Blue Hope
a signature fragrance recipe
In her first column for
MiLK Magazine, Natasha shares her
‘Blue Hope' recipe, a fragrance she says was inspired by her time living in the
Blue Mountains of NSW, Australia.
When I lived there I noticed a distinct aroma that each season creates amongst the flowers and the trees. In all my travels I never have I smelt anything this wonderful, the aroma was unique and exciting.
In this month's column I would like to express the coming of spring and the longing for sunlight. In the dark winter hibernation period, that blankets us at this time. I find that I enjoy the quiet introspection the season brings, such as snugly pyjama days, fat roast dinners, fine red wine. Warm cuddles and the cosy family nest. However, when the season draws to an end and spring is a faint glimmer on the horizon, I feel drawn to the hope the new season brings to me. Even the word ‘spring’ suggests bouncing out of bed and into life, shedding the winter skin ready for the unexpected.
I would like to share a signature fragrance that is easy and inexpensive to make as well as joyful and full of hope. This fragrance was inspired by the
Blue Mountains. When I lived there I noticed a distinct aroma that each season creates amongst the flowers and the trees.
In all my travels never have I smelt anything this wonderful, the aroma was unique and exciting. The aroma would start in August, oh so subtle in the beginning, and then as September crept in and winter dissolved like a distant memory, the aroma would become so distinct. Clean fresh romantic and full of sunlit potential.
Bringing ‘Blue Hope’ to Life
I had this intense desire to be able to produce it for myself and take the uniqueness of the Blue Mountains with me on my travels, especially into the city.
So, like a witchie poo in my kitchen, I began the process of experimentation. The beginning of any creation is always a scary and frustrating time. It is a constant roller coaster ride, up with success, down with failure (just as being a mother of teenagers can be). Sometimes you are so inspired and so brilliant at it you even amaze yourself. Then there are times you can’t believe how wrong you got it and what a complete mess you can made. It is always the beginning of a journey into yourself.
The road to Naragunda. The Darug people call this “the road to Naragunda” which means the road to yourself.
One very cold day in August I went into the bush with a very clever man called Graham King a true humble leader of his peoples, we sat amongst the gum trees on the edge of Mount Blackheath under the big Australian sky.
'The road to Naragunda' by Natasha Pascall
The aim was to paint, as we both shared a love of the arts. Sitting amongst the clarity of the blue haze he showed me how to get on the road to myself. His stories and quiet wisdom showed me the how to see the usefulness and unlimited dimensions that all the flora and fauna possess around us. “Look at the piece of wood,” he said. “Most people would only see a twig. But if you look close, you see that this twig has little pods of life. These pods make beautiful jewellery. Most people see only the twig and clear it away or discard it. They don’t notice its potential. Money is everywhere and life is abundant.”
I painted from my heart, everything blossomed, pouring out of my hands and onto my soul, and out again. That simple twig turned into a painting of 3 trees in flame with inspiration.
Blue Hope Inspiration
In drawing from my memory of that day, I know what I had to do to create this scent. It will mirror the flowing nature of my soul, in conjunction with the aromatic nature of the mountains in spring. (Not everything is as it seems, look closer.)
Back to my witchie poo kitchen…as I mixed, I persisted, as we women do in the face of all adversity, to remain absolute in my belief that hope springs eternal. After many hours of mixing and brewing I found it! With delight, I can now pass on the main formula to my fellow mothers of the world.
But be warned!
You may have to embark on a journey to yourself, experiment, play and have fun, and then you will find that exact note your unique nose wants to experience/ express.
Blue Hope a signature fragrance Recipe
Ingredients
(To make a hydrosol)
1 plastic spray pump bottle100mls
1 bottle of Hyacinth essential oil – will need 8 drops
1 bottle of Lime essential oil – will need 20 drops
1 bottle of bush mint essential oil – will need 2 drops
1 very good imagination
1 bottle of diffuser or carrier oil (almond or jojoba)
100mls of distilled water
Method
• Add the desired number of drops of each essential oil to the bottle.
• Shake the bottle to mix the oils and test the fragrance and effect.
• Carrier oil (15 mls) is added last - when you are ready to use your blend
Natasha’s Tips
To test the aroma of the individual essential oil you can:
• Breathe directly from the bottle - swirl the essential oil in the bottle to stir up the molecules first.
• Or place a drop on an unscented tissue, blotter paper or other porous type paper and breathe.
You may experience olfactory overload if you are testing the aroma of different essential oils. You will no longer be able to smell them! This is common. You can restore your sense of smell by smelling coffee beans, or the simplest - your armpit. It's true - it works and it is always with you!
Natasha’s kitchen witching tips
1. Go to the Blue Mountains at the beginning of September and sniff walk and breath in the light and hope use it for your aromatic reference.
2. Visit Mount Blackheath
3. Dress up
4. Pretend you are a witch making a love potion
5. Pretend you are reincarnated wise woman in your kitchen of healing
6. Pretend you are a chemist in a laboratory with a white coat inventing exclusive natural perfumes
7. Cackle, sing, laugh, squeal, and dance
For more on Natasha check our her My Space page.