My husband and I took a little road trip out west and arrived in peak wildflower season in a small town outside of Boulder, Colorado. Some of the blooms seemed downright luminescent.
Where we stayed was over 8000 ft elevation so the days were cool and the nights even cooler. I gleefully packed my sweatshirts and wool socks! I love living in the Midwest so much, but have to admit the lack of humidity in Colorado was a welcome reprieve.
I am obsessed with all things water, so we hiked a lot of trails that have the word “Lake” in them, and found a safe spot in a rushing creek to take a cold plunge. One night we listened to John Denver as a thunder storm rolled in, creating a magnificent light show in the western sky. I saw the moon rise in the east, and gazed at a sky peppered with stars. We slept in, did deck yoga overlooking the mountains, saw Cottonwood Drifters live at a tiny brewery in a tiny town, and a rainbow over the valley after a fresh rain. The scent of pine pervaded the air and made me want to make every pine soap I can think of! Look for an aspen/pine inspired soap to be released in the fall because I’m too excited to wait for a "holiday scent.” Pine is always relegated to Christmas time but in Colorado, every day is a coniferous day which I think is as it should be.
I’ve been making soap long enough that I’ve developed soap friendships all over the country! So we made a point to stop on the way home to meet up with the lovely and amazing Simi and Troy of Muddy Mint! Simi and I have been chatting online for over 7 years, so it was such a delight to connect in person and talk about all things soap.
Being alive in the world right now is…something. I highly recommend going somewhere where there is no cell reception, or just putting away your phone for a week! The cacophony was quieted, and days were dedicated to savor and slow. A needed respite. Good friends and good food, good beer and starry nights were a balm to my soul.
I am back in Chicago now, well rested, with soap orders to ship and loads of laundry to put away. I am so grateful for the luxury of time away, and have returned humming with ideas on what soaps will be created in the coming months, inspired by all the beautiful sights and sounds and smells of the mountains.
