Yeah!  Spring has sprung!  And I can tell ‘cause at the beginning of the month you were all chattering away…. then BAM!  it’s quiet again.  :o)   Oh well, soon it will be hot and you all will be back inside because it is so warm LOL!  In the meantime, enjoy all that beautiful sunshine and the smell of the new earth!

What happened this month?  Well, first of all, I must say this.  This list is quite the family.  We’ve had some tough things happen to some of our members and as always, there are folk that will jump right in and offer love and support.  So few of us “know” each other except online, but that never makes a difference, somebody is always there to answer a question, offer a cyber shoulder to cry on, or just to listen when we need to vent.   Our list mothers and moderators do a very excellent job of keeping the topics clean and politically correct so there’s little room for misunderstanding and hurt feelings.  So, a very big pat on the back to ALL of us for making this group a family!

New Jobs?  Hey, March was the month!  Finola is teaching art!  Stacy is rubbing shoulders with the movie stars and Laura just got a job and found out she was accepted into her college program AND may get some funding!    Deb D. has an interview…did we hear back yet?  Whoo hoo to the four of you! 

Jerilyn has a new baby grandson.  Welcome little Ashton!

Groupnuts?  Well lucky nuts Frances, Sharon and Gina all went to the PA soap gathering.  I hear there’s one coming up this month in Michigan.  That one looked super cool if I remember the itinerary right!  Makes me wish I lived clear over there. 

   Birthdays?  Well, did I miss them or did I scare you all away with publicity?  Okay, nobody spoke up so I will let my DH fill in…he turned 40 on the 20th... LOL!

Erika is busily writing an article on the wonderful benefits of homemade soap for the local paper….spread the word girl!  And I just saw that Helen, of Helen’s Harvest (is she still here?) was published in a beading magazine as a feature artist.  Check out her beads if you get a chance, they are lovely!

Sue K is harvesting that darn chickweed I cannot seem to find, while Doris is finding it growing as a bonus in the nursery stock at the store.  I broke down and bought some seed, but shhhh! Don’t tell my neighbors or I will have another “crazy” mark against me, hee hee!

Stacy M. and Denise both had a couple of the first shows of this year.   We know Denise did okay, but how about Stacy?  Maybe she sold so much she retired and moved to a tropical isle?

Congrats to our lovely editor!  Khadijah is the lucky recipient of a scholarship to a writing circle.  Isn’t the cyber world great?  Folks from all over the world, no matter the race,  age,  gender or ability can come together and work on subjects they love.  Where once there was isolation there is now community!

Michelle and her children are enjoying their time with husband and father as he is home for a short while and we all hope Chewie (the wee pup * wink * )  is integrating well with ALL of them.

    Travel?   Joey spent time with family during spring break and Kathy is on her way to SC!!  Yeah Kathy, we wish her the best in her adventures.

BJ had a bit of exciting news, a new B&B account!  Yeah BJ!

Denise is once again responsible for leading our wallets astray with her hints of lavender-coconut blends.   She sent us all running to Oregon Trails to read the descriptions of the FO’s…and, well, to buy a few too LOL!

Swaps?  We have a couple getting ready to ship and The Terrific Hair Care swap was received.  Camille is once again hosting the FOF swap, and  this years SSSS hostess is Tanya.  The first is in the works, the second will be announced at a later date, BUT, these are both great swaps ladies and gents!

Last month it was Nutella, this month it’s homemade applesauce…wonder what we are eating in April (besides Cadbury?).

Welcome to the new and the former lurking members!  Cindy in SC joined us and Meli & Dawn popped their heads out to say hi!  Now, no going back girls!

Wonder how Vicki is doing with all those baby goats that must be coming?  She is sure to be swimming if fresh goats milk!

Sad stuff….  Doris lost her dear dog Sadie.  A friend is a friend, and no matter how many feet or feathers they may have they are always sorely missed!  Keep too, our members and their families in yours hearts as so many are going through hardships and loss with family and friends.   Although I don’t wish to name you here, please be assured, if you reached out, we heard you and are with you!

  And to leave on a positive note, Julie D. popped back in to say hi and give us an update on her young son and her new home!  Welcome back Julie!  And silly girl, what made you think you could give up soaping?  It’s an addiction!  One that is not too hard on the wallet, adds nothing to the hips and has a support group here 1400 strong!

Now, you all know something I forgot?  You tell me!  You want your name left out?  PLEASE tell me LOL!   As always, if you know somebody who deserves a pat on the back or a little public appreciation, please let me know!

~ Marian Lane