Bittersweet and the little soap company

Kind words

Our soft, smooth, safe re-opening on our porch left me overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude and content. We've got the first Porch Apothecary under our belts and it can only get better as time slowly creeps by during this awkward life we're now living. 

My friend Deb joined me to help with the busy Apothecary Window and it was a joy to get to hang out with my faithful friend. In between customers, we chatted about our world situation, and even though we didn't find an answer to our dilemma it felt satisfying to have a one on one with another human.

One thing that I've learned is that we're molded to interact with other humans. There's no if's, and's or but's about that!

As I was gathering up the sample items and placing them in a basket my mind wandered back and forth with memories of the day. All good memories and ones that I will treasure for many years to come.   

Then when I arrived home I passed out! This new arrangement of offering our items through a window feels safe and secure, but it was exhausting mentally as anything that is new is. All in a good way, however. 

It's going to work!

I noticed several things that can be improved on, and my friend, Deb pointed out some great tips that we'll be implementing in the Saturdays to come.  

Thank you! I can't put into words just how amazing it felt to see everyone! The joy that you bring into this world with your positive attitudes and thankfulness is just what the Dr. ordered!

The gratitude continues to flow and grow as I begin pondering garden thoughts. The echinacea is not blooming quite yet, but it's getting close to. I love everything about this herb. My garden has a collection of the herb that I'm so fond of. There are several varieties, well more than several. White, purple, yellow all in the same echinacea family.

At the Apothecary Shop, our soap table is filled with freshly wrapped bars of soap.  It appears or seems that the soap magically wraps itself often, as once I begin wrapping time simply doesn't exist and before I know it there will be hundreds of bars neatly stacked and wrapped and ready to fill a Bittersweet Shopping Bag. I often wonder just how many bars I've wrapped over the past twenty-three years? That thought boggles my mind! Folks ask me if I ever get tired of wrapping soap and to answer that question with pure honesty, absolutely not! Each and every bar of Bittersweet represents so many things. Passion, Commitment, Loyalty, Appreciation, Love, all wrapped up in each beautiful bar! 

This is our newest view from outside on our shopping porch. Seeing freshly cut bars of hand made soap always puts a smile on my face. We don't have the luxury of cutting each bar at a time nowadays. We have a special tool that cuts loaves instead of bars. However, in the old days, that's how I would cut Bittersweet. Images like the one above brings back sweet memories of my roots and all of the soulful associations that wrap themselves into those sentiments.

 I can safely tell you that never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined our store offering Hand Sanitizer! It just goes to show you that your wildest dreams can come true!

My wildest dreams expand as we also offer Face Masks!  We've approached the Face Mask revolution with a more stylish approach, but comfort is our top priority. If we must wear them, then they need to be comfy! That's our take...

The planting of seeds...

It's a beautiful joy of nature to watch a tiny seed transform itself into a stunning bloom! The satisfaction one gathers from a packet of seeds will never grow old! 

Last week I received this note in the mail. A little tear rolled down my cheek as I read the note. Little things... 

I ordered fresh flowers from our wholesaler and it felt like the old days were back. Even though the old days are not quite back, the flowers made it feel as though they were. Queen Anne's Lace and Golden Yarrow put a huge smile on my face! It was also great to chat and visit with my flower girl, Heather. 

Our Apothecary to-go runs each Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. We will be adding new soaps and other nouveau items each Saturday and we're looking forward to good times ahead. 

Keep the faith.

Jill 

 

 

this life...

Are you like me during this crazy time and pulling out all the stops to clean and organize neglected rooms and cubbies? 

It's hard to put into words my feelings. The words that I want to use to describe my feelings sound harsh and unappreciative. I don't want to complain because so many are suffering and yearning for food and everyday essentials.  

I read a recent post on a social media site that really hit home. 

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WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT ...
I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.

For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.

For some that live alone, they're facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest & time with their mother, father, sons & daughters.

With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment, some are bringing in more money to their households than they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales.

Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.

Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk, and eggs for the weekend.

Some want to go back to work because they don't qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.

Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour workday.

Some have experienced the near-death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don't believe this is a big deal.

Some have faith in God and expect miracles during 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.

So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.

Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing.

We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey.

Unknown author

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I can't get my head around it!

However, it is what it is...

 

I also know the future will be very different, and the unexpected ways heavy on my mind. I wouldn't be honest if I pretended that the uncertainty of it all doesn't cause concern. I seem to have good days and bad, and I must remind myself of the many blessings that my family has.   Being a shop owner I ponder thoughts of will I have my regular hours when I re-open? Will folks be eager to shop inside stores? Will this hit again in the fall? Will I have trouble re-stocking essentials because of shipping restrictions from certain countries?

 

My thankfulness always overrides these serious thoughts. This is a blessing in its self. 

I have Devotion books within an arms reach. It helps to clear the air and cancel out those negative feelings that try so hard to push through. 

 

We're making the best out of a bad situation. Isn't that what you try to achieve? Knowing that others are grieving and feeling extreme sorrow can easily churn some negative thoughts. 

 

I also know that we're not in this forever. We shall overcome and have some sense of normal soon. We must keep our eye on the prize... There will be a prize! 

 

I'm trying to maintain a healthy attitude. How are you doing? 

 

I'm fortunate in having the luxury of being able to continue to do the things that I love. Making soap, and researching new skincare formulations, blending and mixing, experimenting and re-experimenting. Re-visiting the past and recreating the future our constantly in the back of my busy mind. I make every attempt to appreciate my time and energy. Something that I've always been thankful for, but now even more. 

 

What are you thankful for?

If you sit down and begin to write down the day to day blessings your mind begins to feel more at ease. 

When you write down things it helps you to focus and fine-tune your spirit. 

This is an ideal time to fine-tune our spirits. To make improvements and recognize our downfalls and to set goals to gain a happy medium, balance. 

 

Keep the faith. 

 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Grace...

I've always been the type of girl that tries to find the good in everything. I believe that most humans possess the same way of thinking. That's the way we were made. After a time, sometimes we fall prey to negativeness. I have learned that it's much more soul-satisfying to look on the sunny side of things rather than the dark. I also believe that no matter the crisis or dilemma there's always a positive vibe sitting right beside it. Grab it and hang on to it and always believe that good things will develop. Keep that thought...

I've seen a shift in my designs. They're brighter and usually contain flowers! When I ponder a name for a new soap I'm reminded of the kind and compassionate humans that live in our world. A world filled with people that are wrapped in Beautiful Grace.  

The sun shines a little brighter and the shadows are lightened with love. 

This is you...

I enjoyed reading this.

Speaking of reading... We now have time to lessen our loads and take in a good book. Do you have any suggestions? Music... Listen to music and read books and possibly start a quilt. 

Do you remember the Prairie Quilts? Let's call them "Beginner Quilts." I cut large squares from quarter round pieces. It's fun to pick your fabrics. There are great tutorials online so that if you get in a bind, no pun intended, you can easily figure things out like binding, and quilting or even tying your quilt. I have made several of these quilts. I even believe you could finish one in a day or two. Talk about instant gratification. Well, maybe not instant, but pretty darn close. 

Cooking... My favorite pastime next to soap making...

I mentioned in my last post that we made these. If you're grilling burgers they are the cherry on the top of that burger!

We also made these, and they were decadent and chocolaty! 

They resemble a brownie but in a cookie. I ended up taking some to our neighbors because I would have eaten them all!

We're making this for dinner. 

Cooking continued...

My dad has been cooking steaks on the stove. This is an old fashioned way of preparing steak and one that compares to, well nothing. When I was a teenager my friends' housekeeper and cook prepared steak in a cast-iron skillet. She rubbed the steak with butter and then dotted on fresh garlic to the buttered steak and plopped it into the hot skillet.  It was the best steak I've ever eaten! Thank me later...

Family Game Night...

And just like that, I'm playing cards and games again!

Hearts, Spades, Rummy, Concentration, Pitch, War and yes, dear I say, Backgammon! Scroll down on that link, there's an entire list of card games!

Get out the karaoke! However, I must warn you, certain family members are probably more talented in this category! Record it! 

Speaking of recording...

Keep the faith.

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

those days...

Miss Elle doesn't understand why I'm home so much. We take afternoon walks and sit on the porch regularly. I can't recall how many years it's been since I've had the luxury of enjoying a day off. So for this soap maker the quiet time even though the circumstances suck, the time at home has been enjoyable for all of us. 

Elle is a cairn terrier or a Toto dog. I can't say enough good things about this breed of dogs. A Scottish breed of dog that was trained to get varmints out of holes. Elle will catch a mole in a flat second. She sniffs her nose on top of the mounted runs and then quickly snaps up the little critters. It's fun to watch! If you don't mind watching a mole or bole die. I am not a fan of mice or moles so it doesn't bother me to watch. 

The wren family has not returned yet, but they come back every spring. I love that about wrens. Their family and family's family always return to their birthplace. We have several wren houses at the soap house on the hill, but usually, there's only one home that gets occupied by a wren family. My dad has bluebirds! He built special bluebird houses and last year he had a family of bluebirds take up residence. I'm hoping that all of the kids out of school are able to explore nature and learn about birds. They are amazing creatures!

This is a picture of my dad when he was younger. My uncle Richard captured the image. It reminds me of how small we are in this world. 

Like everyone else, I've been cleaning closets and working around our home. The difference between now and then home working is I'm using what I have. If I don't have something I make do with what I have or I do what my great grandmother would do, make it. You've heard me tell stories about my Great Grandmother Lucy and how she made soap in a big black kettle in her country home. She used her soap for bathing, household cleaning, and laundry. I would think with zero-waste trending before this virus hit, that it's really going to be hyper trending now. There is a certain satisfaction achieved by making do and using what you have for some. 

I was inspired by the Great Grandmother Lucy stories to create certain products. 

Last summer after our weekend getaway to Big Cedar Lennis began making these. We really liked the ones that were on the porch of our cabin that we stayed out and by chance, we had a couple of cedar trees that were in need of cutting down. Needless to say, this is an example of using what you have to make something useful. 

After this is all over, we're headed back down!

We have this little rock walkway that sits on the north side of our home. Last spring I planted ground cover, hostas, and lilies. I can't wait to take it in when it's blooming! Lennis built the rock step way and it's one of my favorite things.

It's nice to see the grass turning green. When Elle and I went walking through our neighborhood earlier folks were mowing and working outside in their yards. Just looking, you wouldn't have a clue that anything out of the ordinary was going on. It's kind of a strange occurrence to witness. I am thankful it's spring! I told Elle that I loved the color "grass green." The color is so vivid and crisp!

I thought about thankfulness before, but now those feelings are enhanced. Do you feel this way too?

I've also been digging through old pictures. This one was taken a couple of years ago when Bittersweet hosted a Fashion Show on our porch. The models were amazing! So many feelings that I can't put into words now about this day. This picture helps soothe the soul. 

 
The days that we weren't social distancing are now favorite memories. 

Who knew that these moments would become such fond ones?

Keep the faith. 

Jill  

 

 

those days...

Miss Elle doesn't understand why I'm home so much. We take afternoon walks and sit on the porch regularly. I can't recall how many years it's been since I've had the luxury of enjoying a day off. So for this soap maker the quiet time even though the circumstances suck the time at home has been enjoyable for all of us. 

Elle is a cairn terrier or a Toto dog. I can't say enough good things about this breed of dogs. A Scottish breed of dog that was trained to get varments our of holes. Elle will catch a mole in a flat second. She sniffs her nose on top of the mounted runs and then quickly snaps up the little critters. It's fun to watch! If you don't mind watching a  mole or bole die. I am not a fan of mice or moles so it doesn't bother me to watch. 

The wren family has not returned yet, but they come back every spring. I love that about wrens. Their family and family's family always return to their birthplace. We have several wren houses at the soap house on the hill, but usually, there's only one home that gets occupied by a wren family. My dad has bluebirds! He built special bluebird houses and last year he had a family of bluebirds take up residence. I'm hoping that all of the kids out of school are able to explore nature and learn about birds. They are amazing creatures!

This is a picture of my dad when he was younger. My uncle Richard captured the image. It reminds me of how small we are in this world. 

Like everyone else, I've been cleaning closets and working around our home. The difference between now and then home working is I'm using what I have. If I don't have something I make do with what I have or I do what my great grandmother would do, make it. You've heard me tell stories about my Great Grandmother Lucy and how she made soap in a big black kettle in her country home. She used her soap for bathing, household cleaning, and laundry. I would think with zero-waste trending before this virus hit, that it's really going to be hyper trending now. There is a certain satisfaction achieved by making do and using what you have for some. 

I was inspired by the Great Grandmother Lucy stories to create certain products. 

Last summer after our weekend getaway to Big Cedar Lennis began making these. We really liked the ones that were on the porch of our cabin that we stayed out and by chance, we had a couple of cedar trees that were in need of cutting down. Needless to say, this is an example of using what you have to make something useful. 

After this is all over, we're headed back down!

We have this little rock walkway that sits on the north side of our home. Last spring I planted ground cover, hostas, and lilies. I can't wait to take it in when it's blooming! Lennis built the rock step way and it's one of my favorite things.

It's nice to see the grass turning green. When Elle and I went walking through our neighborhood earlier folks were mowing and working outside in their yards. Just looking, you wouldn't have a clue that anything out of the ordinary was going on. It's kind of a strange occurrence to witness. I am thankful it's spring! I told Elle that I loved the color "grass green." The color is so vivid and crisp!

I thought about thankfulness before, but now those feelings are enhanced. Do you feel this way too?

I've also been digging through old pictures. This one was taken a couple of years ago when Bittersweet hosted a Fashion Show on our porch. The models were amazing! So many feelings that I can't put into words now about this day. This picture helps soothe the soul. 

 
The days that we weren't social distancing are now favorite memories. 

Who knew that these moments would become such fond ones?

Keep the faith. 

Jill  

 

 

laundry day...

First I was anxious, then fearful. When I said my nightly prayers I asked God to take away my fear. The next day when I woke the fear was gone, but replaced with anger.  The anger that I was feeling was directed at me. Why do you ask? I knew that fear would not solve anything or make it better and those fearful feelings were empty and without faith. 

We're all in this together...

Need I say more? Yes, I shall... 

This week my shop was not filled with its normal flow of customers. The few that came in were either preoccupied with preparation for something that they couldn't understand how to prepare for or they seemed as though nothing had happened. I spoke with everyone and tried to get their opinion about what was happening. Most were eager to talk while others shut down and didn't wish to whimper a word. It's somewhat miraculous how a shop owner can get a sense for other humans. You can distinguish between the non-shoppers, the shoppers, the talkers, and then leave me alone's. These six senses develop over the years of being a shop owner. The only six sense that doesn't usually appear is the one to detect a shoplifter. We don't have a lot of shoplifting at our shop, but it does happen. What's even more interesting is that I'm aware of who they are! I even have a few on camera! Unless they make it a weekly fling I pretend that I don't see. It's just easier that way.

Honesty...

Present-day and  I feel like our nation is melting away. It's laundry day! I'm washing away all of my negative emotions and replacing them with more positive ones.

How does uncertainty follow uncertainty? That is what we're experiencing. Not just us, but the entire world! Each of us will be affected adversely in one way or the other. Some more severe than others. 

You must remember one thing...

Human Compassion and Love.

Our future is fragile. Don't allow fear to overcome you. Check on your elderly neighbors. They are probably not leaving the house as they have been instructed. Offer a helping hand when you see an opportunity to do so. You will see many opportunities. Talk about it! Exchange opinions. Share emotions. Replace your hugs and kisses with communication and share your feelings. Treat others with respect and kindness. If you have an extra roll share it! 

As crazy as this might sound it helps to put things in perspective. Remember the Vikings! Look them up...

Our country has endured many hardships, wars and famines, depressions, terrorist attacks, and more. We are strong and resilient and are God-fearing Americans! We shall overcome!

Allow those thoughts to center you!

Pray.

Keep the faith.

Jill 

 

The Big Cedar...

As you slow down, take a deep breath and take in its beauty one minute at a time. 

We traveled over the Missouri hills and landed upon the beautiful Ouachita mountains. 

Our cabin was amazing! The days were filled with sightseeing and exploring the stunning countryside and the evenings were filled with campfires and s' mores!

We dined at some amazing restaurants and indulged in some wonderful conversation. 

It doesn't get any better!

I'm intrigued by his story and fascinated by his vision. 

Everywhere you turn whether it be a big one or a short one, it's about the details. No remarkable idea left unturned in this beautiful nature destination. 

We're still in vacation mode and moving much slower than before we visited this enchanting place. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

Time is on my side, yes it is.

We have admiration,  for blues, and whites... Summer is coming!

We're stocking new cotton tees and breezy blouses. Refined stripes, and natural hue colored wood necklaces. In love with our new Summer collections. 

We'll bring back our "Lake House", and "Country Fair" lines soon. Soap wrapped in calico dressings that are worthy of a blue ribbon. 

The excitement level peaks during this time of year. I ponder past favorite designs and hobbies. Prairie Quilts and pretty paper. 

It's a challenge for me to put into words how I feel about the growth of this budding little apothecary business. The sprouting that blooms each season blows me away! 

There was a day not so long ago, it seemed, that lining envelopes and making Prairie Quilts seemed to satisfy my soul. To think, it still would, is comforting, but time has changed. Oh no, another philosophical discussion! I won't, promise.  However, that thought does pose the question, does time change? I believe it does. 

Idle time...

There was a day when time dawdled, at least it seemed.

Now it is fleeting and flying and soaring!

Does time change?

Well, I'm moving on to another topic of conversation. 

Goat Milk

I'm always in awe of how inspiration grows from simple notions. 

My friends at Fox Hollow are raising goats! They've shared pictures of both baby and mama. It wouldn't surprise me if baby goat visited me someday at the shop!. The family knows how much I love farm animals.  This family is unique and living a back to basics life.  I'm excited to include this fresh raw ingredient in the making of Bittersweet Soap! My plan is to offer a series of Goat Milk Soaps. We're on our way as we've just finished our first batch of Rosemary Mint Goatmilk Soap!

Grandma Lucy's Dish Soap is one of my favorite things!

Summertime where the livin' is easy...

Keep the faith. 
Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a soap maker's view

I'm forever grateful for the gift that God has given me. Even more thankful and my heart overfills with joy when I stop and reminisce about those many years ago when my sweet soft-spoken mom graciously named my little soap business. My apothecary business has taken lots of twists and turns through the past twenty-one years, but one thing has remained the same, my dedication and passion. I'm also thankful for that! 

As I grow older and hopefully wiser those thoughts remain the central focus, and remembering that helps me to create a happy balance. 

I'm also learning to appreciate each day regardless of whether it be a bad day. My bad days are definitely, in fact, no comparison to what some are forced to endure. I'm also thankful for that. 

I'm also learning to embrace winter. For without her, I'd be lacking admiration and appreciation for Spring! Having said that, we've had a burly grizzly winter! She's been downright fierce and furious! 

While pondering thoughts of spring my mind wandered and then rested upon a heaping bundle of lavender. Can you see it?

With the thought of lavender bundles and dreaming of aromatic fields, I thought to myself, why not turn February into Lavender Month and celebrate my fondness for this golden herb.  

We're infusing February with Lavender!

Our new addition to our shop and a more open concept is being appreciated by both this soap maker and her customers. 

Many thanks to those who have shared how you love the new addition. 

My favorite view!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

grazing and calm...

I've been grazing while relishing in the quiet and calmness of a winter pause. 

We've been whipping up new recipes and nibbling along the way. Some of the recipes were over the top, while other ones were simply mediocre. A pile of keepers, and a pile of losers in the recycle bin.

 Cream Puffs

 

I'm packing in a number of projects during my break. It always works out this way! 

Mr. Carpenter (aka Lennis), installed new flooring in the back area of the apothecary shop and then we opened up the room so that it flows evenly with the rest of the shop. It took me a while to figure out the layout because the room is oddly shaped, but after looking at it over and over and sleeping on it, it came to me. I'm one of those people that wake up in the middle of the night with answers to my questions! There's a metaphor between sleep time and break time. I can see and feel similarities between the two. Mainly, creative similarities. I'm definitely a left-brainer!  

Have you looked at our website? Not one bar of soap listed! I'm hoping to resolve that good problem soon...In fact, we've got the revolving soap door thing going on. New soaps ready, while other's soon will be. 

Our annual "Fill Your Bag" soap sale begins on January 12, our grand re-opening. We sell out fast! Hint, hint...

Along with a soap sale, I'm having a Winter Clearance on clothing and accessories. Time to clear the old to make room for the new!

New packaging ideas are in place and my excitement continues to grow as we approach number twenty-two years in business on April 15, 2019!

I strive to make pretty things, but sometimes beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill