Language is the archives of history. -Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer and philosopher (1803-1882)

I have always been a voracious reader. I love the written word or just words in general. They have this magical way of creating pictures in my mind when I hear and read them. It’s this wonderful mind-interplay, like tasting richly intoxicating and sensual foods,  literally changing my brain’s chemistry as I indulge in the beauty of the word or dessert. Words have the ability to teach, touch, create and motivate as well as cut, destroy, and maim.

I have many favorite stories which have taught me history, insight, information and emotional depth. To me, if the story is lyrical, using atypical words  to enhance the sentences, the author captures my attention. One of my  most favorite in this genre is The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Divakaruni.  This magical love story is told through the eyes of the ancient spice mistress who shares  the mystical and healthful healing benefits of spices with her unsuspecting customers .  Each chapter specifies a distinct herb or spice combined with ancient remedies used for centuries. Each spice and herb benefits, uplifts and heals the people who partake in its bounty.

It is reminiscent of Chocolate by Joanne Harris, in the mystical and intuitive approach to the hidden properties within our daily food sources .

I would highly recommend either book, as both will take you on romantic tales of alluring possibilities. Both women are masterful story tellers whose prose is deep, descriptive and elegant. Both include the side line of emotional healing that comes from having our senses completed with outstanding explosions of taste. In addition, discovering more closely the fine and deeper meaning of the spices and herbs we have used for centuries makes The Mistress a wonderful take-away story for any season.

If you know someone who is home ill or in need of something delightful as well as intelligently meaningful, I would invite you to share these stories. Discovering how our health can benefit by merely adding more spice into our lives and done through an interactive and fun tale, is a great way to learn.

I invite you to invest in some new spice in your life, in all areas, in all ways. You’ll be oh! the happier when you do. It moves you out of dullness and into active interaction. And good health. What a lovely and sensual bonus.

Cosmic sunshine to you.