It's Time For A Break

This image is what I need in my life; a chicken farting glitter. This makes me smile. *Image courtesy of Redbubble

Welcome to Wednesday, dear reader. As I sit writing to you this morning, with the news broadcast playing in the background, I am thinking it is time for me to once again take a hiatus from watching the news. Periodically, I take a break from all things news-related, cocoon myself in my own little world of goats, chickens, geese, soap, farm-related activities, and my family, and exist in a world of my own creation. It is much more pleasant than the real world. In my world, there is no nonsense, nobody is putting a spin on important events, and things are pretty simple. I like it that way.

Allow me to share just how simple my world and my perspective on the world are in comparison to what is broadcast on the news. First, let us discuss rules. My dear friend, Tricia, whose mother was a kindergarten teacher, has a little rhyme she pulls out, primarily in discussions about the vendors at the market: Rules, rules they are no fun, but rules were made for everyone. When Tricia uses this rhyme, I always giggle. I also kind of wonder how we can be such good friends because I'm pretty sure I would have tripped her on the playground had she said this to me as a child. Tricia is a rule follower, and I love this about my friend. Her little rhyme is indeed accurate.

Rules are in place for a reason; usually because of someone's ass-hattery ( is that even a word?), and they do apply to everyone. Sometimes, I find this frustrating. For example: driving. I feel there are days when nobody should be permitted on the road but me. Nobody should pass me, drive too slowly in front of me, cut me off, pull out in front of me, follow me too closely, or annoy me in general. This would be part of my perfect world. However, there are traffic rules in place for safety purposes, and until the law goes into effect that only I am permitted to drive on the road, I will follow these rules to the best of my ability. If I break a traffic rule, I pay the consequences, literally. I don't make excuses, whine, or threaten law enforcement. I was driving like an ass hat, I got caught, I pay the price for poor decision making. That is how adults behave, correct?

According to the news, it is not how adults behave. I am tired of the news reports about adults behaving like entitled children, making excuses for bad behavior, thinking the laws are in place for everyone but them, or bending the rules to meet their agenda. I am not talking about anyone in particular. Just watch the news for five minutes, and you will see adults misbehaving, refusing to take responsibility for their actions, and believing that the rules should not apply to them. I find it incredibly annoying and frustrating. Just be an adult already. It's pretty simple, in my opinion. If you don't follow the rules of the land, you pay the consequences for your actions. Rules, rules, they are no fun, but rules were made for everyone. Childish? Yes. However, simplistically accurate.

Also, when did news reporting shift from strictly reporting the facts to news reporters interjecting their opinions about newsworthy stories? I still remember the days when Peter Jennings reported world events as if they were a weather report. I had no idea what his personal opinion of the story was or if he even had one. I don't want to be entertained, instructed how to feel or think, or influenced in any way. I just want the facts. Plain and simple. Give me the facts and I will form my own opinion without being influenced.

One last thing, why is it only the absolute worst of humanity that makes the news? Criminals, violence, destruction, ass-hattery, dip-shittery, and idiocy are the only behaviors deemed newsworthy. I have stated it before, and I will restate it: Hallmark needs a news channel that reports only good news. I would watch that while I drink my morning coffee and smile. Smiling while I drink my coffee would be much better than the knot that often forms in my stomach when I turn on the news. It's simple, tell me something good.

Am I naive? Probably. However, I believe that a bit of goodness and positivity would go a long way in this world. It would probably make it a better, less aggressive, and less scary place. Yes, I think it's time for me to take a break from watching the news once again. It's beneficial for my mental health, stress levels, and overall well-being. I believe it is essential to stay informed about global events. However, it all becomes a little too much for me sometimes. Until Hallmark creates a good news channel, I will retreat to my own little world, where everything that makes me happy resides.

On this overcast Wednesday, stay safe, be smart, follow the rules, don't behave like an ass hat, and keep washing your hands.

Tuesday Spotlight: Almond and Milk

Save 25% on Almond and Milk Products

This week, our spotlight is on the ever-popular Almond and Milk soap and moisturizer. Hands down, our Almond and Milk products are one of our most popular scents. The soap and moisturizer smell incredible, but if you aren't familiar, think of almond extract, often used in baking. It is mildly sweet, warm, slightly nutty, with undertones of cherry. Trust me, it is delightful.

Of course, our goat's milk soap and moisturizer have qualities that are wonderful for the skin. The luxurious scent is a bonus to products that help to balance moisture, are gentle, cleansing, and great for all skin types. With almost five pounds of milk used in every batch of soap, the benefits of goat milk are abundant. We take pride in the fact that our fresh raw milk from our lovely ladies is the main ingredient in all our products.

This week, save 25% on Almond and Milk soap and moisturizer. No promo code is needed to save; the savings will be applied at checkout. Now is an excellent time to try something new, purchase an affordable gift, or stock up on a favorite. As always, orders of $50 or more ship for free. On this rainy Tuesday, stay safe, be smart, enjoy the savings, and keep washing your hands.

It's Good To Be Back

Welcome to a rainy, overcast Monday, dear reader. Today is the kind of Monday that makes one want to stay in bed. However, most of us don't have that option. So, here we are. I hope you had a great weekend and enjoyed Father's Day to the fullest. We enjoyed celebrating The Bibbed Wonder, who truly deserves to be celebrated. Although he didn't get to camp out with The Bean (this was all he wanted to do for Father's Day), he did get his fried zucchini, white pizza, and Jello & pudding parfaits. He and The Bean have merged their minds (sigh), and they spent the day making fun of me for various reasons. It's good to see them so close and filled with laughter, even if it is at my expense.

We also spent Saturday at the Ligonier Country Market. Saturday was only my second market of the year, and it was good to be back. This market season has been very odd. The weather has not cooperated at all. We have not had a nice, warm, rain-free Saturday since the market began. I missed the first one because I wasn't feeling well, but I went to the second one. The third one, we took the call off option because of the risk of high winds. The fourth one, I was again not feeling well. The fifth one, I was able to make it, but the weather was not the best. It wasn't the worst weather, either, so it was good to be back.

Many vendors opted to take the call-off option due to the threat of thunderstorms, so the market again had an odd vibe. However, overall, it was a good day. The storms stayed away, and for the most part, so did the rain. It was warm and humid, but I believe the forecast kept many people away. I was able to spend quite a bit of time visiting with my bestie, Tricia, who owns Canine Confections. If you don't find me at my tent at the market, chances are I am visiting Tricia. We haven't seen each other for quite a while, so it was good to catch up. Spending time with my friend is one of my favorite things, so it was indeed a perfect day.

I am hopeful that the upcoming Saturday will be rain-free and beautiful. All three of us will be at the market this Saturday, which is my favorite. I love that The Bean chooses to come and spend the day with us. The Bean makes everything better, more fun, and more interesting. Being in one of my favorite places with all my favorite people makes for a good Saturday indeed. Weather permitting, the market is expected to be up and running at full capacity this week. I encourage you to take the time to join us on Saturday morning. You won't be disappointed.

My week will be spent in the studio. It's hard to believe, but we're focusing on creating fall scents! How is that possible? We premier our fall soaps and moisturizers at the Shaker Woods Festival. Shaker Woods runs three weekends in August, so it's indeed time to focus on creating our fall scents. I am making soap dough this week for a variety of fall soaps. I am excited about the prospect of creating new varieties with more decoration and detail. It's time to review my 2025 Soap Bible and refresh my ideas for the fall soaps. I am struggling with the fact that we are at this point in the year. Where has the time gone? Regardless, it is very exciting and one of my favorite times of year. Creating for fall is what I love most.

So, on this overcast and rainy Monday, I wish you a wonderful week. Stay safe, be smart. It's indeed good to be back in our regular routine, and remember to keep washing your hands.