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.