We're only half-way through the first month of the year, and already it feels so full. Today is the last day of the Atlanta Gift Show. It's a lot of work to prepare for these shows, not to mention the long hours on our feet for five days. And yet, no matter how tired I feel, I am always energized by the people I get see and meet. There's the long-time Bella Cucina customers that come to see what's new and restock their retail shelves, many who have over the years become friends. There's the new buyers discovering Bella Cucina for the first time with enthusiastic excitement. Then, there are those that we are grateful to see retuning again a several years hiatus, a new store or retail iteration. Because I am mostly at the booth, I am always appreciative when friends and fellow industry creatives stop by to say hello and share a hug.
Full days like these also require moments of quietude. Finding pockets of time to restore with rituals that make life beautiful, like sitting in the living room, warmed by a pile of lighted candles in the fireplace, and taking time to enjoy something good to eat.
The rest of the month isn't slowing down. We're planting new seeds and working on exciting changes at Bella Cucina, including a new and expanded retail store location at the Shops of Buckhead. Stay tuned shortly as we announce what's to come.
Yes, life can feel creatively demanding at times, but the dedication and devotion of working beside a talented team makes the hard work not only doable, but also deeply fulfilling and fun. It's a good kind of tired that leaves you both empty and full.
So in the midst of the work, whatever that may be for you, I hope you, too, pause as a practice, and remember the rituals that make life beautiful.
X Alisa
PS: I'm just getting started on Substack. Notes from the Studio is a new home where I'll share a more personal take on the creative life. I hope you'll subscribe and join me there.