Shopkeeping: Summer 2021
Do you feel life is returning to some semblance of normalcy, or at the least perhaps to some tolerable new normal? I do, but am still stepping out rather infrequently, preferring to remain in the peace of home, studio, and garden. I must say, my garden is a rather lovely place to be on a warm summer day when roses, lavender, and honeysuckle gently scent the air.
I am continuing to simplify and streamline my little business. While there will be no fairs or shows this year for Joyful Alchemy, I will continue to offer front porch pickups of orders on MOST Wednesdays for local customers. I recommend you contact me prior to placing your order with your preferred pickup day and time (morning or afternoon). I’ll respond promptly to confirm, and will give you directions and a discount code to remove shipping charges from your order. Please place orders by Monday evening if you wish to pick up that same week. Many thanks!
Some of you have had a peek into my workspace, a sweet but tiny 8 1/2 x 12 foot room. About 2/3 of that space is packed full of teas, herbs, gifts, and supplies of one sort or another with more overflowing to other areas close by. It is usually a total jumble! In order to reclaim space and breathing room, adjustments to inventory are being made. Most house blends and other classic customer favorites will be offered year round; but some teas, herbs, and apothecary goods will be fine-tuned into small collections. Items in these collections (loosely based on the Celtic Wheel of the Year and the seasons), will be ordered or prepared in limited-quantity, and only available for about an 8 week window. I already do this to some degree, but now I’m going to get quite disciplined about it. In my mind’s eye I can see a more peaceful, inviting workspace…..and I can’t wait to walk into that room!
The High Summer Collection is now live on the website. Included are two new herbal teas: Orange Grove Vanilla Herb and Fruit Blend, and Bamboo Chamomile. Both are delicious hot, but are truly delightful over ice. I’ve been enjoying the Bamboo Chamomile over ice with a few slices of sweet summer strawberries. One of our summer favorites, Apricot (flavored black tea), is on sale as I was able to order more at an excellent price! To see the entire collection, please click here.
As always, thank you for reading. May you have a beautiful summer filled with simple joys and pleasures, including glasses full of your favorite iced tea. Take good care!
P.S. Hold the workers of tea farms around the world in your heart. As you can imagine, many areas have been and continue to be hit hard not only by Covid-19, but also by challenging weather conditions. Here is a link to an article in World Tea News on the situation in Assam.