oh, wow…we chatted and teased and learned a lot this month.  Most talking we’ve done in a while!  That’s good to see.  Did we talk about soap?  Well, a little bit, but we learned about many other hobbies we like as well.  January seems like a good month to start something new…to take a break from the rush of the holiday shows and consignments and just, well, breathe!   In addition to the continued rush to grab and soap with Sue K’s FO’s, we had quilting discussion and crochet discussions (did you all have a chance to look at the work Vicki does on her crochet dresses for the bed dolls?  Beautiful!).

   Birthdays…well, not so many this month…or you’re all keeping mum!  Jessica celebrated one more.  And I see Michelle across the border added another one… but she also got a great weekend with DH this month, complete with swap goodies to bring along!

Speaking of swaps…  The swapees have had a good month to enjoy the fruits of their labors as we have the three swaps from the month before in our hot little hands ~ the Tubby Time 2, Bah Humbug 2 and the Vanilla Soap swaps.  We all got our goodies to Frances for the “Ringing in the New” swap and Michelle is once again hosting the “Heart’s Desire Swap II” for February. Swaps in the creative works are Jessica’s “Terrific Hair Care Swap” and the “Phoenix Rising Swap”.   MaryB and Jessica tried to get a dear husband swap going…..

Our list Mom Becky became a new Great Auntie, with another family addition soon to come.  Wow, two in a short time!   These kids will have fun playing together we hope!  Hurray for her son too…he was chosen for the Jazz section in band! 

There was lots of travel too.  Duane and Nancy went out of state for a family funeral, but although the reason was bittersweet, they did have a chance to walk down memory lane on the way back to Idaho.  Shawna spent time with her grandbaby.  He’s just learning to walk!  Steph and family arrived safety home from their Christmas vacation. 

We have a newly introduced Soapnut, Shannon.  Shannon and her husband have, what sounds to me, a wonderful life.  They run their own herb farm and sell Shannon’s products from there.  We also met Anna Beth, Pam’s niece…say "Hi" to her for us, Pam! 

Marianne came online and now has her very first batch of soap under her belt!  Yeah Marianne!  You’re going to be hooked for sure now!  Ellen is continuing her new adventures, making her first goats milk soap.  Trying out new things is so much fun, especially when they WORK!  Did Miriam get her lip balm to work as she wished?

  Camille and her daughters were fortunate to be able to visit the Museum of Fine Arts' one and only US showing of over 200 works of art.  How wonderful to be able to see art history in person!  Congratulations are also in order!  Camille’s storyline for her book picked her!  I bet she’s off and running now.

'Nut gatherings..  Finola, clear down in the Caribbean got together for a brief visit with Carol S at Finola’s shop. 

Speaking of Finola, she had a scare this month that secretly worries all toiletry makers …  she had scent sensitivity.  I sure hope you are doing better with this now, Finola.  That brings up a good point.  FO’s and EO’s are concentrated items.  Always wear gloves and have good ventilation.  Don’t exceed the safety percentages for these beauties so that you can continue to enjoy them for your whole life.  

Several of us have had nasty weather.  Jackie went without power for 100 hourrs.  WOWZA!  But she had some funny tales to tell about it all!  The weather wouldn’t be quite so bad if it, and the nasty viruses running amok, would just leave our internet service untouched!  We need our net!

Linda K. got the perfect consistency for her liquid soap…but did she share her secret?

Did Pam get her Christmas decorations down?  Did her neighbors add any more novelties to their yard?

Kathy closed on her property and now they can plan to start clearing the land for their straw bale house.  Can you believe she was planning to NOT make soap during this whole waiting period?  Silly woman, we can’t let you do that!

Doris gets to plan her facial in NY with Bliss care products.  How great to have family to take care of us like this. 

Erika’s business was written up in the paper.  Whoo hoo!  Way to go Erika!  Kathy received a great wholesale order for both creams and soap!  We love to hear success with our passions!

Serious stuff now.  Many of us, or our loved ones have been sick this new year, some of us seriously so.  A few of our dear members have lost loved ones.  Please keep them in your thoughts as you reflect upon what a great gift life really is.

Did I miss something?  Do you know someone who deserves a little public pat on the back?  Let me know!  I’m running away to the Caribbean for some fun in the sun later this month, so please address any news to Jessica or Khadijah during that time.