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Thank you.
Jill McDowell Lincoln
Sometimes it feels appropriate to just sit and be thankful. Sometimes it feels appropriate to slow down and have time to be thankful.
This soap maker is thankful for many, many things, including my family, , health, freedom, and home. Probably in that order, but all wrapped up in a big thankful box! So often we overlook our blessings or even worse don't recognize them when they appear. I believe each new day presents a new reason to be thankful, and those blessings fall like snowflakes but you don't always recognize them unless they fall into your eye.
I seldom watch the news but happened to turn on the coverage of the California wildfires and felt a deep sadness. I'm praying the fire will cease.
This Thanksgiving I'm making an effort to be thankful for the little things, which now seem to be big things, which now seems to make me more aware of each and every blessing that comes my way. Everyday...
From now until Christmas I'm going to keep a journal so that I can write down my everyday blessings. Then on Christmas morning when it's quiet I'm going to read them out loud to myself.
It's incredibly easy to love the first signs of spring.
Atticus and family delivered the two golden sunshine blooms this week when delivering our eggs. This family is indeed a special one. They spread their amazing love to everyone they meet. There's a lot to be learned about treating other's the way you wish to be treated, and we're not all good at it, but every now and then, a special gentle spirit human visits us, and I feel as though they're angels on earth. Very special to have these one and only folks in my life.
The past few months there's been an enormous amount of bad spirit activity at my shop, and I don't need to further explain, but only to tell you that this kind and gentle God-fearing family has offered me knowledge of things that are beyond my minds reach.
I feel as though I've discovered a life secret through the unexplainable incidents that have occurred. I did, it's called love!
After the rant ceased, we discovered a family member has a health crisis.
Life...
I'm thankful for my faith in God during challenging times.
My shop is a peaceful retreat during these difficult times. The dwelling offers an escape from the challenges I face as a human. I'm very protected of this retreat and avoid bad mojo at all cost for that reason. It's a place surrounded by kind customers, and an atmosphere surrounded by beautiful things.
It would be nice for me to share some of these experiences, believing it will help others. However, I'm not a share all type of girl, so only the lessons I've learned shall be released.
I will tell you that I firmly believe God directs our lives if you're a believer.
Okay, from God to taxes...
Ugh!
I've pushed this task off long enough. Today is the day I start the long drawn out calculations. I always feel great after it's done! Right brain, left brain, work.
I'm really starting to ponder thoughts of spring this winter. Our season has been Topsy turvy and extreme with its rigid cold, and wind. Then it turns mild and spring like, back and forth. Jacket to coat, gloves, hat, back again.
The shop is keeping me busy and preoccupied, otherwise, I believe a warmer climate would be a game plan.
With the extreme cold comes unexpected inspiration. You see, there's always something good to grab from something not so good.
Even though I offer and make a vast supply of face cremes and treatment oils, the arctic cold winds were running havoc on my face. Dry patches seemed to pop up over winter night. I studied and researched a bit, however, I've really wanted to create a jojoba facial oil for awhile now. We use the rich oil as a base in our perfumes, and it's a hard to beat oil for your skin. The oil resembles your own skin oil, therefore it absorbs very quickly. I'ts also an oil that is unlikely to go rancid. Most other oil's will eventually go bad, so that's a significant quality.
After researching I came up with a jojoba oil rich with frankincense, honey absolute, vanilla, vitamin e, and marula. I rubbed the intense formula on my face, and by the next day, no more dry patches. Perfect...
I apply the oil in the morning, and at night. If I may, It's amazing!
Soap production is in full swing. I'm anticipating a busy year ahead. What we need is lots of soap! If you're new, that's taken from a children's book I used to read to my son.
He grew up with his mom making soap, so reading the book was humorous to both of us.
I'd be in the kitchen making soap, and he'd be pretending with hot wheel cars. I'd declare, "what we need is lots of soap", as I stirred the big kettle. We'd laugh, and giggle.
Great memories. Still around to make it all so sweet, and really not Bittersweet.
Alice Bracelets offer the same soulful thoughts, and my mind reflects on happy kid memories every time I snap a bead.
Passion usually has a memory mold attached, I think.
My heart goes out to those people whom have been effected by the recent hurricane Harvey. I have little words to convey my heart felt feelings. Keep the faith, and know we're here for you, whenever. Yesterday, I had a moment of pondering about how fragile things are, and that things, are just things, and people are, well people, and that you can replace things. I thought about my shop, and how if this happened, starting over would be difficult. Please join me in praying for our fellow friends in Texas and Louisiana. You can't imagine, until you've walked in their shoes, what they're going through.
Sometimes when tragedy hits so close to home, I feel guilty. I'm sure other's feel the same. Tiny things like having a bed to sleep in, and your mail delivered, seem to be an everyday occurrence, but when a disaster such as Harvey hits, tiny, overlooked day by day goings on take on a much different appearance. I'm thankful God made us resilient, strong, and determined.
My pink orchid held her blooms for months! My entire life I've been challenged with getting an orchid to bloom. This past holiday season, I placed her in the cold back room, neglected her completely, and one day during her abandonment, she began shooting, shouting, with new blooms. I believe she was shouting, and yes, I also believe the determined orchid to be a girl. She is pink! At any rate, you can imagine my joyful surprised face when I noticed the new blooms. Little things mean a lot.
Happy August! Can you believe it's here? So fast, racing by, like a blink of the eye. That's how time works. Next thing I know, I'll be eighty! I wonder if I can still lift fifty pounds of soap oil's when I'm eighty? I often ponder that thought.
Back speed...
That picture above is inspiration for this newly emptied out room.
I just wonder can a person have too many projects going on at once? Taking on two at a time, while manufacturing soap, balms, and curing my cravings for Indian food.
The folks that work there are so darn nice! That's one of the reasons, but not the main one. They offer great natural brands, and their produce is top notch.
Back to the dressing room chit chat...
I went back and forth, forth and back, attempting to decide if I should make the empty room into an office, sewing room, or dressing room. I must have spent at least several days pondering those thoughts. After all that contemplating, I finally decided to change the once bedroom into a sewing and dressing room. It's always kind of tricky to make one space, two, but I feel it can be done in a way that's attractive and functional. I've been doing some homework. What I've discovered is that I'm in love with IKEA!
Love this, especially in love with the light fixture. I can envision what it will look like, but I'll need this chair to complete that vision. Probably a couple of these. Did I read that right? Look at the price. Of all the rooms I've transformed over the years, this one is getting me excited.
White and raw wood will be the theme. I really don't think we can live without that sheep skin rug either!
Great resource if you're thinking about expanding your dressing space.
This is a picture of the little coffee bar off our kitchen.
Good things come to those who wait. I guess that's an accurate statement, since my home remodel plans have completely changed due to no time to start them. It also pays to take your time. I have been shopping for specific items, and in awe over the price differences on the same items.
Changing...
New and New... Rose Water arriving in September, and Dirti Hands, that's a soap for the guys, arriving tomorrow. Providing I have time to create packaging.
Pumice is a great additive for soap. Do they still make Lava Soap? Pumice is volcano ash. Who knew that Volcano Ash would be good for something?
I thought you might like a little more closet inspiration... I just love looking at those scarfs rolled up and organized under the glass tops.
Then here's an idea of all ideas...I love my jeans, but it's always been a challenge to store them. What a great solution. I had a hard time finding those clips, but I found something that caught my eye and that I liked better. You guessed it, IKEA! Here's a link for the hooks. You're welcome!
New rockers look fantastic and they fit perfectly on the big old porch.
I have a few other ideas up my sleeve.
A checkerboard table comes to mind.
When I was a young girl I loved playing checkers. Bringing it back...
Fast forward.
I'm on day number 5 of no sugar! I also created a face book group so that I can share recipes, and ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc.
As I began shopping for sugar free foods that were safe to eat, I was amazed to find how limited one is to located safe, sugar free foods. Almost everything contains sugar. What's up with that? That saying, "everything in moderation", is a challenge when it comes to sugar. You have to be very diligent and read all the labels to know there's no sugar in something. I kind of joked by saying when I go to the market now, it feels like I'm at the library.
I'm also doing some extensive research on sugar. It blows your mind!
My goal is to not cut out sugar completely in my diet. However, I am at the beginning of this life style change. No fruit, wheat products, potatoes, etc. All contains sugar, or will turn into sugar. I've lost two pounds since I said no to sugar. My mind is sharper, no bloating, and all in all, I just feel better.
I'll keep you posted, but better yet, if you wish to join the just say no to sugar revolution you can join the group.
I just launched it yesterday, and I've posted several tested recipes that I think will make it easier to face the challenge. I'm also posting brand recognition about products I believe stand up to their hype.
The hardest part of eliminating sugar from you diet is finding good food.
Anyhow...
I'm launching a new soap.
This past week, I've received two requests from guys asking for an abrasive type soap. Guys, your request is my command. The new soap will be available in July.
I'm also hosting a Christmas in July and making the popular Pumpkin Spice Soap for the grand event.
I've never hosted a Christmas in July before. I'm kind of excited!
My cone flowers are in full bloom. Love, love, them!
Bachelor Buttons, Baby's Breath, and Zinnia follow behind the beautiful cone flowers. If I can keep the pesky Japanese Beetles from eating the blooms! Man, those little critters are destructive!
The month is reserved for summer concerts in the park, ball games, hot dogs, and festivals. I love June!
Pulling out some past designs only to realize how some materials never die. Burlap, Twill, Linen, and Ticking, for example. Simple, but yet timeless when incorporating each into a design.
I love the idea of using flour sack towels to make simple little curtains.
photo courtesy of pinterest
We have a small window in the back room of the shop that this will fit.
Rod Hook Rage... Easy to create a beautiful window treatment with these handy hooks.
This event arriving on the first day of summer at the shop...This will be our second year of hosting a venue for this music filled day.
If you've never been to a Make Music Day, you're missing out. But there's still plenty of time to make arrangements to either perform or take in the musical delights of this June 21 event. Learn more here...
Plans are underway for this too, and before that event.
There's going to be lots of really good stuff. Furniture, Pictures, Linens, Vintage Clothing, Apothecary, and oodles of more really, really, really items that you would love! Parting is such sweet sorrow, but necessary as I'm running out of space at both the shop and at my home sweet home. I'm going to have it all priced to sell, and maybe, just maybe, negotiable, although I usually don't do that. However, it is a sale!
The garden is beginning to fill out. The cone flowers have huge unopened buds. I'm in awe over the many varieties of echinacea. Not sure why that was spell check red flagged? I'm pretty sure this is the correct spelling. Anyway, there's tons of different varieties, colors, etc. I kind of think it would be cool to have a garden filled with nothing but echinacea.
There a hardy plant that over time, will spread and produce summer blooms. They take a couple of years to get established, so don't give up on them, or dig them up when they don't do much the first of second year. The third year, and they will begin their magic.
Sometimes I wish May would stick around all summer. Cool crisp mornings, and warm sunny afternoons make way for a delightful perspective.
Boy, are we ever moving fast around here! Painting this, cleaning that, clearing away, and planting, planting, planting.
The little apron was made from a vintage table runner. The runner was stained and I really wanted to save the beautiful hand crafted workmanship. I printed out wording in one of my favorite fonts transferred to the vintage piece with heat transfer. I'm quite fond of heat transfer!
Small orange red zinnia's in a pot, and eucalyptus, Italian parsley, and other aromatic herbs. I poked nasturtium seeds down into the pots too.
Planning a huge Mercantile Sale mid June. I ordered the stamp here. Stamps are a great tool, and I use a variety at the shop.
Last week Jules and I traveled through the Missouri countryside to attend the annual outdoor flea market. The huge market is filled with just about everything. There's an old building that was once an old time grocery store. Every year for the past several years we've taken a picture in front of the old Rainbow bread screen doors. It's become a tradition to take a picture in front of those cool old doors.
We always try to duplicate each picture, because the first years picture looked like this.
Notice the strange fog that surrounds me? H'm....
So needless to say, and since I have an extra imagination, we take the same picture every spring. Now, I'm guessing the door must be open since that's how we did it the first time.
Can't ghosts walk through doors? Anyway...
Okay, you're going to really need to focus your eyes on the window to the right.
Can you see a mans face? A very large face. He's wearing a ball cap, and you can see his eye and nose. Tell me if you can see it.
Spooky flea market!
It could be that after we both ate the huge tenderloin that we were hallucinating! I'll let you be the judge...
My finger nails are still dirty from all the planting. I love having fresh basil ready to cut and incorporate into summer dishes. This spring I'm planting a variety of herbs in cedar planters and placing them on our tree house porch. The porch sits off the kitchen, and we'll have easy access to the flavorful herb. The bush behind the basil is Mock Orange. It's an old fashioned bush that sprouts orange tree like flowers. They smell amazing. If you're looking for an aromatic bush for your garden, look no further than Mock Orange. It's an early bloomer.
I'm in love with hand made lined envelopes! They're quick and easy to craft, and it urges you to write old fashioned letters.
Depending on your envelope style, there's a lining for that!
A few summers ago I created a small outdoor table setting on our porch. I made a picnic dinner and we entertained friends. I love eating outdoors. I think we will do this again.
In the midst of all the remodel and working so very hard to refinish our old front door comes this little dining room corner. re-do
After receiving bad news about the door, I needed a pick me up. Our contractor, (aka, husband) has informed me that after re-hanging the door, it should be replaced! The old door has big gaps on the top and bottom where someone has chipped away at it for whatever reason. Before I began stripping the door, I removed felt weather stripping that covered the gaps so it wasn't noticeable until after the work. Needless to say, I've spent many hours attempting it to return the door to its glory, it seems, the time spent has been a waste of time. I'm disappointed, but moving on. Now the search for a new front door. I did locate this one. Did you know how hard it is to find wood doors at your local home improvement store? They don't make them anymore. I also want a wood storm door or screen door. I want to keep with the era of our home sweet home. I really like this look.
I'm sure it's custom. It is amazing!
This one, purchased at a home improvement store and then stained and the trim added. Did you know you could add trim to the screen? I didn't either. There's several types of trim offered and you pick.
I really enjoyed visiting this web site. This gal is talented and has some amazing ideas to help spruce up your home sweet home.
I've assigned two jobs for my master carpenter. Cutting boards, and necklace displays.
Love the wooden necklace boards. Master carpenter, (aka husband) has already made several for the apothecary shop.
I'll be offering both crafted items at the June farm sale.
Meanwhile...
I'm making basil soap!
Painting the entry in shoe lace and headed to the nursery to pick up a few flowers for the shop.
It's way early to be planting, but I'm eager to pop in some flowers even though I'll probably need to cover them when we have a frost. I know we'll have one. Always do.
Then...
I'll be saving my money now for both a new door, screen door, and concrete stoop.
Spring and Summer always moves so fast around here. On top of our home work, keeping up with supplies of shop merchandise, planning a May Day Celebration, and the Farm Sale in June.
The shop is hopping and we're picking up new customers every day. That's great because I need money for all the events and fixer upper projects.
They've been around for a long time,but for some reason when I look at them now, there's a new attraction. They're kind of pricey, but I would imagine they're made to last, so a good investment if you have a shop or are a vendor.
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