I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it feels to be back at my store working! Even though we're not opening until later this month the mere idea of knowing that we're re-opening is encouraging and motivating.
Stacks of freshly cut soap sit on the tables and the scent of eucalyptus fills the air. Home away from home has always put a smile on my face. That place is my retreat!
I have a great story for you...
Yesterday several Mother day orders came in and I drove up to the store early to get them bagged and ready for customers to pick up. I came back home after fulfilling the orders and set outside on the porch with Elle. I've noticed something during this stay in place arrangement. It's a challenge to concentrate on one thing before reaching for something else and then I go back to the original whatever I was working on, and then back and forth it, repeat, repeat. Wonky behavior for this soap maker because I'm highly organized at any other time. It's been that way since this all started. The happiness that I usually have is also lacking. Until yesterday...
My website is set up for pick-ups and while I was basking in the sun I received a few other orders that were needing to be ready by 1 pm. I lolly-gagged along and wasn't in any hurry. Around noon or so I finally got on my shoes and headed back to the Bittersweet Store so that I could fulfill the new orders.
As I was looking at the printed orders and bagging them I heard a little peck on the door. I'm in my "Corona" attire, unshowered, no makeup, dark sunglasses, I walked to the door to open it, and standing in front of the door was one of my dear customers. She said, I know you're not open, but I was needing a few things. I replied, well of course. She told me what she needed and I plucked up her items and bagged them. She waited on the porch as I prepared her order. The whole waiting on the porch thing felt strange but at the same time the peace and joy that I felt before this crisis was back! We chatted at the door as I handed her the bag of Bittersweets. I realized at that very moment that the sad feelings that I have been encountering during this social distancing were because of the lack of human contact with my customers!
It's interesting how I couldn't put my finger on my feelings all this time but how at that moment everything became perfectly clear.
It's no accident that I waited to go to the store at that particular time.
Thank you God.
We're joining my family for breakfast this morning. We're practicing social distancing and having our Sunday breakfast on the deck. I haven't seen my brother since this hit. I'm looking forward to visiting with my dad and stepmother, brother and sister in law. Even though we're gathering differently than we did before, we are gathering, and that makes me happy.
Keep the faith.
Jill
