Today always makes me think about these little wild wood violets that appear throughout our lawn every spring.
I also think about my sweet mom on this special day.
http://bittersweetsoap.typepad.com/bittersweet/2007/05/my_mom_of_many_.html
Regardless of what Valentine's Day means to you I hope you and what you aspire enjoy a few caring and sharing moments and oodles of love.
After all, love is what makes the world go around. Always has and always will. That my friend will never change.
Jill xo
I'm having numerous soulful feelings lately about life in general. I'm generally a happy person anyway, but feeling the love lately more than ever. Maybe these feelings stem from you. Yeah, that's it! So many kind, sweet, considerate humans in this world that I'm compelled to click my heals, do a little jig and curtsy while a huge smile adorns my face. Hang on, I'm going to do it!
I'd like to have the pleasure of introducing you to some new Bittersweet friends, but not today, stay tuned, You will be charmed after meeting them, I assure you!
Yesterday after making a huge fresh batch of this, I began pondering serious thoughts about this day. I dug aound a bit in the soon to be new studio, aka, (hobby supply shop) and found some more little Valentine tid bits.
This Saturday, my studio customers can nibble on vanilla cupcakes and I'm putting together some small gifts for friends in honor of what I prefer to call, "share the love" day.
I won't be starting on the cabin fever projects until after Saturday. I have however began clearing out all those blankets from the closet, laundering them and anxious to try those "space saver" bags. Do they really work? I hope so!
Today I'm going to whip up some FRESH face creme and French clay mask. I'm a bit bias, but those two naturally created skin care products are, well, I'm just going to say it, WONDERFUL!
Decision, decisions... I have a few to ponder. The most difficult of all is to calculate usage of the small spaces. Oh and fabric. I'm going to change the little curtain that hangs in my laundry/merchandising area. What do you think? Neutral or print, I want to know!
I'm probably leaning toward neutral, possibly a linen of some sort. The laundry area is going to get a complete makeover!
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Jill 00
We have endured a long hard winter in Bittersweet land. One that has us eagerly yearning for spring. An early spring will help brighten our moods and pondering thoughts of forget me nots and botanical blooms help to speed up the process.
I sprinkled a few forget me nots seeds in a clay pot last year and was surprised when this little posie appeared. Usually, they do not bloom the first season! I was so happy to have this small cluster of blooms. I can't tell you how often I stopped to admire the little gift. I do believe they are my favorite flower! They are quite easy to grow and usually re-seed themselves.
Forget me not is on my spring flower plant list.
I've narrowed down this seasons list to just a few favorites. My flower garden consist of a variety of native blooms like the cone flower and black eye Susan's. I absolutely love fresh cut flowers and have designed my planting around those thoughts.
Second on the list is the giant zinnia.
Last summer on my Saturday trip to the farmers market I could not leave without purchasing a large bouquet of these. So this year, the giant zinnia is too on my seed list. They like sunny spots and my yard is mostly shaded, but I do have on small area in mind for the happy colorful mop head zinnia.
Then a new herb for the herb garden.
I had a recent conversation with a friend on FB about this unique herb. The name of this herb describes its use. Soapwort is a natural alternative to synthetic detergent. Although you would need a large amount of the herb to launder clothing, growing a small patch of the herb would be the ideal amount for washing bed sheets or baby clothes.
Fourth on the spring planting list is Flax.
Again, I spotted this flower at the farmers market. I did not know what it was, nor did the young girl that sold them to me. I posted a picture of them on Bittersweet and a reader e-mailed me to what they were. I had no idea flax blooms were so pretty.
As I gaze into the future and recollect the past I realize how flowers play an important part in my well being and psyche. They brighten my days and fill my heart with flower love.
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Happily,
Jill 00
I've been pondering the serious side of things for the past few days.
So many intense things happening in our world that if I stop to think of them my head begins to spin and I get very sad.
No preaching here, although I do believe a preaching career would have suited me.
In case you're wondering which religion I would preach about. That would be God's religion, the bible. I don't judge folks if they have another person, place or thing that they worship to. Through my life's travels and experiences, trials and tribulations my strength has and always will come from God.
Back to those serious thoughts and less talk about religion...
While Julie and I were traveling home from our antique shopping we passed a small area of woods entering our suburban city. I commented to Julie on how I had heard from other towns people that homeless people live in the little area of woods. As we passed Julie looked down into the woody island and as we both were looking we noticed a pup tent and blankets spread along side the edge of the woods.
Both of us flabbergasted and astounded on what we saw.
I began talking to Julie about it...
"I never imagined seeing homeless people in our city, I said."
Every day when I cross the highway to enter the shopping zone I witness homeless folks standing on the corner asking for money and food. Every day! Note: Today is below freezing! I also heard these people can make 25 to 30 thousand a year begging.
Let's think about that for a moment, the money thing.
Quite honestly and personally speaking, I don't care if they are pulling in oodles of cash from soliciting for money on the cold and windy corner. Unless they are getting in a car at the end of the day and travelling to a warm home with food on the table. That would bother me and I would question their motives.
Which by the way, these poor folks are not! No need to ask me how I know that, but I do. These people are small groups of both men and women that have fallen upon hard times. Some mentally challenged while others are down so far they can't get up or don't know which way to go. I know that sounds crazy, but unless you've ever been there you would not know.
Whichever the scenario, it doesn't matter.
When I was a kid I remember the old timers talking about "hobo's" that lived in the woods and how they would jump from box car to box car, city to city, and rely on the kindness of small towns folks to help them. I was always intrigued by these stories and often thought to myself. What would I do if I encountered such a person? I remember being scared and thinking, oh I have never seen a hobo and will probably not!
Unfortunately today's hobo could very easily be you or me! A human being that has fallen upon bad times and circumstances beyond their control. In fact, the word control has little meaning if any on their lives. They live day to day, minute by minute struggling to stay warm hoping, praying to have at least one meal for the day.
While pondering these serious thoughts I too begin to appreciate my health, family and warm home even more.
Each of us have so much that often we forget how much we really have.
Health and wealth rhyme, but are opposite in meaning on life's richter scale.
It truly is the little things in life that make us wealthy and fulfilled.
To quote a phrase from a favorite movie...
“My momma always said, Life was like a box of chocolates. You, never know what your gonna get.”
Enjoy a caring and sharing day.
Love,
Jill 00
Two hugs are better than none
I have always preferred traditional foods for Thanksgiving. Minus, Giada's stuffing, the holiday meal is filled with vintage recipes past down from mother to daughter generations upon generations. That is probably why I feel a warm comfy feeling when I prepare them.
As I began to write down the ingredients I needed from the market, I too began pondering sad thoughts. Realizing there are so many families that have fallen upon hard times. Most of them won't have the luxury of gathering among a Thanksgiving table lined with sweet potatoes and pies, some won't even have a table at all. Some won't have a dining room. Most won't have the few dollars needed to purchase a turkey!
That is so very sad to me.
Here's my thought...
If everyone that is preparing their own turkeys this Thanksgiving would donate an extra one to a local food bank, rest assured it would put a smile on a face or two and let folks know there are still people to count on in this world and they're not alone.
As simple as my Thanksgiving menu is I too realize what an honored blessing it is and how it's the simple sometimes unnoticed things in life that bring us the most joy.
Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.
Happily,
Jill 00
Two hugs are better than one
I know you've seen these two aprons before, but I can't help posting this picture once again. I love the sweet vintage style fabrics on both and honestly too, I can't believe they haven't sold in the studio!
As Christmas begins to get closer and everyone sits down to a blissful Thanksgiving meal, Bittersweet will be kicking into the merry preparing, prepping and of course pondering and poking at the hustle and bustle of my favorite time of year.
I love the onset of winter. Having been a midwest girl most of my life winter has always meant ice skating, sledding and snow! The latter, the more the merrier, I say. I've talked about how I still enjoy sledding and how I have my sled from when I was a child, now almost considered an antique, I believe. Isn't it 50 years?
When I was a kid I'd spend hours outside on a snowy day with all the neighbor kids sledding down Truman Road. I'd wax my blades so that my sled would go the fastest and up and down that road over and over until darkness fell and then a run in house for a bite and back out for more sledding!
We were fortunate in having a beautiful lake resort right outside of town. When the winters got cold enough dad would ask if I wanted to go skating. I'd call my friend Tracy and we'd gear up for the ice. H'm, I wish I still had those skates! I've talked about how my dad would shine on that ice. He skated backwards and went really fast and seemed to be a natural born ice skater. The first time I saw him skate I was in awe. I had no idea my dad could ice skate so well. I thought how did he learn to do that!
Today's winter... I mostly enjoy a walk in the snow right after it begins to fall, when no one else has stepped on the frosty white powder. There's something soothing and peaceful that accompanies it.
Of course, at least one sled ride down Walnut too. Just like when I lived on Truman Road, well kinda. Childhood memories can never be replaced with modern day ones, I believe.
I bet you have similar winter wonderland stories...
Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.
Happily,
Jill 00
Two hugs are better than one
Social Networking, I believe it's here to stay!
Personally, I can't even phantom the technical loops it took to connect and establish such a thing, but I won't even begin to go there! Right brain overload!
As a small business owner social network sites such as Face Book, Twitter, Link edin and blogs and the list goes on., have had a tremendous impact on my business and opened doors that would have never been opened otherwise.
Speaking as an individual, these communication portals have reunited me with long lost friends and family members that I haven't spoken to in years. In my wildest dreams I would have never imagined having the ability to reunite with some and I'm so thankful to live in a time that makes all that possible.
I used to think I'd maybe see an old friend in the grocery store or by chance while out and about. I've also come to a realization. The older I get and the older they get makes it quite difficult to recognize each other. Remember change is good!
As far as the bad remnants of social networking... There's always going to be those same creeps in the world. Good things always bring bad things. I believe the bad is much over-weighed by the good.
The ugly... I haven't seen too much ugly as of yet. It's kind of like I know it's out there. Again, with the pretty comes the ugly. It's all a perspective thing. I don't think I'll go there either.
Rounding it up...
I find social networking to be an amazing thing! It's a great tool to posses and like with any tool if used correctly can fix things that are broken and create exciting new roads for life's many journeys.
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Happily,
Jill 00
Two hugs are better than none
The changing of the seasons has provided no more than subtle signs this season in my little town. I noticed last night the big dipper has moved further north in the sky. A sure sign we will soon be in for those cooler seasonable temperature changes.
I have always loved gazing at the stars. When I was a teenager I used to pack a blanket in my car and head for a nearby lake. I would make a pallet and just lay looking at the stars. It was much easier to see them in the rural area we lived in then the small city I live in today.
I believe nowadays folks don't take too much time to stop take a break and gaze at the stars. Kind of sad I think. I believe, there's nothing better than daydreaming on a summers night listening to the crickets churp and watching the stars.
Back then my dreams were quite different than today. In fact, I don't believe I ever really thought too much about the future while star gazing, mostly pretentious stuff I'm sure. Nevertheless significant thoughts at the time. Oh no, Jill's get philosophical again! No I won't do that to you!
Halloween coming up. When I was a kid I adored Halloween. As an adult I can take it or leave it. Does this mean I'm getting old? I heard the other day on the radio that 40% of the adult population dresses for Halloween! I'm not sure those figures are accurate. If they are I find that kind of scary! I mean come on folks. Oops, sorry, I won't go there either!
We live in an older established neighborhood and have but a few trick-er tr-eaters. I do enjoy watching little kids dress up and the fun they have. Just think though... A big bag or jack o lantern filled with candy of all sorts. H'm..... Hey, you said you weren't going to...... All right......
Early morning schedule with lots of soap wrapping.
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Happily,
Jill 00
Two hugs are better than one
More holiday shaping conversing in the studio. An inventory of glass jars is needed and have yet to dig out the huge plastic container filled with Christmas past, but plan on doing so within the next few days.
You know that feeling you get when you change arrangements in your home? It feels new and exciting and takes on an entirely different aura. Your perception of the space has changed. I get the same enjoyment when I jazz up the studio. It's even more rewarding when you know special guests are coming. Your desire to have everything look its shiny best.
This will be Bittersweets No. 13 holiday open house. When my cottage company was in its first years, I had the open house upstairs throughout my home. I transformed my dining room into a soap shop and served baked goods from my kitchen. I even had a wrapping corner complete with a happy hostess anxiously eager to wrap your recent purchases in holiday papers and bows.
Quite honestly, I think having a career as an event planner would be right up my hostess alley. I'm a fanatic about the smallest of detail and attempt to leave no stone unturned when it comes to planning and organizing a party or event.
I've mentioned before how you shouldn't hold this against me. It's who I am!
Not only do I get excited when I change things around and clear the clutter, I too love it when fresh new product lines the shelves. It makes me feel assured to know that my customers are getting freshly made cremes and bath essentials. That's always been important to me, and one reason I choose not to have Bittersweet sitting on store shelves or to go the wholesale route. Many other reasons, but we won't go into that.
Reiterating: I believe it's reassuring to know that when you apply something to your skin it's safe to use, free of chemicals, and a product that is unsurpassed in quality.
Having those thoughts assists me in being passionate about the products I create and the three words, Pure|Clean|Simple represent those sincere thoughts and feelings.
H'm, I wasn't aware how this topic was headed. I apologize for wondering off the studio path.
Sometimes writing so early in the morning can go in different directions.
In short, I believe folks should posses some sort of passion in their lives. Passion is an important feeling that rises high and always stands above life's moments. It's uniquely different than any other human feeling and I believe lives on forever in your heart.
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Happily,
Jill 00
Two hugs are better than one
Bittersweet is much like many other small businesses nowadays. While our economy is slow to recover my little business continues to make cuts here and there to stay afloat. I feel fortunate to carry the knowledge of operating a business on a shoe string budget.
I remember when I first started Bittersweet over 13 years ago. Even then, I had a modest budget, but always managed to expand and grow though hard work and imagination.
The handmade sign is a reflection of those simple times.
Iv'e always been rewarded with rich soulful thoughts when I use what I have, and if I didn't know how to do something, then I taught myself to learn. The end result widens my psyche and helps me to appreciate the simpler things in life.
I have always trusted my instinct too, never questioning the decisions I make knowing they are always the right ones. I believe that't the key to running a successful business.
Wrapping up some client web sites and exploring the possibilities....
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Happily,
Jill 00
(Two hugs are better than one)
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