It’s true-I admire many varieties of olfactory experience, and welcome them all.

[They enrich my life immeasurably!]

 

But my deepest self, my very being craves those elixirs which emanate light and warmth – Expansive aromas whose scented tendrils envelop me and my dear ones with generosity,

perfumes with open arms and open hearts.

I thirst for them like I do triple meter, they vibrate with a sense of consummation.

Ayurvedically speaking, you would think that a fiercely warm-blooded, predominantly pitta type such as I would desire coolness to balance myself; I do, sometimes.

I have my moments- but not now.

NOW, I yearn for communion with the season of brilliant melancholy, abundant harvest, home, and quiet reflection.

 

 

Care selve, ombre beate,

Vengo in traccia del mio cor!

 

Beloved forests, blessed shadows- I come in search of my heart!

Yes, this is a Handelian perfume, one which inclines your ear and shatters your heart…

Divine in its simplicity, that simplicity which belies all the layers lurking beneath its lovely façade.

 

Much like a kaleidoscope or prism, I keep holding Palisander up to the light to examine it more closely, because it spans the tightrope between the sacred and the sensual with such deft, sure footing.

I am charmed every time I anoint myself; and deeply stirred.

Serena has created a classic in this melody of haunting sylvan beauty.

Early on in our friendship, I mused that Serena possessed real genius with woody bases; her response was that they were among her most favorite things- and it surely shows, doesn’t it?

 

Brazilian rosewood is the Empress in Palisander, as well she ought to be.

She chooses Japanese Hiba wood as her consort, a member of the cypress family with a sweet cedar like timbre.

Hand in glove, their intense woodiness- sweet in itself- is flattered by the addition of delicate musk, tender amber and incense.

Vetiver carols a balsamic welcome; pink pepper and cinnamon inflame by means of scented sorcery.

The texture of this fragrance has taken on a sumptuous density, decadent yet contemplative.

As I write, I’m deeply appreciative of the soothingly sensuous aspect of Palisander on my arm; it radiates such delicious warmth, it makes me sigh audibly…

 

Many hours ago it was my companion in yoga, as I submerged myself in my practice with complete absorption and fervor; tonight, it will accompany the preparation of a savory meal, and the rolling out of butter-crust pie dough with the last Honeycrisps from the orchard as I bake with our eldest 😉

 

When sweet repose descends, Palisander will winsomely slip between the cobalt and white sheets, pretty as you please- coloring my Full Moon dreams with woodland delight.

 

Is this not ample?

What more could one ask of a perfume?

Sweet Serenochka has offered a 15 ml. bottle of her Palisander eau de parfum to a fortunate reader. In order to qualify for this draw, tell us about your favorite Ava Luxe perfume, what struck an 'accord' in Ida's Review or your favorite opera singerand why you want to win Palisander.We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize wil be just spilled perfume. Draw ends Oct 14, 2011 EST .

 

 

–Ida Meister, Natural Perfume and Senior Editor

 

Editor's Note:  Peter Paul Rubens (June 28, 1577 – May 30, 1640) was a prolific seventeenth-century Flemish Baroque painter, and a proponent of an exuberant Baroque style that emphasized movement, color, and sensuality. He was probably born in Cologne Germany.  Ahhh fate has brought perfume, Palisander and Rubens together