More space, more storage, more supplies, more designs. My factory and I are up and cooking. Be on the lookout for new designs, new colors, new fragrances, and new products.
Taking a few steps back, a little time off, and loads of re-thinking has been worthwhile. I've developed several new products, new designs, and have tweaked my formulas just a bit. Sometime I need to STOP and focus. It is so easy to get carried away with so many creative endeavors that I over load myself. Whew!
That surgery in March was a blessing in many ways. First a primary cancer tumor was removed. IF we had caught it earlier that would have been the end of my cancer story. But no, that rascal had spread into my liver leaving about eleven small tumors there. The good news is that carcinoid tumor cancer is extremely slow growing. So if I lose weight (a possible cause of cancer), exercise (cancer hates exercise but then again, so do I), eat well (no more processed anything and tons of cancer-fighting foods), and take my octreotide shot every month, then I should be fine for years and years and years. I'll be going in for tests every three months for a while just to keep an eye on 'things'.
Second, the time down while recovering meant STOPPING EVERYTHING for several months. Not only did I not have the physical energy but I didn't have the mental energy either. Since I couldn't do much of anything I used that time to reflect on what was/is important to me and my family. In my inimitable fashion, I had managed to overload myself with so many projects that none were getting done. Forget doing them well, several projects were setting around in boxes waiting to be taken to the next level.
I quit soapmaking several times. Even got my husband to agree. But then I went into my factory and noticed all the soothing oils, healing aromatherapy scents, and designs waiting for me.
But above all, I read my customer list. I read the names of families who have enjoyed my work for years. That rejuvenated me most of all.
As I regained my strength I started cleaning the factory, moving stuff around, making more room, reorganizing my process. I even cleaned areas that were hard to get to or that hadn't been cleaned in a long time. THAT was where the remodeling came in. I couldn't move walls but I could move just about anything else. So I did.
I'll still carry the favorites but I'm focusing on my proven formulas, classic designs, fresh fragrances, and targeted marketing.
Pictures will be coming soon but for now I'm cranking in the factory and finishing a few research and development ideas. I promise, just a few ideas.
Keep smiling,
Pat Allen
A Division of Gran' Nanny's Goat Milk Soaps, Inc., I make spa quality goat milk soaps and lotions with milk from our own Nubian goats. Go to the Pages link to purchase our products.
4 comments:
Pat. Your story touched me in a special way. I too am a cancer survivor and know what you have been facing. Cancer helped me realize that my glass is always half full and each day is precious. I have started a Nubian goat farm with my girlfriend and we are making soap. She also knows how important each day is, she lost her 6 year old son Connor a year and a half ago in a car accident involving texting. Our farm, Connors Kid Farm is dedicated to his memory. We hope to educate people about the dangers of driving and texting while we make a little soap. If you have any recipes to share we would be grateful. connorsnubian@yahoo.com We pray for God's continued blessings for you and your family. Good soaping!
Rhonda my heart goes out to you and your friend. Pain does have good company, doesn't it. Apparently no one is immune. I've met so many warm, caring people with cancer. I had no idea that cancer was so prevalent in our community. I've heard that losing a child is a parent's worst nightmare. Having one son myself, I can only imagine the heart wrenching loss your friend is feeling.
Working with goats daily is a wonderful way of healing almost anything. They're my smiles and laughter every time I look out the window; goats are in the front and back of the house and are a great pleasure.
Recipes are my most precious collections. Here are a few of my favorite sites for them:
http://www.snowdriftfarm.com/form_whippedbutters.html
Check our the Table of Contents in the far left column. I've spend days on this site just reading.
If you're serious about making soap, I recommend getting a software that helps you do everything. SoapMaker is my favorite:
http://www.soapmaker.ca/
It's an outstanding product.
Also, I recommend joining the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild
http://soapguild.org/
I've been a member for years and have found it to be a terrific educational and professional group. We plan on going to their convention next year.
Thank you for contacting me. Please let me know what you think about the sites I've recommended.
God is everywhere. Keep smiling, Pat
You are such an inspiration! Looking forward to all your new designs and posts!
You are such an inspiration! Looking forward to all your new designs and posts!
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