how do you know that you are loved...

it is in the smallest of acts, the simplest of gestures, the slightest of glances, the shortest of sentences.

it is in a sigh, a look, a plea, a story.

it is in a tone, a wish, a promise.

it is first thing in the morning, after something really funny, right before something amazing, in the middle of something scary.

you must be quiet and you must watch. you must be brave and you must look closely. you must listen and you must notice.

it will overwhelm you. it will take your breath. it will melt your heart.

you must be gentle, you must be kind, you must be forgiving.

because now you know

you are so loved.

Quieting the Soul...

We had a slow, pretty un-eventful holiday weekend. It was nice, in a too much to do so we didn't do much of anything kind of way. Maya has slowed our lives down a great deal. Part of me does miss our free out-and-aboutness. But a large part of me is happy for a greater collection of quiet moments. Unfortunately, the always busy part of myself has been using these so-called quiet moments to accomplish computer work, read blogs, online shop...basically anything other than just sit with myself. While I do enjoy these times of gathering ideas and inspiration, too much often leads to times of envy, comparison, and judgement of myself. I can quickly fall down the rabbit hole and, once there, I loose sight of myself: my goals, my ideals, my focus. Luckily, I've been down this particular rabbit hole many times in my life and I'm able to recognize when I'm here.

The times and details may be different each time I've visited this uncertain place, but the pattern of events that get me here, and then get me out, is always the same. One small act leads to over-abundance, over stimulation, & over exertion. I hit the very bottom of the rabbit hole craving a simpler, more mindful life focused on the very real people around me and the activities that mean something to my heart. I find myself reeling in all the different lines of me that have drifted out too far and are often so tangled that I may just need to cut them and move on.

I spent the better part of this weekend quietly. I desperately needed some time alone with my own soul to examine where it wanted to be. And, not surprisingly, what I heard was that my soul, indeed, liked the quiet.

I've re-committed to spending more time with myself...without distractions of the world, without the clutter of so many other people's thoughts. I feel that for the first time in a long time, I need to take some time to really get to know myself again. Listen to music, read books and poetry, create from my own heart, and see where it all takes me. So much has changed in my life since I've last taken the time to listen to my heart...I need to hear what it is saying now.

I firmly believe in creating the inner space for something new to blossom. I need to make the space for the me that I am right now to grow and thrive. And as if the universe is in complete support of my re-newed commitment to honoring the wishes of my soul, today is cloudy with a chill in the air and I'm and not feeling well. I'm taking it as a sign to continue with my quiet restfulness.

How it is with 3...

Since I've had baby number three, a lot of my friends with one or two kids have asked me "so, how is it with three?" Well...

It's a circus!

Chock full of intricate juggling acts, delicate tightrope walking, the constant {yet pretty ridiculous} attempts at taming the wild, numerous costume changes, the simultaneous occurrence of a multitude of dramatic events, seemingly tiny cars being filled with too many funny looking people with a horrendous amount of equipment, and loud {often chaotic} sounds and funny smells permeating the air all around. Yes, it's a ridiculous extravaganza most days.

Yet at the end of every night, when all is quiet and the performers have all turned in, I sit back and think of what a beautiful amazing event has just occurred. In all it's wild, multifaceted hullabaloo, something truly magnificent transpired. And I walk away each day thinking how miraculous it all was.

Each of us, living this circus life, is so uniquely talented and plays such an important role in our cabaret. I couldn't imagine being the same show without any one of us being a part of it.

Yes, although we are highly entertaining, some people do watch with an intense confusion over the appeal of circus life. But as for me and my family, we know no other life and absolutely love the one we have.

So Loved...

...because you are!

Now Available in the shop.

Enjoy!

Fresh Cut...

Loganberry Soap

Available June 10th

Show Time...

Throughout my life, May has always meant dance recital time. From the time I was three and taking ballet to now when it's my daughter's turn to live the ultimate dancer's dream: a night of ballet on the stage! Throughout my life, that one night of the year was always so special. The costume(s), the lights, the audience, the butterflies, and the true glory of feeling like a real ballerina; it is the pinnacle and culmination of a year's worth of learning, hard work, and {in the later years} blisters and tired muscles. I loved those blisters. I loved those aching muscles. My body loved dancing.

Now, as I watch my eldest daughter embarking on {what I imagine will be} her long life as a dancer, I'm so excited for the discipline, courage, joy, and pride she will get from her journey. But also, I'm jealous. And I mourn a little for the young dancer that I used to be.

I'm not certain why I ever stopped dancing. Perhaps it was just time to move on. But I will always think fondly of my dancing years; like one of those great all-encompassing loves that was beautiful and special, and ended just before it ever got complicated. It is one of my purest loves and one of the only ones from my past that does not have some hurt attached.

Me & Ballet; what we had was so real and so profound. I will never be able to watch my children dance without remembering {and longing for} what once was mine. But I can take great comfort in knowing that I'm offering them an opportunity to find that same great love.

May Soap Notes & Giveaway : : Nurturing Ourselves

Wow, we have and quite a May so far and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. Yet when I know that I'm tired and weary and should totally be conserving my energy, I spend every last ounce of free time working, doing chores, and attempting to get one more thing crossed off my to-do list. If my daughters were overtired and cranky, I would encourage them to rest and re-fill the metaphorical well. How is it that I can encourage them to five themselves what they need yet not take what I need for myself? Why do we not nurture ourselves the way we nurture others?

Coming off the heels of Mother's Day, we've all probably been thinking about either what type of mother we are or what type of mother we have. I'm also trying to think about what kind of mother I am to myself. When I'm hungry, do I make myself a healthy snack? Or do I tell myself that my waistline is not deserving of extra calories? When I'm overworked, do I make myself take a break and get outside to 'play'? Or do I admonish myself for being lazy and unfocused? When I'm sad do I allow myself to be hugged? When I'm angry, do I permit myself to use words and communicate those feelings with others?

A good mother would be gentle with another's soul; would nurture the body in which it resides by giving it food and rest, would be tender with its feelings, would give it healthy boundaries in which to prosper. A good mother can anticipate needs and act accordingly before meltdowns occur. A good mother encourages positive thinking and praises even the smallest of achievements. A good mother knows when her children need some fresh air and exercise. A good mother loves her children wholeheartedly with an unconditionalness that is unparalleled.

Wouldn't it be great if we could all care for ourselves this way? Life is so hard sometimes but if we had this 'mother' within ourselves wouldn't we just have the best shot at being happy, and healthy, and whole? And if it's true that we cannot give others what we do not have ourselves, imagine what we would be able to give to others through this ultimate nurturing of ourselves.

This month, take some time {preferable with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket} to reflect on the ways that you could be a better mother to yourself. What would you do differently? How would you change your self-talk to reflect your new mission?

I'd like to help you nurture yourself this month by giving away an Acai & Mangostein Hand Scrub. {Indulging myself a little is totally in my mothering plan!} To be entered to win, simply comment on this post or send me an email and tell me your favorite way to indulge yourself. {Is it chocolate, a good book, a bubble bath?} I will hold the drawing sometime on Wednesday morning, May 20th.

Just a reminder that all month long, we are donating 10% of our sales to the Ronald McDonald House of Danville, PA. This is a great opportunity to pick up some Bath Bars for summer traveling or end of year gifts for teachers!

***Comments are now closed, the drawing has been held***

Our Mama's Day...

We had a really simple and beautiful Mother's Day. Brent and I are fortunate enough to have both our mom's living in close proximity so we could all celebrate together with brunch at our house.

The girls and I spent some time last week making gifts for their Grammie and their Thea complete with handmade necklaces and pins.

I was happy to get some spare time {with both my hands} to paint these sentiment postcards for our moms. I just hate to purchase cards...good thing I like to be crafty!

Most of all I was so happy to spend the day with my little family. I get so much joy out of us all being together...especially for a whole day. I truly felt blessed in every way!


And just because I don't think Baby Maya got enough exposure in this post...

Happy Monday, everyone!

Happy Mama's Day!

Sorry I've been a littl AWOL this week...kind-of taking it easy. I'll be checking in soon with Mother's Day crafting pics, etc!