Comfort
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Comfort
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
.... it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer - one of those summers that come seldom into any life , but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going ......
~L.M. Montgomery [fr. Anne of Green Gables]
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English Lavender
Lavandulua augustofolia; L. officianlis, L. spica
Family : Labiatae
Boil a good handful of lavender flowers in enough water to cover for 10 minutes. Strain into the bath and have a long soak.
Sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil or a little good quality lavender water on your pillow to enhance the effect - and you will be asleep in no time.
~ John Parkinson, herbalist and apothecary to King James I (fr. Paradisus in Sole)
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This is the most widely grown and used lavender for cosmetics and scent. It has often considered to be the true lavender. The first cultivation of lavender was in 1568, although it is said the Romans brought lavender to the British Isles much earlier. The Romans used it in their baths: the word come from the Latin lavare meaning to wash. Once in England, the monks grew it in the monasteries. It was used as an insect repellent. In 14th century France, any cushions touching Charles VI had to be filled with lavender. The French began growing it for its perfume in the 17th century. It grows wild in the Mediterranean hillsides, in the Canary Isles, and in India.
Lavender is used for headaches and migraines; the oil can be rubbed into the temples or drink a tea made from the flowers. It is also used for burns, stings, nervous disorders, chest infections, and as a cough suppressant; also, throat infections, skin sores, inflammation, rheumatic aches, muscular aches, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. It has antiseptic qualities that help heal cuts. The oil kills diphtheria and typhoid bacilli; also streptucoccus and pneumonoccus.
Burning it on a low fire can perfume a room. Lavender sachets are used as a moth repellent. Oil in the bath can soothe and calm. In the kitchen, lavender is used for cookies and biscuits, in jellies and vinegars, and the flowers can be crystallized.
This herb was used against the Evil Eye in times long past, and legend has it that lions and tigers became docile with its scent.
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1.2 litres (2 pints) pure alcohol
1 T. oil of lavender
1 T. essence of bergamot
1 1/2 tsp. essence of ambergris
5-6 drops musk
Put all the ingredients into a bottle; shake well. Store 3 months before use to sooth and calm inflamed skin (or to tone normal skin).
~ Commonplace Book, 1813
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Source:
The New American Herbal [S.Orr]
The New Guide To Herbs [A. Clevely]
Jekka's Complete Herb Book [J. McIvar]
Country Wisdom [R. Richardson]
Folk Wisdom For A Natural Home [B.Pagram]
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This image of summertime comforts was taken on a summer's day in Lewes, Sussex, England, in the kitchen of the (former) home of Anne of Cleves.
Anne of Cleves was one of the more fortunate wives of King Henry VIII (the fourth wife); she was allowed to keep her head. Her marriage to the king was annulled after only six months, and the King provided her with a generous settlement. Part of their settlement was a 15th-century timber-frame house --- a property which she never visited.
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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :
Greeting Cards For All Occasions
Artists Cards,Fine Art Greeting Cards
10 Plus
Phenomenal Club
Uploaded
October 26th, 2016
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Viewed 429 Times - Last Visitor from Wilmington, DE on 04/19/2024 at 3:10 PM
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Comments (39)
Michael Mirijan
This delightful picture is featured on the Master page of the “PHENOMENAL CLUB” group, and may it be known, that the author is a full member of that exceptional group. Hearty congratulations to the great artist.
Slavica Stajic
Great image, pure delicacy....beautiful processing Connie
Connie Handscomb replied:
Good Morning, dear Slavica! Thank you for your ongoing kindness - I wish you a beautiful spring day! :)) 💐
Dave Farrow
Wow Connie, this is a very well done still life. It has such a warm and cozy feel to it and even a twinge of nostalgia. One can practically smell those sweet flowers. You may collect your gold medal at the podium. beautiful work my dear, totally sweet l.v.f.
Connie Handscomb replied:
I lost you, Dave! Wow ... time flies here , doesn't it? I love lavender, & I love cozy, & I love your lovely complimenting comment. I don't love being late, so I think I should try again for the gold medal; I think you should be awarded one for your patience! Thank you so much for your thoughtful words & support, kind sir!;))
Marsha Reeves
Connie, I love everything about this photograph--the well chosen objects, the lighting, the textures--I can almost smell the lavender. l/f
Rachel Morrison
It's fantastic. A wonderful space where you want to be. I love the light from this beautiful window and elements included.
Connie Handscomb replied:
Rachel, good morning! I just found your comment.. ; thank you so much! I love old cottages, lavender & sunlight .. I couldn't resist:))
Connie Handscomb
Nancy/Beth ... thank you! I've been away, returning now to tell you I truly appreciate your featuring this image in Artists Cards - Fine Art Greeting Cards :))
Petra Theodoridou
Marvelous image, Connie!!! It's truly comforting looking at this beautiful lavender window, so well done! LF
Joni Eskridge
Oh Connie, this is sooooo beautiful. I love the light, the composition, the perspective. That old window is such a lovely backdrop for the beautiful bowl of lavender. Wonderful in every way!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thankyou, Joni for your wonderful comment! So kind of you; so much was wrong with this image & then it turned out surprisingly well ; thank you again!;))
Michel Verhoef
You changed a potential harsh image into a beautiful and comforting image by your post processing...it is good that your thoughts on it just did not stop after pressing the shutter. Modern photography is more than that and I'm happy that you know how to deal with it 👏
Connie Handscomb replied:
You're right, Michel, the light wasn't great at all & I was actually at a distance (& disadvantage) yet I loved the scene so much I played with it to salvage what I could. I'm so pleased you like this; your comments are important to me - thank you for taking time to support my efforts ... & best of the rest of the Jolly Season to you :))