Thinking Spring

Well, dear reader, we are on the cusp of spring. This morning, when I awakened at 5:30, I was thrilled to see the sun begin to peak over the horizon a little after six. That is a good sign. February is also almost over, which is a really good sign. February is my least favorite month because the weather is at its worst. In just a few weeks, we will change the clocks and spring forward. I'm not a fan of the whole time change, but springing forward means that spring is near. 

Signs on the farm that we are moving into spring are that my chicker babies are beginning to lay eggs again. I am planning my campaign to add a few more fancy breeds to my flock. I lost all my home-hatched babies this winter. I think it is a vaccination issue or lack of vaccination, to be accurate. I need to talk to my favorite veterinarian about this. However, the colors of cochins available from hatcheries make me want to add more fluffy bummed colors to my flock. This might be an uphill battle with my bib overall-wearing, nay-saying, dream crusher. He thinks I have enough chickens. Sigh...he's such a man. 

The girls are not yet in the waddling stage of pregnancy, but most of the nannies who are of breeding age have spent their time with Sebastain, our billy goat. We have a few months until baby season begins, but we are already thinking about it. Baby season is my favorite time on the farm. It's a lot of work, but so exciting and rewarding. 

As for thinking spring in the soap studio, I have my spring and summer seasonal scents planned. My intention is to make three scents per month: a floral, a bakery/gourmand, and a fruity scent. However, sadly, my go-to clean fragrance company from Minnesota, which is family-owned, has suspended sales due to a family health emergency. This situation is very concerning because they supply 90% of my clean fragrance oils. Right now, we have a solid inventory and enough oils for several more batches, but I am preparing for the worst. Most importantly, I am sending out healing thoughts for this family, who have been an integral part of my soap-making journey. 

On a more uplifting note, let's talk scents. I am thinking about collaborations with some of my favorite handmade artisan friends. My hope is to release a pink peony soap around Mother's Day and to collaborate with my peony-farming friend, Pamela Jean, at our Springtime At The Farm Event. However, as farmers, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. It is going to be a timing issue. If Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, we will release our collaboration for THE Ligonier Country Market later in May. Notice my emphasis on THE Ligonier Country Market, the original, well-loved, long-standing market. I'm also contemplating macaron scents and biscotti scents, and have two of my favorite bakers in mind for a collaboration. Of course, our ever-popular Honeysuckle-scented products will return this spring. We have a new version of a lilac scent planned for release as well. It smells like spring in the soap studio, and I love it. 

For all my soap family members who feel like they have had enough of this winter weather, hold steady. The signs are there that spring is just around the corner. We have to make it through March, which is in like a lion and out like a lamb. Let's hope the lion isn't too ferocious! 

On this sunny February day, stay safe, be smart, think spring, and keep washing your hands.