Our shop is designed to help you release your burdens during your visit. Most of the time spent styling is formatted with that thought. I remember when I was a kid how I'd go into certain shops with my mom and there was a special vibe and aura. Those thoughts have stuck with me many years later, and I'm reminded of the creativity and uniqueness that went into building that mood. I like to think that our shop is molded after those thoughts. So when I spotted that outdoor entry rug it was love at first site!
During my book writing, I've been pondering some intense thoughts about my shop and the labor that goes into creating it. Some might think that a shop owner has an easy-peasy life. That little work is needed to make it thrive. My mind travels to manufacturing too. When Bittersweet was born and very much green and the owner as well, I thought that making a hundred bars of handmade soap was an incredible amount of soap to make. Now almost twenty-six years later I make twenty-thousand bars! No team is involved. Just one well-organized person that works hard for the money with huge passion and love for what she does. When I stop and think about that it boggles my mind, but in a great way. There isn't a day go by or night that I'm not grateful for the life that I've created. I also believe that this soap maker's life is guided and directed by the all-mighty. There is no earthly way that the operation of this business could be explained unless God had his hand in it. I give the glory to God, always. Not just for my business but my life of book writing and freedom. You recall that saying, there's always something to be grateful for. Well, it's true. I'm living proof of that and the American dream.
Those thoughts become even more intense when I make a home repair or improvement. The money that I earn as a soap maker is always split several ways and it takes an encouraging eye to recognize the significance that each and every dollar has been earned with hard work and perseverance. Most of the time being frugal is my thing. Then I'm what some would refer to as eccentric. I'm not sure how you can be both, but I believe that I am. By the way, perseverance is one of my new favorite words now! I mentioned the word in my last post. Anticipation too. Simply because sometimes the waiting can be more fulfilling than the actual end. I've learned to appreciate waiting. It causes you to evaluate things and sometimes you'll find that you change your mind, and do not always yearn to have what you thought you wanted. Life is filled with moments of anticipation, and if you're lucky you develop perseverance. It has a learning curve. Speaking from experience.
I love the olive embroidered dress! It's perfect in every dress design way!
I pin and tucked the entire store! We're ready for spring and we can easily slide into summer. White denim and chambray are on my favorite list this season. Pair with boat shoes or sneakers, and I'm ready for vacation and holding down the shop fort.
We've had the linen tie pouches for a while. They are ideal for stashing a few bars and giving them as a gift. I'm going to add some simple tags and the dried flowers add the finishing touch. Little things.
Madonna Lily & Rose. Smells amazing! Beautiful waves of pink. It's one of our favorites so far.
We did take-out tonight and I made brownies. I'm getting ready to send Taste & Eat to the publisher! Yippee Hurray! Two books completed and anticipation fills my soul. This is an exception when I can't wait to hold both books in my hand! I'm hoping the cookbook will be available for Mother's day!
This is my go-to brownie recipe. You can make icing if you want. They are sweet and gooey chocolate!
Keep the faith.
Jill
