GreenWitch was begun way back in 2006 along with several chords that are featured within her framework. The fragrance took many twists and turns along the road to completion to ultimately launch on March 20, 2010. Find links about her construction here. Watch for the Greenwitch!


Now, lets take the Jasmin sambac hydrosol out of the fridge, pour it into a crystal goblet and welcome Flora in her beautiful new emerald cape and entourage of flowers. Cheers!

IMAGES
Opening painting Le Printemps (Springtime) by Pierre Auguste Cot French, 1837 - 1883, Perfume photos ©Roxana Villa, GreenWitch illumination ©Greg Spalenka, Closing image: Flora: Spring in the Gardens of the Villa Borghese by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema Dutch, 1836 - 1912

Daily Dose of Green

Today's theme is green as I am going to filter the new batch of Hedera helix liquid and am making more GreenWitch. I smell very Spring-like and fresh, nice contrast for winter gloom.


The plant photos were taken at our local nursery called Sperling, the pinned bug is from our collection.

Images ©RoxanaVilla

In the Pink

"Earth laughs in flowers."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Hamatreya

Sprung

The warm, sunny weather got me out into the garden to do some much needed clean up and weeding. While there, in the midst of green and the smell of the earth I noticed abundant signs of Spring. The sage is blooming, the birds and bees are out in droves, new natives have sprouted on the front slope, the violets are once again blooming and the Matilja poppy plant looks like it will give us flowers this year.


In the studio things are crazy and in a states of flux and chaos. I have multiple perfume projects going on along with the daily task of promotion/marketing, ordering supplies, making and packing perfume, accounting, etc., etc. It's a wonder creativity has a chance to sneak into the panorama, but, the muse is present and has planted many ideas into the fertile spaces of my mind.


Although I only mentioned a few perfume and product launches for the year, many are under way and will appear on the horizon shortly. I'm keeping much of these under wraps until actual debut.

In the meantime, today I have the book keeper coming by and a bounty of orders to get out, thus, I wish you all a beautiful day from the sunny and warm City of Angels.

Scents That Sing "Spring!"

"And frosts are slain and flowers begotten, And in green underworld and cover Blossom by blossom the spring begins." ~ Algernon Charles Swinburne from When the Hounds of Spring

It's Fragrant Friday and I am thinking about Scents that Sing Spring, which for me are primarily of green to both nose and vision, especially after a good healthy dose of rain. It's the color and scent of fresh grass, leaves and new life. Each day I hear the birds chirping their happy little tunes which provides a nice musical score while I write or formulate perfumes.

Spring has Sprung

Spring has sprung early here in the City of Angels. As I sit in the studio typing this post the birds outside are singing a sweet song. Last week while watering the sages, and  other natives in the garden I noticed some quite a lot of flowers starting up. Both my Lavandula angustafolia  and Salvia cleveandii have flowers. How very appropriate as the new edition of Vera debuts in these next few days.

On Sunday Greg and I spent the day weeding in the garden. It was fantastic to get my hands in the dirt once more and inhale the artemesia and sages. How I adore the aromas of the chaparral! In the garden the top performers have been Artemesia californica, Salvia cleveandii and Salvia apiana. Regrettably the Ceonothus, California lilac, have not done well at all. I've tried several varieties and still they have been a challenge. This is particularly distressing as it is the main plant that was chosen when I took the California native plant landscape design class over at Theodore Payne Foundation. Carol Bornstein warned us that normally two out of three natives that you plant will die. In the case of the Ceonothus it has been much more. No bother, I'll just focus on the Sages and see if the Ceonothus prefer pots or a different location on the hillside. Many of the neighbors in the area have Ceonothus in their gardens, so I know it will do well in the area. it may just be a water or soil challenge.

The native roses down at the bottom of the slope seem to be doing well, although they look a bit straggly. I'm contemplating putting them in pots and planting something different in their place, like the artemesia and sages. I heard someone in my bee group mention that the honey bees really like the cleveandii, thus I may be focusing on that one as well. Hmmm, native sage honey, what a treat!

Bunnies, Eggs and Mythical Creatures

Happy Easter! The origins of the word Easter are found in the ancient Saxon Lunar Goddess known as Eostre and Norse Goddess Ostara. In both these traditions, as well as those of the Greeks and Egyptians we find the symbolic use of eggs and bunnies. These images, along those of flowers, birds and resurrection are all pagan references to the advent of Spring and rebirth.

We took a walk up the street and into the mountains yesterday afternoon. I was curious to see what plants are currently flowering in the Chaparral. The Oaks have just finished flowering and are now quite green and robust. Many little baby oaks are sprouting in the queerest of places, thanks to the oak fairies, aka squirrels. I encountered a plethora of blue ceanothus in a front garden. The sage has not started blooming, yet looks poised to do so. During our walk, on a whim, we decided to take a different trail from the norm. To our great surprise we came to a fenced clearing that had about ten goats! We are assuming they are their as natural land mowers to clear brush in the Park land. As we approached they all rushed over, greeting us with their merry bleats. It felt appropriate to come across the lovely family of goats at the Vernal Equinox when we bow to the splendor of nature. Pan is the Greek God of the woods and fields, as well as flocks. He is depicted as half man half goat and considered the personification of nature. I am especially found of the portrayal of Mr. Tumnus, by James McEvoy, in the film version of The Chronicles of Narnia. McEvoy is so great at expressing deep emotion, most especially in the film Atonement.

I’m off to work in the garden, followed by another walk in the woods at sunset today with some friends. Perhaps today we will spot some of our local bunnies and quails.

Images: The two engravings are from old books which I've cleaned up and put on parchment. The photo of the goat was taken yesterday when we came across the flock here in our mountains.

Spring

Everything is blooming most recklessly;
if it were voices instead of colors,
there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night.
~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

Spring has most definitely sprung here in the Santa Monica Mountains. The little chickadees are out in mass, bunnies abound and the Oaks are blooming! In fact, I don't think I've ever seen the Oaks bloom like they are now. So along with all the wonders of Spring, allergies have hit in full force. (Yuck!) It's also time for Spring cleaning, or re-organizing in my case. The studio is in complete chaos at the moment as I get rid of old art supplies and re-structure the space to accommodate my vast collection of aromatics.

It's super busy here to with six custom perfumes, orders and a new perfume ready to release in the next month and upcoming classes. I've created an amber type chord I am currently calling "DIRT", its not fresh, vegetative dirt, more like desert rain dirt. Two of the perfumes I've been working on were in need of something like this. The aromatic profile is so terrific, I can see wearing it on its own. Alright, it is not technically a true perfume, but heck, it sure smells delightful and perfectly in tune with the season. A botanical perfume chord for planting ones seeds of manifestation.

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.
~ Margaret Atwood

Happy Birthday to my beloved Greg, today marks his half centennial existence on our lovely blue planet. Time to make merry and prepare for the numerous celebrations that await! The illustration above is one of his digital images, originally created for the Laguna Art Institute.
©Greg Spalenka www.spalenka.com

Roxana Illuminated Perfume™