Growing up in Lake Tahoe, my summers were filled with endless beach days. The sun blazed bright, almost blinding in its intensity. But my favorite moments were those afternoons in August when the weather would suddenly shift, transforming the sunny paradise into a temporary thunderstorm.

As the first drops fell, my friends and I would quickly gather our towels and beach umbrella, fashioning them into a makeshift fort. Wrapping ourselves in warm towels after emerging from the cold white-capped waters, we huddled down in our sanctuary. The rain poured down, creating a soothing rhythm as we told stories and savored the coziness.

There was something magical about those rainstorms. The scent of the jeffrey pines permeated the air, releasing a fragrance reminiscent of vanilla. The clouds above us turned a beautiful shade of dark gray-blue, adding an ethereal touch to the scene. It was a brief respite from the energetic summer days, a moment to pause and appreciate the soothing sound of raindrops.

Now residing in Seattle, where the northern summer days are long and filled with sunshine, I often find myself yearning for those little thunderstorms of my childhood. There is a certain allure to the idea of taking a break, curling up under a cozy blanket with a book or engaging in quiet activities like writing letters. The rain becomes an invitation to slow down, offering a reprieve from the August heat and a chance to savor peaceful moments in the shade.

While I cherish the energetic and sun-soaked days of summer, I have come to appreciate the beauty of a gentle thunderstorm. It brings back memories of Lake Tahoe, the scent of those vanillaey pines, and the joy of finding comfort in the embrace of rain. Sometimes, a little rain is exactly what we need to reconnect with tranquility and indulge in simple pleasures.

Do you crave a little break from the summer sun or is it just me?

Featured Wax Color - Helios

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​In the realm of Greek mythology, the tale of Helios, the majestic sun god, holds wisdom that resonates with our yearning for tranquility amidst the bustling chaos of life. Helios, a radiant deity who traversed the sky with his chariot of fire, illuminating the world with his divine presence, embodied the power and energy of the sun.

Just as Helios would witness the ephemeral dimming of his glorious radiance, we too seek solace in moments of quietude and introspection. The myth reminds us of the importance of balance—of embracing both the vibrant energy of the sunlit days and the soothing embrace of its temporary obscurity.

In the myth, Helios teaches us the value of pausing amidst our own chariots of ambition and achievement, to nurture the spirit within.

I created this uncapturably bright florescent yellow wax to bring sunshine into your correspondence. It's one of my favorite waxes to use with antiques since it's so unexpected.

Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.

- Walt Whitman

Nothing Without Thee

Do you have someone in your life who's as indispensable as the sun?

This enchanting seal bears the inscription "nothing without thee," encircling a radiant sun with a gentle countenance at its core. It is a testament to the immense significance of the recipient, emphasizing their essential role as essential to that of the sun.

- Kay