It’s Labor Day in the United States. The day that comes, only once a year, where we relax from a job well done. And Americans (pardon my insular thoughts) do work harder than  many.

I say this based on the fact that most Americans get less than 2 weeks vacation from their jobs during an entire year. I’ve read/heard about European and Aussie folk getting 4-6 weeks in year one! To get that in America, you usually have to be a 30yr plus employee.

Or own the company!

So we do enjoy our (fewer) vacation days. Some folks are going to barbecue. Some will visit with family (daughter, corgi and I are heading to my brother’s house near Houston tomorrow…son can’t get off work. Yes, he’ll be laboring on Labor Day). Others will go to the races, to the ball games, to the movies. Wherever they want to be. So that they can relax and enjoy some peaceful time.

Because peace and tranquility are essential for our souls. I do believe that. Being still. Being quiet. Both are absolutely essential for peace of mind and general health. Many world philosophies talk of meditation and mindfulness. And I personally practice it as much as possible. But it is hard in our world. Especially since I live in a large city (Fort Worth, TX) with the associated people, traffic and general stuff. It is enough to deprive one of a peaceful life.

So we have to work hard to get them. I’ve been working hard, lately, trying to get some new products finished. I have a whole new soap line (Shea Basic), a few new perfume scents (Waterlily, Orange Patchouli, Sunflower) coming. There are new candle scents: Sanctuary, Yuzu, Sunflower, Waterlily and more. I have a new cologne spray, too.

Lots of new things. I’m also looking for wholesale outlets. So if you love my products, tell your favorite store.

But in the meantime, to put a smile on your face, I’d like to leave with a photo of someone who is just too cute. And if you don’t say ‘awwwww’, you need an extra day of vacation. Tell your boss I said so.

Such a cutie, isn’t she? This is ETTA, the wonderful Corgi!

What really makes an office? The file cabinets/shelving/desk? Nah. Those are fine and absolutely essential, of course. But what makes the office is ‘da chair’.

And I bought a new one today. My old one was cobbled together from stuff from a junk yard (I think…). It was okay. It worked and all…but recently a bolt had begun to push through the padding.

It was time to go.

So another reason to visit IKEA (like I need one? LOL)…and I found the most wonderful chair. I ‘sat’ about 15 of them before I sat down in…heaven. The Verner chair in a snappy black vinyl faux leather. Which, by the way, was also one of the least expensive at $59.

It did take me some time to put it together. But I’m sitting in it right now. Very comfy, with lower back support and a tall enough back to rest a head chock full of new soap designs/scents/colors…

Just thought I’d share!

For those of us who live in the United States, July 4th is more than just our Independence Day. Sure, we do remember the battles and the years that took 13 small colonies and made them into a country. But like many things, we’re much more than the sum of our parts.

Parts which are now 50 states strong, not to mention some protectorates such as Puerto Rico and Guam. We’re a global market and a global force (in my opinion) for good and justice. I’m happy to be here.

But it is also a day for family and friends. I surely hope that you spend time with people you love. Have an adult beverage (if you’re old enough), eat a few hot dogs (if you’re like my vegetarian daughter, they’ll be tofu, but the idea is the same), and relax under a fireworks lit sky.

As always, I am working today. I’m planning out the scents that are coming in my new cream soap. I’m figuring out the next slew of bath bombs to make. I’m even mentally planning how I’m going to set up a photography studio in my office (clue: very modular). But mostly, I’m going to relax. To reflect. And to refresh.

This is also my father’s birthday. He’s 79 today. So while you’re having a bit of fun, send some birthday wishes to my daddy. He fought for us in two wars and is now in ill health. I wish I could be with him today. But I’m 4 hours north. I’ll see him next weekend, though.

Have a safe and enjoyable day!

So, what do you do when the sky is dreary and gray and rain is pattering down?

Well, I will tell you what you can’t do. You can’t make bath bombs…and that was to be my Saturday event. My super fizzy and wonderful bombs sell quite briskly and some months, keeping enough stock on hand is a bit difficult!

But it’s okay. I do have enough inventory, but there are about 3-4 new scents that I’m anxious to craft: Coconut, Peach, Watermelon Grapefruit and Gardenia.

Look for them soon!

In the meantime, I guess a rainy Saturday means time to rest and read and reflect.

Cleaning house would also be a good idea (sigh). Hope your day is blessed and wonderful!