A Bohemian Love Affair

I grew up in a Caribbean island.  My father was an art enthusiast and since we were little, he encouraged us in music and arts in general.  I studied the flute for many years, only to leave it behind as soon as I entered my high school years.   I was too cool back then to continue with it.  Photography has been the only thing that got stuck with me.  My little brother, on the other hand, became a beautiful guitarist.  He knows to play it so smoothly, that you can only sit down and enjoy his tunes.  He knows how to draw you in with his music.

It was pretty common back then for the family to gather together and listen to his music while sipping a glass of wine.  I learned to enjoy wine there, within my parent's living room, singing love songs and asking my brother to play one more time.  We were taught to enjoy the simplest of things, the random thoughts, like true bohemians.  I've always been drawn to eclectic styles, to original expression.  For this reason, I created this week's feature.

Boho skirts for the free spirited soul, by idea2lifestyle

In honor to my brother's guitar, Strum a fine art photograph by loveatfirstclick

Handknit Fringe Ribbon Scarf, by CricketsCreations

I have fallen in love with with this Kimono style robe! by plumprettysugar

Little handmade tiles are arranged to make eclectic jewelry, by ShrunkenCatHead

Remember to click on the link below the pictures to access these shops in Etsy.

Life is like Soap

This is something I had written some time ago.  I thought it was appropriate for this week's Etsy feature...

I have come to the conclusion that life is like soap.

Every single decision counts. The ingredients, the stuff its made of, is critically important. Extra care must be exercised when deciding what stays and what goes. Career choices, partnerships, living arrangements, likes, dislikes.... it all winds up in the enormous pot that is your heart, waiting to be mixed.  If, for some reason, we rush into this selection, the consistency of the mixture does't flow. Is not right. But in reality, the true test of the ingredients comes with the lye.

The lye's job is to break down the ingredients. It melts them and transforms them into a completely new and unique element. It bounds the ingredients to such degree, that they no longer represent their original state. And so it is with life too. As we grow older, relationships bound us, tide us, and leave profound marks. When we get closer to the heat of tests, our souls transform into something we didn't know we were. And all we are left with is patience. Waiting. Letting things settle, and hope that the soap sets.

It is at this point when we decide if the choices were correct. If we got it right in the first try, or if we need to make adjustments. Go back to the ingredients and shuffle things one more time, and try again. This is the true craft of soapmaking. And I believe it is a craft that lasts a lifetime.

We will end up with a soap in our hands. We will enter our own space, in the bath, our own quiet time, and we will try the soap. It is there, you alone with the soap, where you will enjoy the results and smile. In the end, the smile is what matters. The true satisfaction of a well lived life accompanied by the small luxury of a good handmade soap.

Limoncello and Tuscan Rosemary Handmade soap, by TallulahasSoap

Turquoise Stone Glycerin Soap, by TwinDreamCreations

Mmm so sexy! Luxury Japanese Black Kimono, by TokyoFactory

Great idea for party favors-Bridal Shower listing, by DirtyDeedsSoaps

I have actually bought this seller's soaps before... Perfect Rose Vegan, by DeShawnMarie

Simply Lavender Soap, by cocoandlolabathbody

Black Raspberry and Vanilla Goat's Milk Soap, by KcSoapsnMore

For me, handmade soaps are small luxuries that anyone can afford.  Remember to follow the link below the photos and visit these wonderful seller's shops for more information.