April Showers - Bring Soap to Scour
Today, the first day of April, is usually full of silly pranks and jokes for April Fool's Day. I'm guessing that's going to look a little different during this social distancing. We're starting a new month of our pandemic measures, staying at home, isolating ourselves, and viewing the world through screens and windows.
I know nothing is normal, none of it makes sense, some people are terrified, others are suffering greatly in many different ways. We will get through this by taking care of each other, by watching out for others who need help, and by accepting whatever the flow is right now. Change is happening so rapidly all we can do is watch. Humans are the greatest adapters, and what was unthinkable a month ago, is now our daily routine. Creative problem solving is what we do best, and it will be the way we emerge from this with a whole new normal in every aspect of our lives.
An update for how things are at Soapworks Studio: business as usual . . . pretty much. I had a big Leap Day sale at the end of February. Inventory dwindled as I filled orders during the first week of March. The following week Northern California was the very first "shelter in place." With the panic buying, hoarding, confusion about what was essential etc, I had a few glitches getting the supplies I needed to make some of the soap scents that were lowest. All of that is sorted now, I'm making soap full speed. I've got a number of batches already curing, but it will be about 2 weeks before those are ready to ship. So if you've seen an "out of stock" message on a particular bar, just know it's temporary and by mid-month everything will be fully stocked again.
Rest assured I'm doing everything possible to isolate while I continue working from my home studio. I've got elderly parents I'm responsible for also, and keeping things clean is what we do around here anyway. Shipments, including the Subscriptions (soap of the month club) are going regularly as planned. There is no known transfer of the virus through packages, boxes or shipping materials. Experts have reported that the virus is no longer viable after 24 hours on cardboard. If you are concerned about safety on anything you are ordering to be delivered during this time, handle boxes carefully with gloves or protection and leave it in the garage for a day or two.
I'm available to answer any questions or concerns, and work through any issues you have. Just call or email me. We will get through the chaos and craziness - one day at a time. And a special thank you to everyone who has written me notes, put in extra orders, and supported my little home business during this uncertainty too. You have no idea how much that means to me.
Washing your hands?
During this pandemic, the scientists and experts are advising us that washing our hands frequently, especially after we've touched anything in the public domain, when returning home from outdoor activities, etc, is essential for keeping ourselves healthy. Washing thoroughly with regular soap and water is actually the most effective way to kill the virus - better than wipes, hand sanitizer or other ways. Reserve those for instances when you don't have access to water.
Just in case you might have missed this information - over the last couple of weeks, I've posted 1) the best way to wash your hands. Also 2) the science of soap - how it works and why it's the best method and 3) how it kills the virus. Hygiene is important. And using really good quality soap makes life better. No harsh chemical additives or colorants. Extra moisturizing oils so your skin isn't dried out and irritated. Soapworks Studio has just the soap your hands will thank you for.
What's more important, however, is taking care of ourselves on every level. Our total health and the resilience of our immune systems is an integrated puzzle. Ultimately we are healthiest when we are eating right, getting regular movement, fresh air and time in nature, time to spend with our loved ones, long peaceful sleep, a less stressful daily routine. But we are also processing chaos, transition and grief right now. So if you need to eat all the comfort food, sleep all day, or whatever your intuition says you need right now, just listen to that. Be gentle with yourself and the ones around you.
Sending my fondest wishes that all of you are staying safe, healthy, and strong!