I’m postponing my Adventures of Nawt for a week because I’ve found an incredibly talented cartoonist, a reader’s husband, and he’s working on a drawing for the next episode, and I just can’t do it without that drawing — it’s my inspiration!! Wait until you see it, it’s hysterical. I’m going to put his art up on a t-shirt, etc., because it’s that good – I want it on everything in my house because it makes me laugh as it demonstrates our common obsession — you’ll see! BTW, I did make a little Cafe Press shop where you can get the Let Us Spray… things on clocks, mousepads, hot pads, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. I did order some myself, I couldn’t resist — the link is over on the left, if anyone is interested. Now, I do have other coffee mugs on order from a place that does a great job with them, but it’s going to be another couple of weeks before I get them. But back to the cartoon, I love it when a plan unexpectedly comes together.
We are off to spend some time in Kansas with my mom and family — we do the grave crawl, which the only thing that can be worn for that is Cradle of Light with a little Black March — and mom has a little procedure to be done on her foot next week, so I’m staying, after sending the family back, to take her to her doc’s appointment and then bringing her back home with me for a few days. Do I think you guys care about that? You don’t? 🙁
So while I’m waiting on some interesting stuff to get here, like the Spendy Sacred Tears, what are you guys wearing right now, old or new, that’s tripping your trigger, floating your boat, melting your shake? I’m sorta in a Diorissimo rut these days, we are having a mad, passionate spring fling, though I occasionally cheat with Diorling parfum (when I’m feeling moody and all difficult). When I’m not hitting that, it’s violet and narcissus and dirt. Has anyone tried those Brunos? And? Come on, I’m dying for info. I ordered a couple unsniffed, the Sballo because someone said “mostly hay,” and I had an out of body experience, and I don’t remember a thing until I came to staring at a Luckyscent “Thank you for your Order!” screen.
We’ll be off Monday enjoying the holiday. We always do the grave crawl in Kansas every Memorial Day. It has become one of those traditions that it hurts to miss. It is that moment to pause and to remember all those before me, in a line from the gate to the fence, and those that will come after me. To borrow from Chesterton, “Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about.” That’s how I always feel in the cemetery on Memorial Day, part of something bigger, in the company of all my fellow human beings, whether living or dead.
All our love!
Patty, March, Lee and Bryan
Thank you Ellen, you are always so welcoming and sweet – you can borrow anything you want.
Wishes are prayers for the non-religious – and my best wishes are with your mother.
Can’t wait for the next illustrated installment.
As a perfume newbie, I’m still happily working my way through a shedload of samples ordered in my quest for the perfect spring scent. I desperately want to find something that gives my spirit wings. I haven’t found it yet but Jo Malone French Lime Blossom layered with Diptyque Olene is close.
Why, oh why, when what I want is a flighty floral, do my skin and nose keep telling me spice and incense – Piper Nigrum, Avignon, Kyoto, Douce Amere and even that silly Crazilibellule Encens Mystic all adore me. I feel like Scarlett O’Hara, yearning after Ashley Wilkes when I could have Rhett for the taking.
Jayne, I think you’ve captured well a feeling we all get from time to time — maybe especially often as perfumistas! I love your use of the word “shedload” as opposed to something similar sounding but much more vulgar that we say in the States. Wonder whether I can borrow that without sounding affected? It sounds so cool when you say it! :d –Ellen
Yay!!! It’ll be illustrated!!! :d So glad you found someone to do it – this is gonna be great. Can’t wait.
P, if you’re mom is anything like you, then I’m positive she’ll breeze through the op. Just in case, I’m sending warm hugs to both of you. Will be missing you much… >:d< >:d< Now more than ever I am grateful to you for the Carons - let's just say that what others feel as a dark and heavy Caron base is for me i.v infusion. Heavenly. And of course, Erin just HAD to send me Le Troiseme Homme (a new HG). I'm loving it these days... Erin, too. Luv ya :x:x:x
Dusan: Love ya back. Just got your package later this week – I’m sorry, I’ve been meaning to email you. Sorry about the Third Man – but I’m glad you enjoy it! Every so often I forget how much I like it, take it out and give it a wearing and think: “Geesh! How could I forget about this?!”
Erin: No worries about the email, take your time! I’ve been meaning to write you one myself about how you’ve brought new HGs into my life 😡 The Third Man – oh, man! It’s gorgeous. The rest is just as lovely and potentially Grail-ish… You should work as a scent profiler, you know! ^:)^
So glad the package finally arrived! Can’t wait to hear if there’s anything you like in particular…
Hugs >:d<
Yes, Patty, I do care how your mother is doing! My wishes are for a speedy recovery!
Despite the 90 degree temperatures, I found myself reaching for my Juozas Statkevicius decant I just received a few days ago. I think the Jasmine in it keeps it from being too heavy for warm weather.
Thank you!!! Incense tends to work really, realy well in the summer, surprisinlyg so!
How crazy?! I got a decant of Diorissimo (from Patty, natch) and am crazy mad for it!
Isn’t Diorimssimo divine?!!? Oh, how I love that thing, it is the perfect May scent. I’m hoping I tire of it by June because I hate putting on the same things over and over just because I’m all in a kerfuffle about them.
Oh gawd I am such a pinhead! I got the Dior from Nancy (Fishbone96)
I’m going to have to remember to write these things down..
I do hope your mom is well..
Ofcourse we care, Patty!..Hope you have a wonderful time with your family.
These days, I am wearing Coup de Fouet and loving it. Even on days when its too warm for it (like yesterday was) and I am wearing a lighter perfume, I save a spot on my wrist for CdF..I definitely need a bottle.
Oh, I know you guys do! 🙂
You know, carnation seems to be a theme for this spring. I need to pull out my coup and poivre and see which one will work. I love them both for different reasons.
Ohhh, Patty-
You are RIGHT ON about the Sballo.
I felt the same way, believe me.
We’re not gonna talk about this stuff now…I’ve made a VOW.
I hope your mama does well.
I’ll say prayers for her healing, infidel though I appear,
I’m really a thoroughly, and revoltingly religious cracked vessel of the Divine [whatever the hell THAT means…]
Love you, girl.
Be well.
I think you are absolutely perfect just as you are. Love you back!!!
What, no hay fragrances for you?!?!? I’m bereft!
::twitching:: Are you getting some Les Larmes?????
I’ve been nutty for Jasmin de Nuit lately. Can’t get enough of it. I wore Poivre yesterday, and that really, really hit the spot — I may repeat that today. Waiting on a new bottle of Amoureuse to come, too, which means now that I know my supply is being renewed I’ll probably feel free to start hitting the nearly-empty bottle pretty hard.
Yes, I am! spending les larmes holy tears thing. I can’t wait. For what they charged me to ship the thing, I think I could have bought a plane ticket instead.
Really – that’s Harrods for you – always on the lookout to make a fast buck or two.
Oh, dear. Just thought of a groaner. Does the fact that you decided not to continue the miniseries today but wrote a column anyway mean that it’s not All for Nawt? :-” –Ellen
or Nawt for All?! sort of Three Musketeer stylee! OK I’m going home now. Have a great weekend, Ellen, Patty, All! Nicola
It’s always all for Nawt, I’ve learned to love my little make-believe friend. 🙂
I’m mostly wearing L’Artisans these days. :d I’ve discovered I really love Patchouli Patch (the most wearable patch I’ve found), and I’m madly in love with Mure et Musc Extreme. Other than that, I’m also resniffing the Nouvelle Edition of Miller Harris. And also crazy about Fleur de Cassie by Frederic Malle. Have a good weekend! I’ll be working but we have the Basenotes crowd coming in tomorrow.
Oh, have fun!!! I can’t believe they’re doing that BN thing on Memorial DAy weekend, but you’ll have to tell us all about it! Get them out of their Creed rut. 🙂
I have some big expenses coming up but 10 items on my Full Bottle Worthy list. Managed to talk self into waiting on some (like T42 and Spiritus/Land) I crave more in the cold. But P di P Maestrale works on me in almost any weather. Salty desert rhubarb sounds disgusting, but I LOVE it. Had to restrain self from putting it on AGAIN today, what with all the unsniffed samples. Just ordered bottle from Luckyscent. What the heck — I’ll probably put in 15 or so hours of work over the long weekend, anyway. Oh, and Virgin Island Water loves me — coconut joy and lime relaxation — how many hours will I have to work to justify a bottle of that???
Patty, good luck to you & yours this weekend. Your lovely writing made me think of two things:
1) S.I. Hayakawa, the semanticist and Senator who totally turned my brain upside down in my late teens said something like, “All of human knowledge is gifts from the dead.”
2) I like it that us Jews put stones on a person’s grave, though the origin of the custom is kind of gross. (Think: keeping wild animals away.) There’s a scene at the end of “Schindler’s List” when the people Schindler saved (and their descendants?) file past his grave, each leaving a stone on his grave in respect. Makes me shivery to remember it. –Ellen
Who makes the Maestrale? I’m not getting the P di P? Big brain warp there!
you need to get a split going of a monster VIW. I love that thing for summer. There are so many great summer scents out now.
What a great quote, I’m keeping that one. That’s how I always see time and people, and that ignoring the lessons of our parents and grandparents, etc., is a huge mistake.
I love the rock on the grave tradition too. I might just snag one to take to my dad’s grave, he’d appreciate that.
Oops. P di P is Profumi di Pantelleria. The only other thing of theirs I’ve tried is the very pleasant Dammuso. Perhaps they are another overlooked line. (So many Nicolais are nice to me, but not heartthrobbingly so.) Yep, I absolutely need to get proper decanting supplies so I can do bottle splits, because it’s outrageous that if you buy the HUGE bottle of VIW, the price per ounce drops from almost $100 to a bit over $40! BTW, pebbles are considered OK, since it’s just symbolic. –Ellen
All the best for an uncomplicated op and recovery for your mum, Patty. I’m well and truly into my summer favs right now (see a couple of days ago) although today I’m wearing Bandit (and the forecast for this weekend is such that I think I will be back to autumn/winter favs!). Last night I was in Selfs and dithering over TF Azuree soleil stuff (Ok, sorry about the spelling)and then decided that what I really wanted was the original Azuree – they didn’t have it in stock dammit and it was only £25! bargain! I’m going back at the end of June when they should be stocked up.
Thank you!
That reminds me, I need to dig my Azuree oil out, it’s time for it! Though I think I love the CB at the Beach a little more generally, the Azuree has a softness that’s really, really lovely.
Love to your mom, P.
In spite / Because of the humidity we’re having here right now, I’m craving something sultry and a little naughty (scentwise). I can’t yet put my finger on what it is…
Thanks, Lee! I think you need to go ahead and go for the Nuit Noire.
I’m doing the whole Diorella thing pretty heavily right now. I can’t stop reaching for it. But when I’m not wearing that I’m wearing Simply.
The whole cartoon bit sounds cool and I’m glad you set up a Cafe Press shop, I’m going to go check it out later on.
Have a sweet weekend! 🙂
The green monster?!?! You are brave!!! 🙂 Diorelle is a wonderfully crafted perfume, just not my favorite or probably one I’ll ever find myself wearing much… tooo green. 🙂
Indult Tihota (the vanilla one) really rocked my world. I normally put my vanillas away in the warm weather, but this one is absolutely perfect: not too sweet – just a comforting hug that doesn’t smell like you doused yourself in Duncan Hines cake batter. I absolutely love it.
Enjoy your weekend off, and best of luck to your mom, Patty. 🙂
That Tihota is the closest thing to a vanilla I’d buy that I’ve come. I’ve always thought vanilla lovers would be just over the moon for it.
Thanks!!
I hope your mother heals up fast. (I almost said “heels” up fast, ha).
I keep pulling out the wedding type scents – you know the florals, especially Creed Love In White. And then I put them away and dab on Cuir de Russie, which I’m smitten with (thank you!). I think that’s the very small part of me that thought that a leather dress covered in buckles would have been a perfectly viable alternative to near-white satin. Though after this Sunday I will have to think beyond the wedding (because it will be blessedly over), which I’m pretty gosh darn excited about!
Oh, Abigail, YAY! Hope it is a wonderful day! What perfume DID you decide to wear? Gosh, I don’t think I’ve had a “Big Day” since I became a perfume addict, so haven’t had the experience of trying to match the perfect scent to the once-in-a-lifetime experience. You know we’ll all want to hear about it, particularly how you & others smelled! :d –Ellen
Congratulations, Abigail! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Abigail, congrats on your upcoming wedding!!! All our best for a happy and blessed marriage.
How cool about the cartoonist! Can’t wait! 🙂
Am basically mainlining rose scents, but am also obsessing over Mayottte, Cradle of Light, Jatamansi (the ideal scent for sleep) and vintage Azuree these days. Oh, and, as always, my beloved Diors.
Hope your mom’s surgery goes well.
Thanks, L! I still can’t believe I put off trying CoL for so long because of its price point. I’m not sure how I’d get along without it. It’s become my go-to scent on days when I want something deep and adorable.
Well, this is old news, of course, but I am still DEEPLY hung up on Moss Breches. I have been wearing it much more than I usually wear any one scent. And another new purchase, FM Une Rose (see PST). Also Noir Epices (sometimes with Une Rose, sometimes on its own) and PdN Maharadjah. Today is going to be a scorcher, so I will pull out my MeB #3, with Louise. It IS easy being green! 🙂 I really want to know about those Brunos, too! I know Christina said she tried some. . . Feedback? And I guess I must try the tears, if possible–though I’m pretty sure I’m going to Paris with the sniffa, so I’m trying to conserve a bit!:-“
Best of luck to your mother with her surgery! All good wishes.
Are you going on the Paris Sniffa? I almost did, but decided it was a really bad time to go, plus I plan to go in the fall, and two trips this years sounded excessive. You guys will have a great time!!!
I THINK we are–we are still talking about it, but chances are your chances are. . . pretty good! I wish you were coming–that would certinaly help me make the decision!
Oh, I loved those grave crawls as a kid — lugging the buckets of roses from home, finding the water pumps, finding Aunt and Uncle Whosit … usually on some heartbreakingly sunny day with the smell of fresh cut grass in the background. Wow, I am getting one of those surreal smell-o-vision things just thinking about it. Anyway, have a great time on your trip.
You cracked me up with your out of body experience; how does that happen?:-?
I’ve been gardening, during which I’ve learned not to scent up or I’m a little too bee-friendly (bee-friended?) But I am enjoying the brand-new Fig-Tea, the older Bvlgari White Tea, and our very oldest friend, you and me and Petite Cherie…
All of those Bvlgari teas are awesome in the summer, which reminds me I need to pull them out!
We usually have to plow through mud to get to our cemetery. It’s out in the country in the middle of nowhere in Kansas, which is redundant, but it always rains Memorial Day weekend and leaves the roads a mud-dobbing mess. I love it!
Patty-we do care about your family and for mom-hope the surgery goes well and she mends speedily. Hold fast to dear ones.
I love cemeteries-not especially to visit relatives, but for the calm (love a foggy early morning there), and particularly the history of old, decrepit ones. The D.C area has some wonderful sites for reading carved-in names, and creating family stories. I need me some Black March, I think.
Current fragrance/s-anything figgy, esp. Nicolai + tea, and a new surprise hit on me-Lang’s Red Ginger. Oh-and Miiler/Bertaux #3. Totally greeeeeen, man-totally new color of scent for me.
Happy and safe holiday to all!
Oh, I know you guys care. I was joking.
GGG from M et Bertaux is a great, great green. Both it and Spiritus are pretty great all year round.
you do need black march. I prefer it in the water perfume for wearing because it will stick, but stick lightly, so I don’t feel like I’m tracking mud around with me. 🙂
Patty,
God bless you and yours. You have a knack for making the spritual touchable. I am blessed to know you.
I am flirting with the l’Art et la Matiere line that I have previously ignored. Mayotte, in all its luscious beauty, has me wrapped around its big white/yellow petals. Now I’m falling under Armani Privee’s spell too. I guess I’m kind of getting around. :”>
…in the fragrance world of course.
you do get around! 🙂
Have a great visit with your family Patty!
In honour of spring I have been wearing one of my fave department store standbys – Estee Lauder’s “Pleasures”. I know a lot of people loathe it, but it works well with my chemistry and is everything I love about floral fragrances – fresh dewy flowers mixed with sprigs of green.
I’m also wearing an oddball fragrance too. In honor of all the hawthorne trees displaying their beautiful scarlet blooms in my neighborhood, I have been wearing a little sample of “Josephine” by Parfumes Rance. It’s supposed to be a floral mixed with hawthorne and a touch of spice, but all I get is cloves and vanilla. No discernable hawthorne. I’m not even sure what hawthorne actually smells like, but hey, what the hell! :d
Thanks, C!
Pleasures just won’t work with mine, very few of the ELs do, unfortunately
I can’t wear any of the other Lauders either – the original Pleasures is the only one I’ve ever been able to get away with. Same goes for Lancome (with the exception of Attraction, which now has been pulled from North American shelves).
Patty, that was a beautiful meditation on tradition, and it is a beautiful tradition you and your family share. I hope your trip is very satisfying. Thanks for the Chesterton.
Current loves: Chanel No. 19, Bandit, and Guerlain Meteorites. Meteorites reminds me of the violet water my mother and aunt used to put in my hair when I was little.
Meteorites is one of those underappreciated great frags that deserves lots more love, and it’s dirt cheap!!!
Well, I am having an experience I never thought I would – I am really falling in love with Guerlains. Mostly due to some generously given samples of the hard-to-find stuff. I could drown in Violette de Madame and never complain. Also enamored of Mayotte. I could roll in Cuir Beluga like a puppy. Suddenly the Guerlinade is music to my nose. Not sure if this crush will ever attain the magnitude of my obsessions with Caron, Patou or Serge Lutens, but I finally “get it.” 😡
Guerlains do grow on you. I’ve found more and more that I love. I’m getting the Voilette de Madame pretty soon, along with the Hegemionne (sp), and I can’t wait to try them!
Nothing can take the place of my Caron love, though, it is deep and abiding. 🙂