The Perfect Bath

There is a word in Arabic that doesn't really translate perfectly to English. That word is 'sabr' and by some basic definition the word would simply mean patience, but a lot of the meaning remains lost as sabr is really something a bit deeper. In our culture we believe that good things will come to those who wait, and this may certainly be true, but sabr is a concept that takes a different perspective. The fact is that things will work out when they are supposed to work out even though we are all certain to endure difficult things in our lifetimes. However, there is a beautiful simplicity in finding happiness while you wait. Sabr seems to mean "don't just wait for better things to come, smile while you do so." A patient smile is much different than any other smile. It is a smile that is very compassionate and forgiving. It does not judge and it does not speak falsely. Some of the most patient people I've ever known have had the best smiles and I've...

Everybody around here knows about the cider mill and this time of year some of us autumn enthusiasts are beginning to sense the excitement already.  For those who hail from parts of the country that enjoy fall, a visit to the cider mill has become an essential tradition celebrated annually as soon as the leaves begin to show their true colors.  They are often accompanied by flowing streams, wood-covered bridges and bakeries that produce legendary donuts made from basic yet timeless recipes.  It's simply part of our narrative to enjoy the romances of falling leaves and hot cider while we take photos of our family next to the same tree every single year.  This is the essence with which Earth Berry Apothecary has lovingly crafted their latest soy candle as part of their new fall collection. The label is striking.  Recently I overheard a few friends talking about it at a party and the designer was praised for the intricacy of the rooftop of the mill and I think tha...

M'lady, Many long weeks have passed and the trees have begun to show the first signs of gold returning to their branches.  Each day the sun drifts ever so slightly farther and I am tortured by the light's mocking reflection, for each day is another without your embrace.  How foolish I am to say such words as we've never shared such a delicate embrace nor a touch of hands as this would be so forbidden.   You met me at the festival, our eyes did at least.  It was plain to see for all that you were the princess, dressed so colorfully and regal.  However, my own dress can be deceiving for I am nothing more than a peasant who had stumbled on fine clothing for one day of festivities.  It was I who has caused you such deception, my lady, but how I have waited to find you again. In my tiny hamlet there exists a small grove near the well where I sometimes go at night.  The stars have navigated my way to you but they have also taken me so far away.  At...

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In the vast collection of items available by Earth Berry Apothecary , there is one candle that I often overlook.  This is a forgivable offense in the eyes of the company's mysterious and talented creator because it's so easy to fall in love with any of her products.  Whenever I reach for a candle or a soap I always go for one or two of my favorites, and that is astonishing considering I have dozens to choose from every day.  The fact is that we find a product that speaks to us and we swear by it.  This is a recurring theme among the hundreds of satisfied customers who frequent our shop as it has become so obvious that all of us have favorites. If you haven't caught on by now, I live with the owner of the company and I play a humbly supportive role, yet it is her who is truly the soul of this operation.  That idea of favoritism among items is something I get to bear witness to when she is entertaining clients at our home shop.  I can see it in the eyes of ea...

A few lifetimes ago I lived in a beautiful part of Detroit not far from Midtown.  I was twenty when I moved into my first apartment and very accepting of my newfound sense of poverty.  It's true that I was just another middle class kid from the suburbs inserting himself back into the part of town which is forever feared by his parents, but I loved this narrative and had plans to find myself there.   There is a great simplicity to moving into your first apartment.  You live off of ramen noodles and learn quickly that nobody else will clean your dishes for you.  None of your furniture matches and you actually have bills to pay for the first time in your life.  It was in those days of a different time that I first stumbled on a mysterious headshop in my neighborhood called The Flying Dutchman.  It was only open two or three days a week and they sold djembe drums and tapestries among other items of recreational utilization.  This was all well and...