A Muddled Mind

Muddle - (v) To think, act, or proceed in a confused or aimless manner

It started at 8:30 AM this morning...when I awoke I could feel that today would be no ordinary day. It was cloudy outside and I felt a little heaviness in the air around me. I made several attempts throughout the day to push past the fog and to emerge into the spunky, energetic, creative, results-driven person I know I am but today I have fallen short...

All day, my mind has been muddled. I have been restless, barely thinking and have definitely proceeded to act in a confused AND aimless manner. My Gemini energy is having its way with me--twisting me this way and that. I want to be productive—to be more present--and yet my desire to just BE is strengthening its hold on me. It is now 8:00 PM. I now know I must surrender to the inevitable...today's a wash. I forgive myself and love me anyway.

Tomorrow's a new day...I look forward to a new beginning!

A Return to Normalcy

As most of you already know, we are settling in nicely here in our new home in the Atlanta area. Things have been extremely busy--non-stop activity since the day we left Baltimore. I expected, with such a huge move, that there would probably be a few issues along the way but I have to tell you that I just wasn't prepared emotionally for the seemingly endless challenges, disappointments...and joys!

From the extreme cold & rainy weather to favorite suppliers doubling their prices on some items to lost supply shipments to dealing with other businesses who have hired people who have no concept of the word "integrity"...the fun never stops. And then, just as my life seems to be returning to some semblance of normalcy, it's time for the holiday order rush! Whooo hoooo, I squeal with delight as I drag my battered and fatigued body out of bed and into the frigid area I've claimed as my beloved workspace, the place where the magic in my head comes to life.

To be honest, if it were not for my 20 minute-long showers with my favorite Happiness or Jack Frost shower gels and 5-6 cups of freshly ground, piping hot coffee each day, I don't know how I'd make it through. But I have to...my customers depend on me to help them bring happiness, balance & serenity to their lives and the lives of their loved ones. So I've got no choice...I've got to "git 'er done, Bob"...lol.

Thankfully, as of today, I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. The last of the holiday orders will be shipped today and I plan to take a few days off to get some much needed rest and enjoy what's left of the holiday season.

Feed The Pig

I saw a TV ad for a really cool website dedicated to helping Americans gain financial literacy (and we all know these days we need all the help we can get). Here's a small bit of information from the website, Feedthepig.org...

Benjamin is the star spokespig of a new national public service campaign from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and The Advertising Council. The goal of the campaign is to encourage the 40 million Americans age 25 to 34 to take control of their personal finances. The campaign, Feed the Pig ™, is a new component of the 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy effort which aims to educate Americans about how financial issues affect their lives. It features a Web site, http://www.360financialliteracy.org/, offering free tools and resources to help Americans manage their finances through every stage of life...

The website is loaded with tips, resources and links to help educate you on how to grow and take care of your money. The bottom line is if you don't save, you'll have nothing for that rainy day when it comes. You can't afford not to save. Feed the Pig and 360 Financial Literacy can help answer important questions--giving you unbiased guidance to help protect you and your money.

The Story of Easter

Easter is more than just a holiday we celebrate by buying new clothes and candy-filled baskets for the kids, making colored eggs and having Easter egg hunts. While all of these activities can be fun and entertaining, let's not forget the real reason for the season.

In Christian countries Easter is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Read about the story of Easter and find other interesting Easter offerings at Holidays.net. Get creative: find age-appropriate ways to share this information with your kids. Happy Easter!

I'm Addicted to Happiness!

LOL...I repeat, I'm addicted to Happiness. I created this aromatherapy oil blend a couple of years ago--a blend of citrus, rose geranium and ylang ylang--and while I was in the process of tweaking the blend, I noticed that the tension I felt around my shoulders earlier that day had dissipated. I was downright giddy because the mix was so good and considering that the essential oils I used have anti-depressant properties, I decided to name it "Happiness."

I put it into production immediately because I just knew it was going to be a winner. It was and still is one of our top-selling fragrances. Problem is...I just can't get enough of it! I bathe in it, I diffuse the fragrance throughout my home, I spray my drapes and bedding with it--everything. One day, while I was cleaning, I decided to make a little cleaning countertop spray with the oil blend and that was the beginning of my undoing...cleaning surfaces, floors and doors, oh my. I've never been this "happy" about cleaning. I know I should have the good "scents" to stop myself but I can't. Somebody help me...I'm sprung and I'm decreasing my profit margin...lol!