The Depth and Breadth of Resources on Learning Perfumery at Anya's Garden Online Course

I have been reviewing and updating the Online Perfumery Course website in anticipation of the new semester starting October 6th. You can read more indepth about what is offered at my perfume website.

The realization that what you'll find on the perfume site is probably one of the most professional, comprehensive offerings in studying perfumery is very evident when you click on the syllabus and/or visit the blog site for the course. The effort of the past 16 months of site-building for content is reflected in the enormous amount of learning materials on the website. I have to say it's full of amazing resources!

Lectures: The new student body will find five lectures available for the first Module, just to get them oriented. There's also a pronunciation lecture to help folks know their ylang from their chypre ;-) Each Module is accompanied by at least one recorded lecture, some have more.

Primer: The Primer for the course was edited by an aromatherapist who is also a paralegal and was provided via email to the students when the revision was completed in February. The Natural Perfumery Primer offers just a tiny taste of what is delved into in depth on the website. The Primer lays the foundation for detailed and demanding experiential exercises in learning perfumery.

Module Content: Every month the students enjoy new and exciting Checklist, Objectives and Assignments.

Books and Articles: Over the years, I have collected dozens of antiquarian perfumery and toiletry books and articles in PDF format, and they're available for the students online. Additionally, links to sites of interest and to expand their learning process are included.

Daily Interaction: The Yahoo groups I maintain for private student/teacher interaction are usually busy. We meet there for live chats, and that's also where guest perfume industry professionals have joined us for discussions.

Aromatics Kit: The students have commented that the kit contains some of the most glorious-smelling natural aromatics that they have ever experienced. I will be selling them independently of the course within a month or so.

I've neglected this blog for a few weeks as I have been readying the site and supplemental materials for the new students. I hope to return to more frequent blogging soon - perhaps to chat about the 21 modifications for Starflower, the gorgeous gourmand perfume that I'm working on. It's built around "tasty tuberose" and takes a sweet flight of fancy with a natural isolate I adore! Later, take care....Anya

Natural Perfumers Guild Perfumers to be Featured in Sniffapalooza magazine

Guild President Anya McCoy is pleased to announce that Sniffapalooza Magazine Editor Raphaella Bresica Barkley has announced that she is going to feature each of the Guild Perfumers in upcoming issues of the magazine. Raphaella has often featured natural perfumers in Sniffapalooza Magazine in the past, and is taking the next step because "We are like a friendly living room where all types of perfumers are welcome." The latest issue features Mandy Aftel in a Q&A, Anya McCoy's Online Natural Perfumery Course and Lyn Ayre.

For this nod to natural perfumery, Raphaella is starting a Natural Perfumes Pages link and each of the perfumers will be featured on their own page. The Guild wishes to thank Raphaella and also Sniffapalooza founders Karen Dubin and Karen Adams for all their support in the past and we in the Natural Perfumers Guild look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.

A Time for Charity and Compassion - And Animal Rescue Has Come a Long Way!

Sad Scene from Hurricane Katrina 2005 - God Bless the Animal Rescue Plans in Place in 2008!

We all know the horrifying stories: When Katrina hit in 2005, many people drowned because they refused to leave their beloved family pets behind, and when the waters rose, many of the people and the pets alike drowned. Some animals, perhaps like the dog above, were left behind, or escaped and were left to fend for themselves. Most were never reunited with their people.

The mass evacuation of almost two million people in the path of Hurricane Gustav was historic, calm, and for the first time ever, included pets. Pets were given collars with bar codes, loaded onto transport, and in most cases, were able to stay at special shelters with their owners. It was heartwarming and wonderful to see.

I donated today to Noah's Wish, and I encourage you to also donate - perhaps to the Humane Society, Noah's Wish, or some other pet rescue operation.