So sweet!

Saturday, there was an event at the park behind the Market in Pleasanton, it was made up of Artisans selling their wares, really pretty stuff too. Before I went over to check it out, one of my customers came up and I asked her if she was there too because I know she does pottery. She said she was there which was great because I wanted to check out her work. So anyhow, she said, come check us out, but that she had something - for me! It's the gorgeous little soap dish pictured. Isn't the detail so pretty? I was just really touched by it and wanted to share it with you guys! I have the nicest customers!

Opening Day

I was invited to participate in the Martinez Farmers Market today, the one by the courthouse. I used to do that Market all the time and it's always fun to remember the times when my youngest son used to do the Market there with me. It made for a very long day; we did that one in the morning and then finished off in Livermore. I know they were long days, but I look back fondly on those times.
It was a shame that the weather didn't cooperate with us today, we had some pretty nasty wind and rain. The cool thing was my spot, it was awesome and I got to have my van with me, which is always very cool for me - score!
They brought out the cool sign as seen in the picture, I thought it was very cool!

Barnabas Collins arrives at Collinwood

Watched this when I was a kid, still scary! I thought it was cool that the original Barnabas got to meet the new one, the movie comes out May 11th!

Passion

So today was opening day for the Kaiser Antioch Farmers Market. The Market management did a fabulous job with the Market set up, I can't remember when it looked as fantastic as it did today. We had a few brand new vendors too, so I went over to welcome them. One was this vendor that had pupusas (sp? They are these amazing little treats!). It was his very first time doing a Market anywhere and he told me it was his dream come true. I was just digging listening to him, his passion was so obvious and I was totally feeding off of it! I have that same passion, all these years later, I LOVE what I do. I look forward to watching him get his share of loyal customers as I have. I am sure that he'll appreciate them as much as I appreciate you guys.
There's a quote from Joseph Campbell that says "Follow your bliss". It is my wish for all of you, that you can do that, and feel the passion, and fill your heart with it!

On the horizon

I've got a few things that are in development for the next Limited Edition, things like Green tea and Lemongrass, London Lemon Curd and one I'm going to call spike which sounds really interesting, it depends on which way I go with the fragrance. I am going to discontinue the Calypso Orchid, it's had a very long run but now its time for s newbie to go in that spot. It may be one of the Limited Editions depending on how you guys like them. Just wanted to keep you in the loop!

Season begins

I regularly do 4 Farmers Markets a week and then in the "season" - summer pretty much, I do one extra Market. It's Antioch Kaiser which is really close to where I live, but in the past it's been a bit on the slow side. I am hoping this year it will be busier, I see we have a new manager this year and he's got all kinds of great vendors on the roster for us. I'll be going the first and third Thursdays of every month rather than just once a month. Opening day is Thursday and I am always excited on opening day to see everyone. If you live in the area, please help me spread the word!

Simon's Cat 'Fly Guy'

I just love his cartoons and I could SO see Spike doing this. (Murray is far too dignified to act that way - yeah right!)

Guilty Pleasure

I generally don't get to sit around eating bon-bons and reading magazines, however, my favorite is Studios! A magazine dedicated to studio space, if nothing else I can drool over everyone elses studios, although I think of my own as my "nest" I have many things I love out there :-)
This one was bought for me by my sweet husband and I'm impressed that he knows how much I like to read this, its a $15 magazine but I think it's worth it! Forgive the picture, my phone took it!

Rain Rain go away

Don't come back on Market day!
Actually, I don't really mind the rain, it's just an inconvenience really. Most of the vendors at the Farmers Markets will still come out, I will usually go too unless the wind is out of control, I can't protect my precious soap from sideways rain.
I just have to say a special thank you to the loyal shoppers at the Farmers Markets that shop with us to support us, and Local, that come because it's truly a way of life and so more more than just the current fashion. I once told a customer thank you for coming out in the rain, and his reply was "well I have to eat!"
I'l be in Concord today, I hope to see you!

(Those of you within Market distance that is!)

ch- ch- ch-changes

I used to have a boss years ago, when I worked as an Operations Supervosor in a bank (THAT was another life-time ago!) and he used to say "never settle for status quo" and I guess it must have made an impression to remember it all these years later. It's easy to just do what you've always done, it's easy, although you may not get the results you're after. I think it's a good thing to change things up now and then, you never know what great things await you if you never try!
I had to do this myself today. I have a professional Soaper's organization (yes they exist!) that I have belonged to since the beginning, and while it was OK, there is another organization that looks like a better fit, so I made the change and am already much happier. It took me so long to change because it's always been the easy thing to do, to stay where I was.
You just never know unless you make a change now and then! Do it! :-)

In the moment

I had to go to a warehouse in Berkeley today to pick up some supplies. It used to be that I'd stress about losing the 3 hours of much needed production time, always so much to do. But my wise husband says "you have to go with the flow" and so I do. I enjoy the trip over and back, found some neat radio stations, some Jazz and some tasty Muddy Waters and Bonnie Raitt. Still haven't even started in the Studio yet, but I'll get there! Just have to remember to savor the moments, you know? I love this picture, it was taken in Berkeley, my van Piper, thinks she's a big dog too!

Informative Resource

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