For The Love of Aunt Rose 12

On the table sat 1/2 cup of thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, marjoram and oregano. Another 1/2 cup of purchased bay leaf.

Aunt Rose had enough here to make two dozen small packets of Herbes de Provence. One dozen would go to the local Gem & Mineral Christmas party. The other dozen to put into Christmas gifts along with cookies and other small items.

Scott and Geraldine entered the kitchen. Hugs.

"Oh my, it smells very delightful here. All herbs and wonderful fragrances." said Scott.

"Yes. I took them out of the oven about an hour ago. I have 24 packets to fill. Then tie the tags on. Next week is the Gem & Mineral Christmas party. I'll help Kitty make crackers and cheese or cookies on the day of the party." replied Aunt Rose.

Scott went off to talk to Gordon. Kitty came in and announced she was off to the store for a few items.

" Geraldine, do you want to go to the store with me for anything?" asked Kitty.

"I would rather stay here and help Aunt Rose fill these bags. I can take off my shoes, put on my slippers and relax. I have been sitting all day in the car to get here. I'm tired of being on the road. Is that OK with you Aunt Rose?"

"Certainly. After the bags are done we can have a cup of tea. I can use the help and company."

"Scott picked up two pounds of extra sharp cheddar when we went through Tillamook for you. Do you have any crackers?" said Geraldine.

"Yes, we have lots of crackers around here. There's three or four kinds too. Plain or spicy. White, wheat or corn flower ones. I have cream cheese and jalapeno jam too." laughed Aunt Rose knowing Scott would want to try her jam.

Geraldine continued helping Aunt Rose fill the bags and tying the ribbon and tag onto them. Aunt Rose had a system hanging the bag onto a little contraption that kept it open while she filled the bag using a small funnel. A gold twist tie was applied then the ribbon with the tag. The bags were filled then placed in a lidless box to keep dry.

“Later I will place them in the cupboard down near the outside door. The twelve extras will be used at Christmas for gifts.” said Aunt Rose.

“ Do you feel like going outside to have tea? I'll show you my tiny herb garden and we can sit in the shade and eat Lavender cookies.” said Rose.

“I will never refuse your Lavender Cookies,'' said Geraldine. I think I will change into shorts as these slacks are hot and wrinkled from riding in the car.”

“Go on upstairs. My bedroom is all ready for the two of you. My night things, extra clothes and laptop are in Kitty's room.” said Rose.

While Geraldine was changing clothes Rose went over the poem in her notebook she had written for Mrs. Peabody. She would send it to her in a handwritten letter.

Chosen Sunflowers

In the south of France

Actually the city of Arles

Vincent eagerly awaits

The models he had hired

But they failed to show.

Perhaps the fierce hot

Wind outside detained them

From their appointed tasks

To keep their appointment

With this future master.

Vincent, improvising all his life,

Walked outside into the wind

Gathered up Sunflowers

Alongside the side of the shed

Housing many earthenware pots.

Back into his humble home

With the creative mixing

Of his few meager paints

He created vibrant colors,

With painstaking patience

Beautiful yellow shade flowers

Each center a different color tone

Making every seed defined.

This is how a few Sunflowers

became a beloved painting.

Rose then put the finishing touches on her newest writing.

Remembering Grannies Gown

That old soft tattered Granny

Gown worn by many family women

you always felt safe and secure

Granny was there soothing your

frightening midnight dreams

chasing the thundering booms

and bolts of lightning filling

the sky with scary shadows

of the bare trees that look

like bone like fingers ready

to reach out and grab you.

When you slip into the soft

cotton flannel a feeling

of happiness warms your body

Granny was always there

with a cup of cocoa and cookies

saying to look out the windowpane

really press your nose to the glass

she would hold your shoulders

her orange blossom fragrance

filled the room with safety

you would look and listen

the flashes made you flinch

finally Granny would ask

What do you see out there

who do you recognize

you responded the trees

the corrals a door flapping

Granny is now gone to Heaven

you have her old patched gown

it is tattered and threadbare

When you slip into the soft

cotton flannel the feeling

of happiness warms your body

feelings that Granny was there

you go to the kitchen bringing

a cup of cocoa and cookies warm and sweet warm and sweet

her orange blossom fragrance reminiscent of orchard blossoms

once again made you safe again you're safe again in Grannies arms