an intuitive shift

As I shared in a recent newsletter, I’ve felt called to spend less time in social media spaces at the moment. Definitely not swearing off of them entirely, but really wanting to put far less energy towards trying to be seen in places where the deck is very much stacked against tiny businesses like this one. Being too reliant on some of the least ethical large corporations on earth to provide space for me to share what I do and to connect with all of you is feeling very out of alignment right now. I’ve personally been enjoying subscribing to the newsletters of people I really want to stay in touch with, it feels like a more considered way to nurture connections. So very grateful to all of you who welcome my notes into your inbox, as well. I hope to always bring a bit of uplift and beauty to you there. If you aren’t yet signed up, please subscribe to stay in touch! I’ll continue my local organizing work in person, as I have throughout my time on social media. Loam’s recent reflections on this topic resonated deeply.

Otherwise, this month has been off to a bit of slow start, with lots of administrative tasks completed in order to tie a proper ribbon around 2023. But I get a little better at them each year, and I have a very stalwart inventory partner who keeps me going through the counting of every single remaining label and the measuring of every milliliter of precious essences! When we are done, I’m always so thankful for the help and then that I get to continue on with the parts of this work that I enjoy more.

Like hand-pouring gorgeous beeswax candles to light your way this winter! I originally purchased this mold to use for making holiday offerings of my own, but I couldn’t resist sharing these in the shop, as well. In a set of three, paired with a vintage floral coaster, they make a very sweet gift.

I’m also honored to be able to offer some beautiful pure olive oil soaps made by a women’s cooperative just south of Nablus, in Palestine. They are truly special soaps, and I’ve even been using them on face, despite almost never doing that with soap. There is a quality to the lather that is intensely creamy and nourishing. I will not be keeping any funds from the sale of this soap, all revenues will be sent directly to a network of mutual aid funds in Palestine to help support the needs of ordinary people there during this devastating time. I so appreciate your support for this effort. May Palestine be free!

I also cannot resist mentioning that Ally of Heart of Gold + Grassland sent me the most gorgeous box of her handcrafted treasures this month, and I have been reveling in them. She is truly a magician. Be sure to sign up for her quarterly mailing list to be notified about her seasonal capsule collections!

reading:

some very interesting news about using our noses

STA ET CONSIDERA

Life Is Glimpsed through the Night Windows via NYC Microseasons

looking:

at the photographs of Saul Leiter on the occasion of his centennial

listening:

to lots of Mary Lattimore

just discovered Gal Costa, what a life!

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We had our first bit of snow in over 700 days, which you can see in the photo below, in the park just beyond our studio windows. From this cozy vantage point, I’ve been pouring more of our nourishing facial balms (a wintertime essential!) and filling a few vintage treasures with botanical perfume, including these gorgeous mother-of-pearl pieces.

Other highlights from around the studio this month include fragrant paperwhites in bloom and a fresh edition of our cleansing grains, featuring an exquisite organic red rose powder that gives this formula a rosier spirit and a silkier texture. I hope you’ll try them and let me know what you think! A little gentle exfoliation truly does wonders for winter-worn skin, helping it to better soak up the nourishment of hydrosols and facial serums.

In the garden, the native plant seeds rest under a little row cover, straw and a layer of snow, at least this week. I love to spend time in the garden in the winter when I can, to appreciate the quiet and the gentle glow of the light returning.

With care,

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more winter musings