Happy May Day! I was browsing through archive pictures on my computer and noticed under the file name May Day, past invitations were several pages long. I guess we've had twenty-five May Day Celebrations over the years at Bittersweet. The day is special to me for many reasons, but I believe the stand-out feelings are wrapped in love and memories. When I was small and as it got closer to May Day my mom would wonder about our yard picking tulips and violets and sprigs of spirea and pussy willow, and all of the flowers and bushes that mom planted in our yard to create a hand-crafted May Day basket. She would usually place the flowers in tin cans or assemble a construction paper basket. Her creativity and resourcefulness didn't go unnoticed by her daughter. In fact, her young daughter was always impressed by how she could create something so beautiful with such little. The more profound part of this story is after she'd made the paper cone flower bouquets she'd ask me if I wanted to go with her to deliver them. I can remember as though it was yesterday my curiosity over the question she'd just asked. We drove down the street of our small town and knocked on several doors delivering the handmade baskets to elderly ladies that mom knew. These May Day moments have stuck with me all of these years only to urge me to realize how a simple kind gesture is always appreciated and cherished. This is why we celebrate May Day at our shop! If you'd like to read more about Bittersweet's May Day celebrations simply type the word May Day in the search box.
We celebrated early at our shop as we also ushered in a twenty-five-year anniversary celebration. My Saturday was not yet complete until Mrs. Foxworthy whom I'd never met paid me a surprise visit. Mrs. Foxworthy was my aunt Vivian's 8th-grade school teacher. She is ninety-seven and the kindest most gentle woman I believe that I've ever met. She also brought her daughters and granddaughters to meet me and visit the shop. Mrs. Foxworthy's visit was the highlight of my day- and topped off the day with my memories of May Day pasts. It was a grand moment indeed!
Whenever I call to order flowers for the shop my sweet flower delivery girl Heather always goes down the flower list and details the colors and varieties that they have in stock. Speaking of stock! When she said that they had red, purple, and pink stock my mind envisioned a large bouquet of all three colors. Honestly, my vision didn't hold a candlestick to what they looked like in person! Yes, I love flowers almost as much as I love making soap! It's one of those things where you really can't have one without the other. At least that's how I feel.
The construction assembly of specially packaged soap for Mother's day fills the baskets. I have a large roll of riveted cardboard that we use for special soap packaging. It offers a different look than any other packaging, but one that mixes nicely with our floral paper and plain white. It's all about balance in packaging. Not something that has come naturally, but rather a learned process that is a matter of time. The flower tucked inside the string that ties the soap are rice flowers. They are a great flower to use to make everlasting bundles. They also come in a variety of colors. Usually pink and white.
One Day At A Time...
I absolutely love this phrase and feel like it's a bonus to be able to share it on an organic cotton tee.
Those rain boots are, well honestly, I have no words! They are lined in memory foam so they're super soft and comfy to wear on a rainy day. Mom would love them! Hint, hint.
The Essentials Shine...
We've introduced a line of yummy essential oil soaps that mingle and blend ever so perfectly. Lavender and Sweet Orange is one of the tantalizing blends that are available. Hurry, it will go quickly!
A new soap, Moon Flower. I made this soap several years ago, and feel like it deserves another showing. The new soap has top notes of pink grapefruit while middle notes of violet create a somewhat spicy floral combination. Its scent is different but in a great way!
We've been spending a lot of time on our deck. Sundays are usually my favorite day to take in a deck day, and as you can see, Elle loves basking in the sun. Little things...
I love our downtown this time of year!
Happy May Day!
Jill
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