Spring has reassuringly reappeared, and not before time. This winter has been a drudge, a very wet, drudge. Nothing gladdens my heart more than trees burgeoning under the weight of blossom – cherry, apple, blackthorn, and plum: everywhere you look, trees and hedgerows are wearing their best and fanciest dresses. I’m so hopeful of a dry May, a month without the need for galoshes and so’wester. One, when walking the dogs, the scent of lilac, Lily of the Valley, peony, and iris knock me off my feet.
I don’t want to hurry my life away but I’m eager for the warmth of the summer sun heating my bones. Rather ironic, considering the fact that, for my birthday, my good friend gave me a Wim Hof (aka, The Iceman) workshop complete with the Ice Bath challenge. We did it together quite recently, and one of my lovely boys came to support us too. We had a lovely instructor, who I trusted with my life and we met some gorgeous people, and unbelievably, I managed two whole minutes in the ice bath. Those of you who know me well, know that I do not like being cold one bit and so it was surprising and amazing to find that not only did I endure it, but I also absolutely loved it. So much so that I immediately booked myself onto a cold-water swimming workshop and have been swimming outside in local lakes three times a week (I would go every day if I could). I love it – there are all sorts of shapes and sizes there. No one cares two hoots what they look like and it’s mainly women. I feel incredible afterwards: the hot flushes have gone, and I am sleeping like a baby. I have joined up to the Blue Tits, a most apposite name. I recommend everyone to give it a try.
Going swimming regularly ensures that I am making the most of having more free time since we finished the last of the candles in the large order we had been working on. What an achievement that was – over 25,000 candles made completely by hand, we haven’t yet done the final tally but it’s a lot. In truth, Jean and Sian finished the very last of these whilst I was away on a yoga retreat to Kerala for three blissful weeks in March. Kerala was just what the doctor ordered after four months of solid work – four hours of yoga a day, two hours of Ayurvedic treatments, and a panchakarma detox designed to rejuvenate. I came back feeling amazing and I am determined to keep up the momentum of swimming and yoga – my yoga instructor gives me a few lessons a week via zoom just to make sure I do!
Jean and Sian worked like troopers while I was away, and I came back to find the final pallets wrapped and ready. They are delighted that we are all back doing our Limelight thing, especially as a new batch of Murano Glasses has just arrived. These are so pretty and we have a waiting list for orders – so get in quick. Refills for these are also now available to order online too. We have also been busy making loads of gorgeously scented tealights. Those of you that had these for Christmas loved them so they are here they are in a variety of scents. These are great value – each one burns for approximately 4 hours and is made with 100% natural plant wax.
I’m so very lucky to have a business that I love and a team I adore, as it takes my mind off the fact that my little nest is becoming increasingly empty with child no. 4 about to turn 18. Hubby is determined to stop me from pining, so what with work, swimming, and yoga, we have decided that we are going to have more adventures together and, take on some new challenges. First on the list – Couch to 5k. It’ll do for now, but I’m holding out for Italy, the odd Limoncello and, the Amalfi coast…
Cathy x
White lilac, by Sheila Swayze, Unsplash.
LIMELIGHT® Blog 