Smitten with Bermuda

Back in March, a most unusual phenomenon occurred- one that would make history in the small island nation of Bermuda. Not an event of epic proportions, but one that would create an international 'sealebrity'. On March 19th, a Gray Seal beached herself at the East End of Bermuda, amongst the rocks at Tobacco Bay. Not unusual that a creature should wash ashore, or willingly leave the water for a bit of R&R. What garnered the attention of Bermuda- in addition to her imperiled health- was that this breed of seal  is native to waters off of New England, Canada and the UK. How on earth did she wind up six hundred miles off the coast of the United States? Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) rescued the injured seal, who was suffering from a nasal infection, an upper respiratory Infection and superficial lacerations  that  she had acquired along her Transatlantic journey. She would make history, as the first Gray Seal on record to be rescued in Bermuda's wate...

I returned to Bermuda in December, to cap off a year that was transformative for me. I looked forward to celebrating my birthday amongst new friends  and graciously accepting a divine birthday gift from my family- the opportunity to create my own fragrance at the Lili Bermuda perfumery! It is no secret that I have always loved perfume, which is not to say that I necessarily have good taste! As with wine, how does one know when one has good taste? Does it matter whether you like expensive bottles, or does it only matter what tastes (or smells) nice?  One thing is for sure. There are scents that accentuate who we are, and those who detract from who we are!  It is quite funny to go back and think about my history, with regard to fragrance.  During my youth, I splashed on  Love's Baby Soft , purchased at the local pharmacy. What could be better than smelling like a clean, powdery baby? Or so I thought... In high school and college, it was  Anais Anais ...

Over the past two days, I have been trying to ride the Christmas wave, while not getting pulled under by waves of sadness. It has finally dawned on me that a surfer may not have the luxury of riding multiple waves at once- because each one takes hold of you; it can either help you float or make you sink. I am doing my best to enjoy the wonderful essence of Bermuda at holiday time, and it has been comforting- to see new things! I enjoy the i sland immensely, during the day. I venture out, meet people, enjoy myself... Yet, at night, for some reason, I have been getting the holiday blues. I miss my mom. What 'people' say is true- when you are coping with loss, the slightest thing can change your emotional trajectory- seeing Santa Claus, hearing a song, seeing a cute elderly lady that looks like my mom- you name it.  For this very reason, I was particularly glad that yesterday was Sunday. Yesterday, I woke up and went to church- an experience that is genuinely heartening...