Rainy Night At The Lavender Inn: A Sleepy Tale

Escape to the serene North Fork with "Rainy Night at the Lavender Inn," a calming bedtime story for grown-ups featuring the gentle rhythm of rain sounds and narration by a soothing female voice.

Tonight's immersive story for sleep takes place in the cozy ambiance of a historic farmhouse inn, surrounded by rolling fields of lavender and the sparkling blue Long Island sound. As the rain falls, you find refuge in your cozy suite and fall into a deep slumber. It's time to dream away.

Transcript

Settle in for a night of restoration and serene tranquility with this cozy sleep story for grown-ups.

You are listening to Rainy Night at the Lavender Inn,

A bedtime story set in a romantic and historical inn surrounded by rolling lavender fields on the North Fork of Long Island.

A leisurely bike ride along verdant vineyards and the shimmering Long Island sound brings you to a picnic in the lavender fields.

As the late afternoon mellows,

Rain clouds roll in,

And you seek comfort in the charming inn,

Exploring its historic rooms.

As rain falls,

You retire to your suite,

Where a fireside evening meal and soak in a lavender bath bring the ultimate moments of deep relaxation.

The soporific enchantment of falling rain and the gentle perfume of lavender help you into a deep slumber.

It's time to dream away.

Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.

I'm Michelle,

And I invite you to cuddle up and celebrate making it to the end of the day with this gentle journey.

Think of me as a trusted friend and your ally for sleep.

My voice will always bring us to the most soothing and safe places,

Giving you the dreamy escape you deserve.

In the sanctuary of your room and mind,

Anything is possible.

Tonight's story was inspired by the beautiful North Fork of Long Island,

A place that carries the essence of the past and simplicity of rolling vineyards and farmland.

Since I've covered Provence and the Cotswolds lavender fields,

I thought it might be nice to share one of my yearly getaways with you all.

After a perfect sunny day,

There's nothing quite like falling asleep to the sound of a summer rainstorm.

Remember you are always free to change any details and fall asleep whenever you wish.

We're going to take a few moments to enjoy some relaxing breaths together and set the tone for the night ahead.

Release a sigh and clear the air,

Making a sound as you exhale.

Then sip in the air slowly as you inhale,

Imagining the delicate perfume of lavender fills the air,

Carried on a gentle summer breeze.

Your room transforms,

Taking on the cozy qualities of the historic Lavender Inn.

Let out a long,

Gentle sigh,

Releasing any tension or lingering thoughts from the day.

Enjoy the stillness of this moment and the quiet settling of your mind.

Continue to inhale,

Maybe yawn and sigh at the cadence that feels good to you now as I count us down.

Each breath becomes softer and more grounding.

5.

Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose,

Connecting with the briny aroma of the Long Island Sound,

Feeling the warmth from the sun on an ideal summer afternoon.

4.

A deep sense of gratitude washes over you,

Appreciating this time for yourself.

A peaceful pause from the day's demands and the soft patter of rain against the window soothes you.

3.

A wave of comfort and warmth spreads through you,

Feeling utterly safe and nurtured within this inn as a gentling rustling of leaves outside,

Now washed clean by the rain,

Deepens your relaxation.

2.

Your muscles soften,

Your jaw relaxes,

And you find it effortless to surrender to the rhythm of the rain and the intoxicating fragrance of lavender.

1.

All thoughts and concerns have left,

Creating the space in your imagination to revel in the wonders of the North Fork.

As you inhale,

Yawn and sigh one last time.

Your breath returns to an easy,

Natural rhythm.

It's time for the story to unfold.

3.

Amidst the highways and crowded strip malls of Long Island's suburban sprawl to the west,

It's easy to forget the bucolic oases that the island contains.

Some of the most vibrant vineyards and most pristine beaches on the eastern seaboard of the United States may be found in its historic hamlets and among its fertile acres.

4.

And in just a few hours,

One may escape the clamorous sounds and swampy heat of concrete summers in New York City,

To reconnect with nature and eras gone by.

Since the 1630s,

The North Fork thrived as a fishing community and maritime region during the days of whaling.

The area was a quiet land where the sea whispered to the fields,

And lives were built around the tides.

For centuries,

The land gave its bounty,

And life was simple and bucolic.

As time moved on,

Things seemed to speed up.

The world outside grew louder and faster.

Yet the North Fork held onto its quiet heart.

People from faraway places began to discover its beauty,

Its fields of green,

And the calming touch of the Long Island sound.

5.

Vineyards replaced potato farms in the 1970s and 80s.

The dreams of farmers looking to retire and start new ventures.

By the 1990s,

The North Fork saw a surge in new visitors,

And their arrival inspired the transition of an old farmhouse into the Lavender Inn.

6.

When the family decided to transform the 19th century dwelling into a hotel,

They remembered the hardworking families who came before,

Their spirits woven into the very wood of the building.

They wished to share the peace of their home,

Offering a soft bed and a kind welcome to those who needed a little quiet in their lives.

The Inn became a haven for those seeking solace.

The summer air buzzes with the sounds of bees and cicadas,

And carries the scent of sun-warmed earth and the distant tang of the Atlantic.

Though the air is quite humid,

The cross-island breeze caresses your skin with a soft kiss from the sound,

With undulations of warmth and coolness in the air current.

7.

You ride a vintage bicycle with a banana seat restored by a bike rental shop near the train.

Refinished in a rich turquoise shade,

Polished chrome reflects the gilded light of the afternoon sun.

8.

The breeze softly passes through the airy weave of your ivory linen attire,

Keeping away sweat and maintaining optimal comfort on this sun-drenched,

Slightly humid day.

9.

You pedal into the heart of a charming village where the population swells in the summer,

Yet not so much as it does in places on the South Shore.

10.

It still maintains a sense of quietude,

Rarely overrun with day-trippers and weekdays like today.

Quaint navy blue and ivory clapboard homes with blooming window boxes line the streets.

11.

Their white picket fences enclose vibrant gardens.

Villagers and visitors,

In their best summer attire,

Linger at outdoor cafes,

Enjoying fresh local fare under the shade of colorful umbrellas.

12.

Small children do their best to race the small drips of soft-serve ice cream in waffle cones that they balance with a deep concentration on their tiny hands.

Restored antique convertibles and sports cars sputter in the streets,

Taken out of storage for the summer season.

Bright red and blue facades gleam in the sun.

Small boutiques and artisan shops beckon with unique treasures,

Their open doors spilling out onto the sidewalks.

A palpable sense of community and safety envelops the scene.

13.

You have a feeling of belonging in this slow-paced haven.

You observe a group of friends sharing a brick oven pizza,

Their laughter light and carefree as they play hooky from their jobs in the city.

14.

Across the street,

A woman in a flowing purple paisley dress and straw hat browses handcrafted jewelry,

The sunlight catching the sparkle of the stones in the window display.

Children run through splash pads in the small village square as tiny rainbows form around them in a halo of sunlight.

Their joyful shrieks echo softly.

The singular sound carries all the playfulness of summer.

The main road narrows,

Leading you onto a quieter lane canopied by mature trees as the Cape Cod-style cottages become more sparse.

The air grows stiller,

The sounds of the village fading behind.

The vintage bicycle glides effortlessly along the winding North Fork roads.

15.

A leisurely journey past endless rows of well-maintained vineyards,

Their waxy leaves shimmering in the golden light,

Glimpses of the sparkling blue sound peek through the lush foliage.

Where sailboats dot the coastline,

The saltwater air is soon joined by a new scent,

The unmistakable heady fragrance of lavender.

Growing stronger as you approach the grounds of the Lavender Inn,

The leaves overhead create dappled patterns of light and shadow on the winding silver ribbon of asphalt.

That leads you towards the Inn.

Cars slow as they pass,

And drivers give a friendly wave in your direction.

You ride down a hill,

Overcome with a childlike sense of freedom and joy,

Boundless as you accelerate into the afternoon light.

A gentle breeze rustles through the branches,

Carrying the floral aroma closer.

The hill leads you to endless rows of lavender fields in full bloom.

Some guests picnic in the distance,

With purple gingham blankets spread out on lush patches of grass.

The wooden sign for the Lavender Inn appears,

Its hinges offering a soft squeak in the gentle breeze.

The wood-burnt lettering spells out its name in the elegant penmanship of a bygone era,

With grand loops and playful curls.

The bicycle tires crunch softly over the glinting silvery-blue stones of the drive,

As the grand white clapboard structure rises proudly against the backdrop of rolling lavender fields.

Modern additions,

Seamlessly integrated to the building,

Hint at contemporary comfort without compromising its historic integrity.

White picket fences enclose the property,

Framing gardens bursting with color,

And the unmistakable purple haze of blooming lavender fields stretches out on either side.

The postcard-worthy sight is instantly calming,

A visual balm after your journey into town.

You dismount the bike,

Leaning it against a weathered wooden bike rack at the edge of the drive.

The air here is thick,

Intensifying the aroma of the lavender,

A calming perfume that instantly eases any lingering tension.

On the wide,

Inviting porch,

A charming wicker picnic basket awaits,

A thoughtful touch for guests and promised with every booking.

The innkeepers here are attentive to every detail,

Reaching out days in advance to ensure they are able to meet your needs and provide the perfect,

Easy getaway.

You lift the smooth wooden handle of the basket.

Its lightness is surprising,

And the scent of freshly baked bread and ripe fruit wafts up.

The porch swing sways gently in the breeze,

And a portly Maine Coon cat sleeps on the deep purple cushions.

You gather the basket and walk beneath the swaying tendrils of a willow tree,

Feeling the waxy green strands flutter over your shoulders.

Sunlight filters through the canopy that sways like a hula skirt,

Creating mesmerizing patterns of shadows and light on the recently mowed lawn.

The green scent of freshly cut grass fills the air,

Carrying a wave of pleasant memories.

You follow a woodchip path that leads you into the heart of the lavender fields.

A newly engaged couple poses along the manicured rose,

Dressed in wardrobe reminiscent of the turn of the 20th century,

As they duck beneath a buttercream-hued parasol and smile for the photographer.

You nod and grin at them,

And they wave in return.

You wander through the rows of blooming flowers,

Where bumblebees get drunk on nectar and bask in the sun.

The air is alive with their activity,

And the vibrant purple stretches as far as the eye can see.

You brush your hand against the soft petals,

Releasing an even stronger burst of fragrance into the air,

With notes lingering on your fingers.

You see movement ahead,

And a fluffy white sheepdog emerges on the path.

She ambles through the fields to meet you,

Her big fluffy tail wagging in a friendly greeting.

She sits before you,

Waiting for a pet,

Her bum excitedly scooting across the earth in anticipation.

She wears a purple bone-shaped dog tag that reads Chloe.

You offer a gentle scratch behind her ears.

Chloe's downy fur retains the sun's warmth beneath your hand,

The texture feeling like tufts of cotton.

Her eyes are gentle and welcoming.

Without an invitation,

Chloe decides to join you on your afternoon picnic.

She trots happily beside you as you walk further into the lavender fields,

The air thick with her fragrance.

You discover a picnic table nestled amongst the rows of lavender,

Draped with a cheerful lavender gingham tablecloth.

It's the ideal spot to settle for some time.

Chloe lies down contentedly at your feet as you unwrap a light snack prepared to your preferences.

The sun warms your skin,

A pleasant contrast to the gentle breeze that carries the distant sound of the waves and the saturating rose of lavender.

Puffy white clouds drift overhead,

Casting fleeting shadows that roll across the purple blooms.

In this idyllic moment,

A feeling of pure bliss washes over you,

A sense of peace and contentment that goes bone deep.

Chloe,

Having spent her day running around the farm,

Basking in the warm sun,

Curls up at your feet and falls asleep.

Soon a soft snore escapes her,

A gentle rumble that makes you laugh.

It feels good to have a new friend who sought you out and was so quick to trust you.

You finish eating and lose yourself in the beauty around you.

The lavender fields stretch out before you,

A sea of purple under the vast cornflower blue sky.

In the distance,

You can glimpse the twinkling deep blues of the Long Island Sound,

A reminder of the nautical influences on this region through time.

The sun,

The scent of lavender,

The gentle breeze,

And the companionship of Chloe create a moment of pure serenity,

A perfect escape from the everyday.

A monarch butterfly approaches and hovers above Chloe's wet,

Cold,

Black nose.

Her whiskers twitch,

But she remains sleeping throughout the butterfly's visit.

Satiated to the core,

The afternoon feels like a sigh.

A satisfying,

Soft burn in your muscles lingers from riding a bike through town and walking through the fields.

You feel a yawn coming on as you notice a remarkable,

Unexpected shift in the air.

The temperature becomes cooler as the winds pick up and the fields billow like incoming purple waves.

Overhead,

Soft lavender-gray clouds begin to gather,

A subtle hint of the evening rain to come.

The air feels heavy with the promise of moisture,

And the rich blue skies are slowly overcome by storm clouds.

You decide to retreat indoors,

Drawn by the promise of the inn's historic charm.

Chloe stirs as you stand,

And her ears perk up as she follows behind you.

In the far distance,

A misty sheet of silvery rain falls,

Moving in slowly,

With enough time for you to make it back to the inn,

Safe and dry.

You ascend the steps of the wraparound porch,

Where other guests are settled in rocking chairs and nestled in porch swings,

Enjoying the views while protected from the rain.

Chloe stays on the porch,

Introducing herself to the other guests as you open the double doors and step through the grand entrance into the foyer.

Rain begins to stream down the tall,

Mullioned floor-to-ceiling windows,

The scent of beeswax and old wood mingles with the ever-present lavender.

Oil paintings and framed oversized photos of the North Fork hang on the amethyst-silk wallpapered walls,

Showcasing different eras throughout the past 50 years.

Every piece tells a different story of the vibrant natural world and the joy people experienced in the region.

To your left,

A library offers a haven of quiet contemplation.

The shelves of aged mahogany wood are filled with well-loved books,

Their spines a jewel-toned tapestry of diverse textures and varying wear and tear.

Deep armchairs are upholstered in rich eggplant velvet and soft lilac linen.

Each positioned beside a slender reading lamp in the shape of purple flowers.

Above,

A copper-tiled ceiling catches the light,

Adding a subtle warmth to the room.

Jars filled with smooth,

Frosted sea glass and shades of pale lavender and deep violet sit on side tables.

The rain comes down harder,

Adding a cozy soundtrack to the space.

On the walls,

Alongside framed botanical prints of lavender,

Hang delicate wreaths crafted from dried lavender sprigs.

They're fragrant,

Sweeter,

And more subtle than the lively fields.

To your right,

The spacious main room exudes a sense of hominess.

Overstuffed sofas and loveseats in shades of deep plum are arranged around a grand stone fireplace.

Above the mantelpiece,

A collection of antique photographs captures the scenes of North Fork and the shores of the Sound with weathered pieces of driftwood and nautical rope work.

On a nearby sideboard,

An array of snacks and silver tea and coffee urns are arranged.

Guests chat quietly,

Enjoying their bites and early evening tea.

Further on,

You discover a piano room,

Where soft,

Jazzy melodies drift from a grand piano.

The innkeeper's daughter,

A poised young lady no older than 14,

Sits behind the white grand piano.

With kind eyes and a Mona Lisa smile,

Her graceful fingers play an array of familiar modern songs,

Each rearranged with a unique,

Soulful twist.

The main coon cat is curled up in a ball beneath the piano bench,

Purring to the music.

You linger for a while,

Clapping when she finishes,

And her smile broadens.

She introduces herself and says she hopes to one day move to Manhattan and work on Broadway.

One day she will,

And will do very well for herself,

Only to long for these summer moments at the Lavender Inn,

When her dreams were just dreams,

Untouched by reality,

And full of an otherworldly,

Euphoric charm.

Early darkness from the storm casts the Lavender Inn in dark purple-blue hues as candle sconces come to life,

And you make your way up the stairs to your suite.

Inside,

The walls are painted in soft shades of lilac and periwinkle,

Complemented by crisp ivory trim and wainscotting.

Mullioned windows offer picturesque views of the lavender fields,

Now heavy with rain.

A crackling fire comes to life with the flick of a switch,

As flames dance merrily in the black hearth,

Casting a warm glow over the room.

The temperature outside has dropped significantly,

And you feel its chill.

Awaiting you is a delectable meal,

Artfully arranged on a small table by the fire.

You settle into a plush armchair,

Gazing out at the changing light over the fields,

As you savor each bite.

The decor is farmhouse chic,

With elegant wooden furniture,

Hand-stitched lavender quilts draped over chairs,

And delicate ivory lace curtains,

Billowing gently in the breeze from the windows that remain ever so slightly cracked.

You enjoy the contrast of the rain-scented night air and the warmth of the fire.

You rise and enter the luxurious bathroom suite to draw a bath in a clawfoot tub,

Its exterior lined in a rich deep purple and its interior made of gleaming copper.

The scent of lavender bath salts fills the air as you sink into the warm water,

The large window beside you offering a tranquil view of the lavender fields,

As the rain falls in a steady,

Dreamy stream.

You sink into the deep tub,

Resting your head on a pillow,

And close your eyes.

You revel in a sense of lightness,

Floating with each inhalation,

And sinking into the depths of the steamy water with each exhale.

The patter of the rain brings you to the soft place between wakefulness and slumber,

And here you stay for a few moments,

Enjoying the peace and sense of ease it brings.

The sense that everything is right in this moment.

Gradually,

You open your eyes and rise from the tub.

You towel off and brush your teeth and settle into a pair of silky pajamas.

Wells of deep appreciation arise when you consider how wonderful it's been to be in your body,

To be in this special place on this magical day.

You turn off the lights,

Letting the glow of the fire lead you to an elegant four-poster bed in the heart of the suite.

Intricate carvings in the tall posts resemble twisting grapevines,

A subtle nod to the region's vineyards.

The crisp ivory bedspread and soft lavender pillows give the sense of floating on a cloud,

Your head resting among the lavender fields.

Your mind draws out all the softness of this cherished time at the Lavender Inn.

The gentle drumming of the rain against the windows,

The soft linens against your skin,

The subtle lingering scent of lavender and rain,

And the gentleness and effortlessness of each breath in and out.

Your eyelids grow heavy and you drift once more between worlds,

Carrying with you all the beautiful moments of the day so they may inspire the dreams that unfold in the night.

The last thing you hear is the steady rhythm of the rain whispering the promises of deep sleep to come.

And somehow you know you may awaken to another brilliant sunny day.

But for now,

The rain is your sleepy friend that serenades you,

Finding peace,

Finding bliss,

Finding comfort,

Finding sleep.

Reviews

I love Michelle’s Sanctuary! Her voice is very calming and the pictures she paints, in my mind, are divine! Even the rhythm with which she speaks soothes my panic attacks! Thank you, Michelle!!

I love your creative and relaxing stories, thank you! 💜

Michelle, lavender is one of my favourite scents! I played this on repeat last night & don’t recall much, as I fell asleep quickly! I am going to listen again sometime today so I can hear the story! Thank you kindly for another beautiful bedtime story! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗