Heavenly Soaps & Scents

“Let’s go cloud skipping.”
Seemed like a novel idea for two of a kind to do. Much faster than wagons with wheels that creak.
“Can we actually do that?” A question posed by one less seasoned in these types of things.
“Course we can.” Said the one who never hesitates. One who accepts and meets challenges and tasks with gusto and sticky notes. The one who is making things happen…even before a second question is being asked. The one who has tickets purchased, a suitcase packed, and has decided what he’d like to eat when he gets there.

And although the two shared the same name, it even said so on a paper stuck on a stick in a pumpkin patch, they were not identical. But different. They shared the same soil, were splashed by the same raindrops, felt the same late summer and early autumn sun, one had gumption and one did not.

Which is why the one, even as the plane was taxiing down the long runway, wondered if she had packed all she needed. And the other, had a nose pressed to the glass window, with exactly what he needed AND extra space in his suitcase.

M’’k’kk’iik5ttIt’s officially fall!!!
JELLYCAT Ooky Jack O’ lantern.

When you are unsure of what time it really is…when one hand is clutching at the moon and the other is holding onto the wee morning hours. When time moves backwards, does that mean that you are technically younger when you arrive at your destination, even if it is only a few hours, through several time zones? I was never quite sure how that works…being forever young.

What I know for sure is this…that there is something quite magical when you travel out of your comfort zone. Whether it is walking into a new restaurant. Listening to a new musician. Meeting new people. Traveling to a different state. That no matter what your age, you can always learn new things. And if anything keeps you young and humble, it’s knowing there is much you don’t know. So…I guess in that respect, I will always be forever young.

And if perhaps you have a chance, for one brief moment, imagine dragons.

Bashful Dragon, dragon comforter, Amuseable sun pull (musical) and Amuseable moon pull (musical). Imagine that.
JELLYCAT baby!

Ohhhh Baby!!!
We have been waiting a long time for this moment.
They say, “good things take time”.
I think that good things are worth the wait.
Every. Time.
So, if you are waiting for something, prepare yourself.
Don’t give up.
Don’t lose hope.
The best is yet to come.

Introducing…Jellycat Baby. An incredibly sweet line that is designed especially for little ones. Extra soft. Extra huggable. This…a sneak peek, a small portion., of what has come in. Baby comforters. Blankies. Soothers. Musical pull toys. The wait is over. One happy camper here at 33 East Main Street.

“When do houses sleep?”

An honest question. We looked at the houses that were part of the darkening skyline. Golden lights still burned inside. We watched as the evening became lit with porch lights turned on, and lamp posts illuminated walks and plants underneath. The night is never so dark that one candle will not make a difference.Light is the one thing that changes everything.

Again…the question.
“When mum?”

It is always good when you have no answer, to ask a question. It is also good to realize when someone is stalling…
“When do you think they sleep?”
“Probably never. It’s a sad state of affairs.”
“Really? Thank goodness you are not a house.”
“Can I have a drink of water?”
“May I…”
“Sure, if you want some. We can go together.”
“Nice try.”

Lititz is beautiful in every setting. In all seasons.
This weekend looks perfect!
Come visit us!

The street they lived by, ran between a small town and a slightly bigger, city. The frequency of travel, was less back then, allowing cars to travel faster; the amount of traffic lights that have been added since, slowing the pace considerably. They were very aware of the cars, for their burrow was neatly tucked at the edge of the field that also was adjacent to the road. They were lulled to sleep by the approach and fading of purring engines…which was very different than the purring of the yellow farm cat they called “Tom”. Tom was not a problem when napping or in a deep sleep. But when awake…different story.

The three of them had a moment’s reprieve from terrible Tom that day, finding space on a rock at the old crumbling wall, where they could sit in the afternoon sun. They kept a watchful eye on Tom, lazing on the porch. They couldn’t see him clearly, just a shadow of him, that darkened a spot next to a rocking chair that creaked no matter who sat on it.

The problem with shadows is this…you can never be quite sure if what you THINK you see, is really WHAT you see. And apparently, their thoughts, were
misjudgments. For there was a rustling sound that moved behind them through the tree line. A shimmying, among the fallen leaves. And as it got closer, they did a quick check on the shadow that they had supposed was Tom. The shadow was still there, as was the misshapen pillow that had created it. Tom jumped from the cover of the trees and charged towards them.
“RUN!!!!”

Little Bashful Bunnies, Ivy, Cranberry and Nutmeg. By Jellycat.

He stood knee-high, tall enough, when he stood next to “littles”. But when he stood among the trees that had deep roots and long histories, he felt small. He struggled to reach the sunlight that came through the canopy. Their branches overshadowed his. Being low to the ground, also was inviting for wildlife to nibble his lower branches. And although the warmth they provided while nuzzling was welcome, the tugs on tender shoots hurt. He wanted to be bigger, like the rest of the trees. .

What he didn’t know was that the nibbling was a gentle pruning.

That being exactly in the spot that he was, was where he needed to be.

Many days later, the tree farmer came. He pushed back his hat that kept the sun from his brow. His flannel shirt was frayed at the cuffs. The pocket that held pencils and small scraps of paper, was gone. He had one pencil now, securely held by one ear, and his jeans were a catch all for everything else. He glanced over a paper that he had extracted from his pocket and scratched his head again. He looked at the trees that stood before him. Tall and stately. He looked at his note and then his eyes fell on the small tree. And he knew…

He knew this was the one.

He took it home in the back of his rusted red truck. He fashioned the little tree with gold balls and red bows. He adjusted the note he had written, to the base of the tree, just above the gold bucket he had put it in. He turned the bucket in a full circle, and found it to be perfect.
Perfect for a tabletop.
Perfect for an entranceway.
Perfect for a small boy that needed a reason that year to believe.

Amuseables Decorated Christmas Tree by Jellycat.

Yay!!!

We are OPEN on Tuesdays again! Back to our fall schedule of Tuesday-Saturday.

Stop in to see us and get a delicious treat! We’ve got some new flavors on the horizon for fall. ☺️

70% off remaining summer clothing and 15% off new fall and winter clothing. Stop in today!

“I’m givin’ her all she’s got, Captain!”
Just a little “Scotty” quote.

I grew up watching that beloved show on a tube television. And now, all of these “light years” later, others have too. On clearer screens. With bigger stories and better visuals. All of the bells and whistles. I may be old fashioned, but I prefer the original ones, the ones that we would have to move the “rabbit ears” to fine tune the channel to remove the static and the snow…on the television set that only got three channels.
Simple things.

Tuesday nostalgia.

Winter warmer Munro Scottie dog by Jellycat.

When seasons collide.

Theirs, was the last push of color that summer…the last push before the first frost. The last vestige of warmth. This period of time that is cradled between summer and winter that we call “Fall”. Perhaps, because of the directional motion the leaves take. Or maybe, because all things must fall to begin again.

And that is where she found him, among the flowers; wondering how soon was too soon? When is it okay to let go of one, and latch onto another? Who decides when the time is right? He had so many questions. And no one to give him answers.

She sat with him for awhile, and noticed a snow bead that formed on his brow and then slid along his cheek. It caught in the folds of his scarf, making the red in that spot…a deeper cherry. She loosened his scarf, untying it with great care and held on to the ends so that he was looking directly at her. So he would focus on what she had to say.

“It is for YOU to decide, when the time is right. Our clocks are not all set the same. We didn’t all begin at the same time. Our timepieces are varied and different. We are different. And that’s okay. Not everyone will understand. But I do.”

“Thanks.”

Monday morning talks.
Jesse Snowman by Jellycat.

They had decided it was time for a change.

They heard it was safe and a beautiful location. What they didn’t realize was there wasn’t much water…only a quiet spring that ran through the small town. No oceans nearby. And the abundance of rocks to hop from was limited. I suppose, they had only glanced at the brochure. That happens. Lulled by the soothing and scenic farmlands that surrounded it. Possibly mesmerized by the mention of music. Even rockhopper penguins can be starstruck.

Plus…there were added incentives. Pretzels. Chocolates. And places to shop. These all were pictured in the shiny brochure. Rumor has it, rockhoppers have been known to be serious shoppers. Just not the best readers.

Rockhopper Penguins by Jellycat are here!
You never know who you’ll find in Lititz!!

Sneak peek Saturday.
Acqua dell’Elba
A new story line we’ve added. From an island in the Tuscan Archipelago.
Fragrances for her. For him. And for the home.
*think ocean breezes…white sands…

Any and every day is a perfect day for ice cream!

Mother and daughter time at Isabella’s! I just love seeing people come together to enjoy a beautiful evening and a dish of Cappuccino Crunch!

When you are more than prepared, and things slip sideways.

He was thinking just that, as the steaming hot chocolate sat between them. One had decided that hot chocolate was not complete unless it had a generous dollop of whipped cream topping it. The other, had hot chocolate memories from his childhood, guiding him. Never, was there ever, whipped cream on top. There was always room on the surface of the silky smooth liquid for a handful of miniature marshmallows. He would watch as they dissolved into the chocolatey pool of mocha, as he stirred them with a spoon. He remembered the metal glancing the sides of the mug. Clink. Clink. Sometimes, he would rescue a marshmallow before it had melted. It was the most satisfying treat.

And here the two sat, at odds, while white whipped cream was puddling in the center of the mug. LIfe is not always fair. It doesn’t matter how hard you study the cup in front of you. It won’t change…unless you are willing to make compromises and concessions. And…realize that your way is not the only way, or necessarily the right way. It’s just what you are familiar with, what you have become accustomed to.

Sometimes, you may also have to take a third parties advice…yes even from the little frog in the back waving his arm wildly. Often an impartial party is needed at times like these. A voice of reason. The one who says, “Next time, why not use two mugs?”

Bashful Arctic Fox and Amuseable Hot Chocolate.
By Jellycat.

“So…if we’re gonna have to hang out at night…do you think I can bring a flashlight along…I‘m kind of afraid of the dark.”

“Of course you can. Did you know that when you have fears that are floating around, whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable is perfectly fine with me. If you need a blanket…or a stuffie…or music to listen to. Or a flashlight, a flashlight will do just fine. As long as you stop shining the bright light in my eyes. When you do that, I can’t see either.”

“Does that mean you won’t be able to go first? It’s really important that you go first into the dark places. There might be cobwebs. And if there are cobwebs, I’m pretty sure there’ll also be crawly things, like spiders.”

“What about ghosts…there could be ghosts?”

“Nah, I’m not afraid of ghosts. I heard they’re friendly.”

“I think if you have the flashlight, you should go first. That way I won’t bump my head. There could be low hanging tree branches Or I could bump my shins on benches or chairs that are just hanging around, waiting to give bumps and bruises.”

“Ummm….we have shins? I didn’t know eggplants have shins. I have a better solution…why don’t YOU carry the flashlight?”

Vivacious Egg Plant Vampire by Jellycat.

May we never forget 9/11.
Remembering those who lost their lives on that day and the many men and women who gave theirs in service the days, weeks, and years that followed.

Ever feel tossed and tumbled, more than a little bit disheveled?
It’s okay. It’s a journey. There are stopping points…aka rest stops along the way.
There may also be vending machines with snacks. Did you ever notice how good they taste when you are really tired?
Or there may be a really good cafe or coffee shop.
These are places to wait.
To rejuvenate.
To take a deep breath.
Say a little prayer.
Just look how far you’ve come.
You are a conqueror.
Remember that.
Even if the mirror gives a different picture.

Min D’s is open!

“What a dapper dude you are!” said the avocado to the turkey.
Embarrassed, the turkey dipped his head. Thankfully, his mum had made his beanie to fit just right; not too loose, and not too tight. It stayed right where it needed to be. It didn’t slouch over his beak nor did it pull his eyelids taut. It would never do to have a turkey who looked quizzical or surprised all of the time. He shuffled his large feet, kicking up a cloud of dust. He always shuffled when he was nervous. Unlike the other turkeys in the yard that strutted around like they owned the place. Shuffling didn’t make him the most popular turkey in the rafter. The others would shake their heads, their caruncles wobbling in the wind. It just was hard lifting his big feet to strut. He wasn’t the most popular bird in the bunch. Just sayin’.

To be noticed for something other than “flaws” is refreshing. It’s like spilling a glass of milk at the table. When it’s brought to everyone’s attention, chances are there will be more glasses of milk spilled at meals. Whatever the reason; bad luck, misfortune, clumsiness, the emphasis on that one thing, sets in motion more negative things. But when you seek to find good things…it lifts and encourages those who need lifting.
Avocado was a seeker.

And because Avocado’s focus was not on the dust that surrounded them, but on the turkey before him, he spoke kind words. Why? Quite simply…because that’s how it should be.

Theo turkey and Bobbie Avocado by Jellycat.

Generally speaking, the burrow could have gone unnoticed for a very long time. It was dug deep, further than I would have had energy to dig. The snow had drifted; white sugary mounds for miles, allowing anything washed of color to camouflage well. All would have been perfect, had one arctic hare, not had a love for roses. And every great once in a while, a rose will bloom in winter. If…the conditions are right. And they were.

He had slipped from his burrow, his ears slicked back; the way papa’s hair looked when he came from the barber and they had used pomade to keep every strand in place. Clean and neat. It was a great look. Just not prime for hearing noises. He had spotted a gnarled branch that had been shielded from the winds and drifts. It had just the right place for catching light beams from the sun. Just the right encouragement to push forth a single bud. Which then became a flower of the most radiant color. Encouragement is like magic dust. It brings out the best. It makes possible the impossible.

He nipped a “v” in the stem of the flower. Enough to free it from the branch. He sat there, in the light of day, the flower and him. Two objects of contrast; one hardy hare and one fragile flower. It made him wonder…who actually was the stronger? For the flower had pushed through impossible odds to emerge and yet he had adapted to harsh conditions, too. He concluded that day, that you can’t measure strength. There is no need to. Strong is strong. No matter how it looks.

There was the snap of a twig and the crunch of boots on the crust of snow, where it had melted and hardened again as the temperatures changed. His ears stood tall, listening. He didn’t hesitate, but secured the flower between his teeth and darted in the direction of his den.

Arlo Hare by Jellycat

The walkway from where she stood and the other side, to where she wanted to be, loomed large and scary. To some, it would seem less than that. It wasn’t all that far.
But for one very shy bunny, it was enormous.

There were other bunnies that stood chatting, basking in the sunlight that poked through streaked windows. They sat on the windowsill, sunning. They talked about this and that…small talk to pass the time before the morning bell rang, ushering them to classes of algebra, science, and the art of language. Or to the dreaded gym class…where hopping, skipping, and jumping, were on full display. Any display, of any kind, was painful. Which brought her back to the giant lobby that was cavernous and called attention to anyone walking there. Especially, when they were new and alone.

Courage is hard to muster when we feel small. When we feel different. When we are sure that we don’t fit in. That we don’t belong. She nibbled nervously on the tip of one ear. Her mottled fur, the color of a tart strawberry candy, stood out in a field of blushing beiges and soft cinnamons. In so many ways, she was like them; two ears, two eyes, four feet. She tried to calm her color, which always got brighter when she was nervous.

She urged her feet to move, one tile at a time. She looked down at each square, silently counting them. She only saw the square that was next. Nothing on either side. Nothing in front…until a shadow covered that space. She looked up, her tiny nose quivering.

There stood another rabbit. It’s coat was sleek, unlike hers. It’s ears stood up straight, also unlike hers.

“We can walk together, if you’d like. It’s easier when you have someone walk beside you. I’ve walked this path lots of times. The first time is the hardest. You’ll get the hang of it. And until you do, I’m here for you.” The rabbit smiled, the biggest smile.

It’s always good when someone is in your corner.

Bashful Holly Bunny by JELLYCAT❤️

And inasmuch as he didn’t fancy the prospect of snow, he was even more concerned that his Christmas cactus would not survive many more months. Surely, not till the holidays.

When he saw the first crystals falling one cold morning, he found two of his favorites; a cherry red beanie and a tartan plaid scarf. He made sure to at least express his displeasure, frowning deeply. Not all are winter creatures. Not all enjoy frolicking knee deep in mounds of measurable white stuff. Not all find sledding exhilarating. No, not all.

But…the more he thought, the more he found that there were things he did like. When it all comes down to it, there are always good things. He liked sitting close to a fire, the woodsmoke curling, the logs changing colors. He remembered how it warmed him to his core, not just because it was toasty and his shell held the heat well, but because it reminded him of times before, times twice remembered, being with friends ‘round a campfire. He liked the way chocolate melted in steaming milk…how good it tasted in the mug his mum gave him when he was five. He also liked the way the pine trees smelled when it got cold and were hoisted in houses and decorated with mementos. And then there was caroling…
He loved singing those songs, elbow to elbow with strangers on street corners. Strangers who didn’t care that he couldn’t carry a tune, but carried the spirit of Christmas in his heart. People were just more forgiving, kinder. Maybe they worked harder at it then. And with that thought, he wished that good will would not be for just one short season. He would have to start working on his frown. “It has to start with me.”

Sneak peek.
Snowman Timmy Turtle by Jellycat

Scent. As subjective as the clothes we wear or the drinks we prefer. Why one person chooses the color green as their favorite, and another always picks red. I hesitate when someone asks what my favorite is. Whether it is in a soap, a lotion, or parfum. Scent is personal. Scent memory plays a strong role. It is why one fragrance incapsulates a place so specific, that we are transported there in an instant.

Olibanum has created beautiful parfums using flowers, seeds, roots and resins. They are perfect worn alone. But also can be intriguing and unique when blended for a personal fragrance that you have created. Their packaging is fully recyclable. They are committed to giving back; supporting humanitarian projects.

Love them. I won’t divulge which is my favorite. Find yours.
Olibanum Eau de Parfum.

What could be better than a quokka and coffee? Not much, he surmised. Both made him smile. How could he not? And he wondered, just then, how anyone could be any luckier? For quokkas were not always easily spotted. One had to be a bit of a night owl. And as fate would have it, he had an important paper that needed completing.

He sat with pen in hand, the tip of it ready, in case thoughts would flow. The window overlooking the yard was dimly lit; a single light bulb was affixed to the side of the house, giving a rather small radius of light. Beyond the light, were trees and shadows, and unknown things….things, like quokkas, that occasionally would appear from the dense underbrush, beyond the yard.

It stood on it’s hind legs, as if to get a better look. And the man, leaned on the windowsill, to do the same. They found themselves staring at one another, and both in need of a smile that day, exchanged a greeting through the glass.

You never know when the opportunity will arise…when someone will cross your path, needing what you have to give. It can be small, and seemingly insignificant, like a smile. Or…it can be huge like a hug. It can be a cup of coffee…or a handful of greens. Kindness comes in many packages. Many forms. And sizes. Don’t ever think that what you can offer is not enough. A willing heart is always enough.

Quoksworth Quokka…a new friend is here!

A great “kitchen” store right in the middle of downtown Lititz!!