09/20/2026
Hello, friends. I know I've been largely absent in recent months. I apologize.
My dad passed away in June--it was neither sudden nor unexpected but it was a blow. My relationship with him was complicated, probably because we were alike in many ways, and so I spent much of the summer reeling.
But as always, with the sorrow comes the sweet. I threw a bridal shower for my oldest daughter and a baby shower for my middle daughter. Last weekend, we celebrated the wedding and within the next couple weeks, a new baby will join our family. My oldest (my son) and my youngest daughter also came home, and I can't tell you how wonderful it felt to have all four of these people who own enormous pieces of my heart in one room at the same time.
The school year started, so there were new students, new assignments, new challenges and joys and as always, the fulfilling swell of emotion that comes with stepping into that building that I love so much after a summer away with the other teachers in our school family.
And in addition, we've done farmers' markets, smaller events, the Woodstock Fair, and the Berlin Fair, plus we're starting to plan next year's appearances. (Yep. Already!)
And of course we've been making. So. Much. Soap. (Including two hundred bars for favors for my daughter's wedding! So much fun!!!)
I am spending the next week or two getting my act together. I have lots to share--new soaps, new developments--as well as the usual processes of managing inventory and website and all things soap.
I want to thank you all for your patience as I get my feet back under me. You all are the best.
Here are some random soap-related photos from the past while!
