I was performing my usual scouting of blogs and soap pics when I came across a dialogue regarding the fickle public at markets and how it is futile to try to figure out what soaps will sell the best. Included in one of the comments was this gem of a quote left by another soapmaker- it really spoke to me.
“I don’t play to please the masses. I play from my heart and the ones I touch will find me. Those are the ones that will remain because what I am creating is from me.” – Joe Jackson
I seem to always be changing things around. I think that I am still trying to find my way in terms of the image and style of soap I want to make. I think I have finally found a soap genre that I think best suits me. I am working on re-working my logo once again – along with reinventing my blog and shop. I haven’t had the time I would like to work on all of this but, I will be getting things all put back together in the next few weeks for sure.
Here is a fun little sample pack I put together for some friends. Love how it looks…
If you are looking for a fun event for the whole family be sure to attend the 40th Annual Fall Festival. This one day craft fair will be held on Saturday- September 18, 2010 from 9:00 – 6:00 p.m. This event includes more than 85 vendors selling a wide variety of handmade items and fine art. The event features artist demonstrations, live entertainment, food, a scarecrow making contest, a bounce house for the kids and more. This event traditionally attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Vendor booths are rented on a first come first served basis and run from $60- $80 dollars based on location and size of booth. Each booth is constructed out of scaffolding and tarp meaning your handmade items will be out of direct sun.The center is located at 4215 University Avenue (approximately 44th and University.) For questions or more information on booth rentals please call the Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center at (806) 767-3724.
It’s also a huge day for Texas Tech Football as – Texas Tech hosts Texas at 7:00 p.m. but, don’t worry this leaves plenty of time to visit the Fall Festival…
Amazing Grace
John Newton (1725-1807)
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Just soaping and meditating…
Listening to some “Blind Boys of Alabama” actually- this means the Amazing Grace cut over and over. I really can’t get enough – it’s one of those songs that just stirs my soul (this version in particular.) When I think about how the song was inspired and what the term “amazing grace” means to me- it’s very beautiful, very raw, very emotional. I have trouble sometimes rationalizing a God that allows tragic events etc. – and though I was raised of course to believe in God admittedly I have trouble sometimes. I do know that I totally get what “amazing grace” is and I know that it is something very powerful…
Soaping is a place I go to meditate and relax a place I go to create and be with the inner me. It’s peaceful and calm and no storms surround me. Life is good….and sometimes you can hold happiness and contentment in your hand…
I have a plan to re-work some things that I hope will make for a much more efficient blogging/ shopping experience in the end. In the meantime I had to take the old website down in order to use the server etc. Hope to be up and running in a new and improved way as soon as possible.
Thanks!
I have been dangerously low on base oils so, I have been sitting on what I have left (in the event of severe soaping withdrawals..lol!) I finally was able to get some ordered and they are here. Yahoo! You can’t believe how exciting it is to get an order of base oils in – practically thrilling. I’ve already made a lovely batch of No-Nonscents it’s simple and pure and just one of my favorites to make. No-Nonscents is a lovely blend of olive and rice bran oils fortified with rich luxurious goat’s milk. Yum!
Exciting things are coming up for Tierra Verde Handmade Soap- there will be lots of soap on the horizon in the next few weeks. See you around!
Blind Boys of Alabama -Amazing Grace
My new favorite – Hope you enjoy them too!
The Story of “Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace” is a Christian hymm written by English poet and clergyman John Newton(1725–1807) published in 1779. With a message that forgiveness and redemption is possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God, “Amazing Grace” is one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world.
Newton wrote the words from personal experience. He grew up without any particular religious conviction but his life’s path was formed by a variety of twists and coincidences that were often put into motion by his recalcitrant insubordination. He was pressed into the Royal Navy and became a sailor, eventually participating in the slave trade. One night a terrible storm battered his vessel so severely that he became frightened enough to call out to God for mercy, a moment that marked the beginning of his spiritual conversion. His career in slave trading lasted a few years more until he quit going to sea altogether and began studying theology.
source; Wikipedia.
Releasing the Butterfly
Resting
Silhouette
Tiny bumblebee sized hummingbird
Oh! I am proud to announce that Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps are now available in the Garden and Arts Center shop – be sure to stop by if you are looking for a unique handmade gift. -Remember to support indie businesses.
This post is a far departure from anything soap related but, I’ve felt a real pull to share my recent harrowing experience with all of you.
Friday evening May 28, 2010, I was spending some time with a friend while across town my 18 year old son was “hanging out”with his friends on this evening before graduation. Approximately 9:39 p.m. I got a call from my son(I figured he was going to ask for more time to run around etc.) instead I was greeted by a very distraught voice telling me to come get him – immediately I asked him what was wrong only to hear that he had been involved in a vehicle accident. On the way I was able to find out that he was okay as well as the other driver involved – this greatly reduced my panic. Upon arriving at the scene initially I was unable to locate him among all the chaos of wreckers, police cars and the throng of people… finally there on the corner was my son, rattled, but in one piece my heart soared to have him in my arms and standing there right beside him was an angel. She quickly informed me how he was in such shock and, how her heart just went out to him and that she was a mom of 2 boys. I am not sure she will ever know how much it meant to me that she took the time to stay with him until I could get to him. She was his comfort and solace in those horrible moments immediately following the most terrifying few seconds of his life. I will always be grateful beyond words that someone took the time to be there in my son’s time of need – her spirit was so soothing and assuring to us both.
In reflecting back on this horrible night, I now see that many things had to come into alignment to keep him safe. The impact was not a high speed impact and while his vehicle was t-boned he managed to swerve enough that his truck spun out – absorbing some of the impact. He was wearing a seat belt that dutifully did it’s job. He was not struck by other cars (even though the accident took place in a very busy intersection.) The two Lubbock Police Officers who worked the accident demonstrated much kindness and compassion (one even telling my son that he had his first accident when he was 16) even the wrecker driver went above and beyond.
I can’t even express how grateful I am to all involved for being there at the most terrifying event in my sons life.
On May 29, 2010 my son walked across the stage – it signified so much more than 12 years of school completed – so much more…