Copyright © Louise Bostock 2007-2013. Please give credit where credit is due.

Friday 28 May 2010

How to bottle sunshine

Get up early on a fine day in late May when there is not a single cloud in the sky. 

With the sun just above the mountain crests on the misty far side of the lake, with light dripping down the sides of the valleys, leave home with a large bowl. Choose elder heads with the flowers just opening and place them carefully in the bowl. Be sure not to allow any of that magic dust to escape. 

Soak in fresh, cool Carmine DOC spring water, add sliced lemons warm from the tree, a healthy chunk of brewer's yeast and some sugar. 

Stir gently, weaving in dreams of happiness - your daughter's deep green eyes and your son's naughty smile, your husband's praise, your dog's devotion and your cat's contentment. 

Allow to steep for several days, then pour into bottles. Now be careful, for sunshine is volatile and potent. Pop open the bottles every four hours to release excess magic. Sample every day until just right for you. 

Savour from a champagne flute in the warm evening light with the lake glittering at your feet, the mountains towering dark behind you. 

Bottled sunshine tastes of rainbows, smells of fresh springs, sparkles on the tongue like dancing angels. Bottled sunshine puts a smile on your lips and pleasure in your heart.





12 comments:

LadyFi said...

A delightful post!

I'll have whatever you're having, please...

LindyLouMac said...

Elderflower champagne, how wonderfully described.

Katja said...

Oh, how FABULOUS. Yet another one to add to the long list of recipes I must try ...

Joy said...

Oh Louise, with that description I can feel and smell the yummy fizz at my lips.
Glad you release the magic ever so often as we wouldn't want an explosion in your beautiful region. :)
♥ Joy

V. said...

Deeeeelicious, and (I'm sure) noooootricious!

injaynesworld said...

We have both found out little patches of paradise, haven't we...
What a beautiful post. I'll be thinking of liquid sunshine all day now.

Babes about Town said...

Wow what a lovely journey you just took me on. Here's a toast to you and your delicious sunshine.

Alexandra said...

Good morning! Found you through SITs, this is wonderful here!

I love this post, it is my favorite, too.

WOnderful writing, positive voice, you leave feeling ready to start the day after you read it.

Love the idea of "bottled sunshine.'
I'm your newest follower, wonderful to meet you!

Rachel Cotterill said...

Sounds incredible - I particularly approve of sampling it every day ;)

chrysalis said...

Lovely descriptions, louise. May you always have that bottled sunshine to dip into on life's journey. Enjoy!

Woodman said...

Just like Grandma's ginger beer, until it blew up in the airing cupboard.

Sharoon Sunny said...

Your poetry is breathtaking. I feel the sunshine and the magic. I stumbled on your blog, and I'm glad I did.

Friday 28 May 2010

How to bottle sunshine

Get up early on a fine day in late May when there is not a single cloud in the sky. 

With the sun just above the mountain crests on the misty far side of the lake, with light dripping down the sides of the valleys, leave home with a large bowl. Choose elder heads with the flowers just opening and place them carefully in the bowl. Be sure not to allow any of that magic dust to escape. 

Soak in fresh, cool Carmine DOC spring water, add sliced lemons warm from the tree, a healthy chunk of brewer's yeast and some sugar. 

Stir gently, weaving in dreams of happiness - your daughter's deep green eyes and your son's naughty smile, your husband's praise, your dog's devotion and your cat's contentment. 

Allow to steep for several days, then pour into bottles. Now be careful, for sunshine is volatile and potent. Pop open the bottles every four hours to release excess magic. Sample every day until just right for you. 

Savour from a champagne flute in the warm evening light with the lake glittering at your feet, the mountains towering dark behind you. 

Bottled sunshine tastes of rainbows, smells of fresh springs, sparkles on the tongue like dancing angels. Bottled sunshine puts a smile on your lips and pleasure in your heart.





12 comments:

LadyFi said...

A delightful post!

I'll have whatever you're having, please...

LindyLouMac said...

Elderflower champagne, how wonderfully described.

Katja said...

Oh, how FABULOUS. Yet another one to add to the long list of recipes I must try ...

Joy said...

Oh Louise, with that description I can feel and smell the yummy fizz at my lips.
Glad you release the magic ever so often as we wouldn't want an explosion in your beautiful region. :)
♥ Joy

V. said...

Deeeeelicious, and (I'm sure) noooootricious!

injaynesworld said...

We have both found out little patches of paradise, haven't we...
What a beautiful post. I'll be thinking of liquid sunshine all day now.

Babes about Town said...

Wow what a lovely journey you just took me on. Here's a toast to you and your delicious sunshine.

Alexandra said...

Good morning! Found you through SITs, this is wonderful here!

I love this post, it is my favorite, too.

WOnderful writing, positive voice, you leave feeling ready to start the day after you read it.

Love the idea of "bottled sunshine.'
I'm your newest follower, wonderful to meet you!

Rachel Cotterill said...

Sounds incredible - I particularly approve of sampling it every day ;)

chrysalis said...

Lovely descriptions, louise. May you always have that bottled sunshine to dip into on life's journey. Enjoy!

Woodman said...

Just like Grandma's ginger beer, until it blew up in the airing cupboard.

Sharoon Sunny said...

Your poetry is breathtaking. I feel the sunshine and the magic. I stumbled on your blog, and I'm glad I did.