Happy Sunday, friend-

My husband has been an entrepreneur and self-employed for many years.  One of the things he always says is  "I start every day at zero."  I didn't really get that until I started running Do Good full-time.  Sometimes that is very overwhelming and makes me tired.  So, when I looked at the calendar for July and then what lies ahead, I just knew I needed to step back for a little while.  So, I close the studio for two weeks and took some time away.

I am really glad I did. 

The Fourth landed right in the middle of that break, and I enjoyed planning meals and decorating to celebrate the 250th.  I snuggled my two-month-old grandson while everyone else went out on the boat to watch fireworks.  My family enjoyed playing games, swimming, and eating too much.  I decided to stay there for the entire next week and have not spent that much time at my parents' lake home in a long time (if ever).  There was no schedule and nowhere I needed to be, and I had forgotten how good that can feel. I spent most of the week outside, soaking up Vitamin D, taking walks, and letting my mind wander.

Time off has a way of reminding me why I do this work in the first place. When I am not rushing, I start noticing the small things again, like the smell of the grass after a warm afternoon and the quiet that settles over the yard in the evening. That is usually where my best ideas come from anyway.

This week I am heading back to the studio, and for once I am walking in rested instead of run down. I have a few things I have been quietly working on that I cannot wait to share with you soon. One of them began with inspiration from a friend who shared photos of her trip to Provence, France, and the lavender fields she visited.  It is turning into something soft and calming that I think you will love. I will tell you more when it is ready.

I am also starting to pull together our Christmas in July plans, which is one of my favorite yearly events. It feels almost silly to think about the holidays while also pouring something lavender-focused. But I love mixing summer and a holiday at the same time.

So this week I will be easing back in, grateful for the rest and ready for what comes next.

love & do good - Debbi