Another uncomfortably warm and humid summer day is on the agenda, with plenty to do — but first, a trip to check out a candle sale.
Truthfully, I wasn’t thinking much about Bath & Body Works today, or the sale. This visit to the mall was actually my husband’s idea — a gentle distraction, I think, as we both navigate some emotional milestones. Our daughter’s birthday is this weekend, and it still catches in my throat. It also happens to be the anniversary of my husband’s father’s passing. He’s keeping me busy with home fix-it projects and anything else he can think of, and I’m letting him.
Earlier this week, I picked up the Pumpkin Clove candle, but the Fall Edit Collection hadn’t yet arrived in stores. I had my eye on at least one — not for the scent, but for the label. This morning, when I opened the window in what was once her room, the pink bedding accents and a little plaster ballerina she made caught my eye. It’s the only thing left to say this was her space. The soft pink tutu — worn and faded from years of love — made me smile. That I can smile through the ache feels like a small gift.
So today, the Blush Amber & Peony candle came home with me — perfect for the black pedestal on the desk in that room. The Pumpkin Spice Latte candle is destined for the living room, also on a black pedestal. I gave Pumpkin Apple a sniff, but the scent was barely there in this batch. I do sometimes buy candles just for the label, but I still want something to smell for the money spent — ha.
Those two candles were the only purchases today. From there, we visited the graves, stopped at Lowe’s, grabbed lunch at Jersey Mike’s, and now I’m back at the keyboard for a few quiet minutes.
The attic project is calling — well, more like my husband asking if I’m ready to jump back in. Of course, I am. Who doesn’t love joint compound falling in their hair in 92-degree heat?
Grief has its seasons — some heavy, some healing — but today, I found a little light in pink labels, plaster ballerinas, and a quiet smile.
FALL EDIT Collection Candles
Sweater Weather - fresh sage, juniper berries, aromatic eucalyptus, fresh woods
Cozy Cashmere - smooth lavender, warm vanilla, pink jasmine, comforting sandalwood
Pumpkin Apple - red delicious apple, fall pumpkin, fresh ground cinnamon and clove buds.
Pumpkin Spice Latte - pumpkin pie spice, freshly brewed espresso, homemade whipped cream, sprinkling of cinnamon sugar
Welcome Home - cinnamon sugar, warm apple butter, clove buds, brown sugar
Blush Amber & Peony - sweet peony, warm musk, golden pear
