Lemon Basil

 Basil...it means King in Greek.

- Christmas began in the heart of God; it is complete only when it reaches the heart of man -

 For weeks, I have been searching with much difficulty for the perfect flower to feature this December, to close this year meaningfully. It has been quite a strenuous year for me but thank God, it ended beautifully.
Thus, I present to you the Lemon Basil to conclude the year 2012.

 Never regret anything you have done with a sincere affection; nothing is lost that is born of the heart. - Basil Rathbone -

 This year started off majestically for me, with a tour around Europe. Work demanded more of my time and tolerance, but I endured. My dad braved a couple of surgeries and is recovering superbly, Praise God. Furthermore, I have a teenage daughter.....enough said!!!!!

This year ended contentedly...for the love of a family is life's greatest blessing.

 A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds.

A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship and he who plants kindness gathers love. - St Basil -

 Lemon Basil, a wonderfully fragrant and deliciously fresh herb, is a symbol of love.

Love has no desire but to fulfill itself; to melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night; to wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving 
- Kahlil Gibran -

Around the world...

Italian suitors signaled their love by courting with a sprig of basil in their hair.

When a boy accepts a sprig of basil from a girl in Romania, love and marriage is in the air.

In Mexico, the basil is carried around in the hope of returning a lover's roving eye!

Love is the flower of life

- D. H Lawrence -

A new year is unfolding - like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within.

 - Anonymous -

Another year is blushing at sunrise

Dear Lord, let it be as long as you promise to be with us

I pray for another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace

Another year of gladness in Your presence

Whatever coming days may bring

It matters not, our hands in Thine

For we shall continue to live in Your strength, love, and grace

I pray for peace, for light, and for hope for the new year

May we all step into the unknown with confidence, positive thoughts and love for one another.

- I am the new year, I am an unspoiled page in your book of time -