Happy Monday, dear reader. I would like to begin my blog by thanking everyone who came to the Ligonier Market to show us their love and support. Many of you waited in traffic for an hour or more to attend. Your effort does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you all for helping us to have one of the best market days ever. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, our soap family rocks!
Several of you came to the stand hoping to see your favorite salesperson and vice president of everything, Jordan. However, my bean has a new title to add to her already impressive resume for a twelve-year-old. She was playing Peppermint the Elf in the kid’s corner at the market. Miss Cari, the fantastic director of The Ligonier Country Market, approached us near the end of the season to invite Jordan to join the prestigious and impressive mascot team. Jordan was thrilled and honored to be invited to join.
I had the pleasure of spending the day with Katie, aka. Daisy May, and I cannot express how impressed I am by this young lady. She is poised for being a mere 18 years old; she is professional and well-spoken, organized, motivated, and driven. This young woman has it all together. Not only is she a leader and put together, but she is also kind and genuine. I am thrilled my daughter will be spending time with her. Jordan already admires her and appreciates all her lovely qualities. I have not gotten to meet Addie, aka Lily Lavender, but I am confident she is an impressive young woman too.
Jordan spent the day helping with the children’s corner, and she loved it. She helped with a holiday craft, read stories, handed out candy canes, and played the role of Santa’s travel companion. All the girls or “elves” have a back story and Jordan enjoyed creating one that seemed to impress the little ones. I love how seriously she takes her responsibilities and duties—what an amazing opportunity for someone who is only twelve.
When I look back to my childhood, my dad demonstrated the importance of hard work, integrity, and helping those around him. He built his company from the ground up and sacrificed to create a life for himself and for his family. He always emphasized the importance of a strong work ethic. I had a job working in a restaurant when I was 15, and that experience and the example of that entrepreneurial family stays with me to this day. My dad knew I would benefit from working for someone outside the family and understood that I needed a variety of experiences to help me grow. I take these lessons from my dad and apply them to my child and my parenting style. As my dad often pointed out to me, “I’ll never steer you wrong, buddy.” He never did, and now he will help guide my beloved bean.
As I look back, I also know my dad would not have trusted just anyone to employ me at such a young age. He was careful to choose who I spent my time with and who would teach me valuable lessons. My dad admired and respected the Tate family and felt very comfortable allowing me to work in their family-owned restaurant. Like my dad, I would not entrust the care of my bean to just anyone. Cari Frei, the director of The Ligonier Country Market, is a wonderful role model for my daughter. Cari is the perfect blend of assertiveness, professionalism, mother hen, and fun. I feel entirely comfortable knowing Miss Cari is in charge of my bean. I know she will keep her safe, have her back, hold her accountable, and respect her. I am grateful to Cari for giving my girl this opportunity to grow and discover her own path in this world.
I know Jordan is my girl, and I may be slightly biased, but I could not be more proud of her. I am honored to have the opportunity to be her mom, watch her grow and blossom into a strong, capable, committed young woman. I tell her frequently that she makes me proud every single day. Truer words have never been spoken.
On this lovely Monday morning, remember, dear reader, stay safe, be smart, enjoy the journey and your travel companions, and keep washing your hands.