Jasmine in the air

Today the scent of jasmine pervaded my back patio. Made me just want to lay out there and snooze all day. Of course I didn't do that - but the heavily perfumed air sure was tempting me. I know that this time last year I was way too stressed to appreciate my jasmine vines this much.
The economy and the wear and tear of the day to day grind of running a business had all but burned me out.
Now Greg and I are appreciating the up sides of the slow economy. More time to stop and smell the jasmine means more time at home with family. And now that we tattoo by appointment only from our private courtyard studio we don't have the stresses of balancing the art with the needs of the employees and the vendors and the keeping the doors open the posted hours....it is endless and then there's the paperwork...it never stops.
Even though Greg and I are tattooing as much as we ever did. It doesn't seem like a job anymore. It is once again fun and rewarding. We can enjoy the art and the time spent with our customers.
Some of our regular customers have commented to us over the last couple of weeks that we seem somehow different - happier and more relaxed. And they like it better. It's more relaxing for them. There isn't any jasmine planted in the courtyard at work (we'll have to fix that) but the feeling of that scent is there. That seductive lure that compels you to sit with the sun on your face and relax for a few minutes. Can't wait to go tomorrow.