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March Madness, and not basketball!

As this email goes out we wanted to let you know about our March madness.  We are still in the midst of Steve’s medical emergency.  A bit over 3 weeks ago a cat scratch on his right ankle infected, but not just a little red – his whole right leg from toes to mid thigh turned hot, beet red and  a rapid moving cellulitis infection was in motion.  After a 3 day hospital stay he went home with more antibiotics, and orders to elevate the leg, and take it easy.  Things were improving, but when we went to the follow up Monday there was another infection on his right ankle bone area that was happening.  This was growing in spite of three courses of different antibiotics.  They immediately sent him back to the ER, and he is back in the hospital, with another, more fierce antibiotic via iv, and a few days in the hospital.  And we are so thankful for those friends and family that have thought, called, prayed, and offered encouragement through this adventure.  We are confident this will soon be in the rear view mirror and we can turn back to making soap, and doing fun things like pitching our tent at art festivals.  

What was the lesson here?  Infections can take off quickly, and blow up into major health scares… Don’t take anything lightly.  Pay careful attention especially to cuts on your skin.  And the other lesson is a reminder of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who care, pray and encourage.  We are so blessed that you fit that description, and want to thank you for being you.  Even though we have not put in time in the studio, we are well stocked – and if there are a few calls to action – BUY SOAP!!! because it will help us pay our bills and please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  We are offering 10% off and always free shipping with code MARCHMADNESS  

In other news, we believe in local shops and galleries.  We are so excited to say that our soap is now in a few more locations :

• Blended,  Located on the second floor of South Park Mall in Strongsville
• The Red Twig, 5202 Darrow Rd, Hudson
• Burning River Gallery 5493 Liberty Ave, Vermilion
• Uptown Shop 32 Public Square, Medina

And of course we are in these shops:

• Artisan Corner Gallery 11110 Kinsman Rd, Newbury
• Urban Orchid (all three locations in Cleveland)
• Simply Ohio (located in all of the Eastwood Furniture stores)

We are working on a few more locations –  stay tuned for the details soon.

Preparations are in motion for the Twist Drill Artists Open Studio  – which will include a number of studios on the 5th floor.  We are very excited to see some of the studios open that dont typically participate.  We hope you will stop by and visit, enjoy some appetizers and beverages, and celebrate with us Steve’s recovery over the march madness event!!  (Typo alert – our address is 4700 Lakeside)

Blessings,

Steve & Barb Bloom