Lavender, The Flower of Positive Thinking

Everything is going to be okay, says Iris Lee Underwood.

"I love farming, and I look at my farm

as a peace offering--to myself, my family,
the community. People want to enjoy
the scent of lavender, the beauty of it,
the camaraderie. It brings them piece!"

The mood-boosting powers of lavender may even mend an aching heart. Seven years ago, her 25-year old daughter died from drug abuse, and "the cloud of grief that hung over me was lifted," she says.

She has studied how the oil absorbs into your skin, your bloodstream, and goes to your brain. "But it was really true. I felt this keen sense of well-being after caressing the velvety lavender flower one sunny afternoon six years ago."

Today, at 60, Iris nurtures a rolling acre of the plants on what she calls "Yule Love It Lavender Farm" in Lakeville, Michigan. This July, during harvest season, more than 2,000 visitors pick their own flowers, sit at bistro tables to sip lavender tea, or just share their stories of loss and healing while strolling through the lavender fields.

Yule Love It Lavender Lemonade

TO MAKE: Steep 1 large tea ball filled with organic lavender in a quart of boiled water until the liquid turns a light rose color. Meanwhile, in a gallon jar, mix 2 large cans of frozen lemonade concentrate with 4 cans of water. Add the cooled lavender infusion to the lemonade. Finally, add the ice and garnish with fresh mint, lemon thyme, or lavender springs with foliage, or all three.