It's an exciting moment when I realize the few final touches have been added to a new line. The creative journey always has a beginning and an end. Each step transforms and gets you closer to your vision, and just like that, it seems, the images in your mind transfer to a real hold in your hand item. I guess you could imagine this to be true in not only capturing new product forecasts, but in everyday life. At least that's what I've always thought.
Happy Twenty-Two!
My motto for the past few years has been - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
If I've learned anything the past couple of years, I've learned to be appreciative of each day, and to not let the goings on of this world take away the amazing beauty that surrounds me each and every day.
This beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and is always present regardless of the world around us. Sometimes you have to adjust your way of thinking to be able to recognize its joyful presence. Sometimes you just need to turn off the news! Once you lean towards this understanding, you'll be awakened to the endless possibilities that God has planned for you while your short time on earth. It's about letting go and regardless of the circumstance no matter how dire it might be, hold onto the thought of knowing you are here for a reason, and that reason is bigger than any obstacle or bad thing that might come along in your earthly life. It's also easy to get discouraged or doubt your trust and faith. It happens to all of us. That is called being human! I have learned time and time again that overcoming doubts and standing strong in my faith becomes my daily devotional that navigates this journey I call life. I could not live without the knowledge of knowing this, and I feel blessed beyond measure to have this knowledge. Thank you, God!
Let's bring back Letter Writing! We've all had to learn how to slow down these past few years. I can't imagine a more soulful way to appreciate the slowness by writing a "from the heart" letter to a friend or loved one.
I've always had a fascination for beautiful paper and stationery! When I was young, I couldn't wait to write a letter to a friend on new stationary! Back then we had scented stationary! What a grand idea, I always thought. You see, my love for fragrance has always surrounded my life from the beginning.
A dear friend made the butterfly garland. Again, beautiful paper constructed to be a beautiful object of affection.
I don't make New Year's resolutions. It seems to me a set-up for disappointment down the road. I do however make resolutions about creating new scents and such. One of those ideas' floats around flowers. Well of course it does, we just talked about that!
I love the new canvas bags! Spring Twenty-Two will be surrounded by all things flowery! Flower Presses and Everlasting Bouquets will also wrap themselves around us in Twenty-Two.
Yes, it's true! We have a new Denin Department in our shop! Yippee-Yee-Yang! I don't want to disclose to you how many pairs of jeans that hang in my closet today. Maybe later down the road. At any rate, blue jean rate that is, my love for the textile is and always has been present. That is why I've designed an area of the shop dedicated to the flairs, straight's, cuffed, and indigo hues.
Those silk drawstring bags made from scraps of Sari's! I love these bags! An idea came to assembly Bath Salt assortments using the silk sacks. I'm working on labels for the new packaging. My mind is set with what the labels should look like, but I've yet to design them on paper. Should go pretty quickly once font and graphics are chosen for the colorful assortment of Soaking Salts. I can't think of a better time to introduce this pampering aromatherapy essential. Bath time... Slow down...
Do you remember when the lilacs bloomed in October? I captured the image back when challenges were ever present. The idea of lilacs blooming when they're not supposed to was quite appealing and intriguing. I didn't want to question it but embrace their signature scent and purple blossoms.
Waffles...
Okay, I'm going to share the fact that wintertime is waffle time at our house! When I purchased our waffle iron some ten years ago that recipe booklet came with the iron. It is the easiest and best recipe I've ever used! You can tell that by the ruggedness of the recipe. I misplaced the recipe a few times and tried to find it online, but never could. Believe me, you won't find any better recipe for homemade waffles! I think the peaks of the egg whites are the secret.
Our big soap sale is coming on January 22! I'll keep reminding you! It's a while out, but ever present in my mind as I prepare for the once a year event!
I spent several days at the shop clearing and cleaning space for the new Spring arrivals.
I'm working on several new products during winter break, not really a break, but a great time to ponder new ideas and think about warmer temperatures coming.
This April Bittersweet will be celebrating twenty-five years! It sure doesn't feel like it's been twenty-five years! I'm thankful for it, including failures, disappointments, milestones, and moments. A journey that will stay with me forever.
Thank you.
Jill xo
Each Moment Is Precious
Published: October 2018
Live in the moment,
Just take it all in.
Pay attention to everything,
Right there and right then.
Don't let your mind wander
To what's coming next.
Cherish this moment
And give it your best.
Don't let tomorrow
Make you rush through today,
Or too many great moments
Will just go to waste.
And the person you're with,
In that moment you share,
Give them all of your focus.
Be totally there.
Laugh till it hurts,
Let the tears drop.
Fill up each moment
With all that you've got.
Don't miss the details.
The lesson is there.
Don't get complacent;
Stay sharp and aware.
It can take but a moment
To change your life's path.
And once it ticks by,
There is no going back.
In just 60 seconds,
You may make a new friend.
Find your true love,
Or see a life start or end.
You become who you are
In those moments you live.
And the growth's not in taking
But in how much you give.
Life is just moments,
So precious and few.
Whether valued or squandered,
It's all up to you!
