Winter Solstice - Introspection - Celebration

I had planned to get this out earlier in celebration of the winter solstice but as I’m sure many of you know all too well, it’s that time of year when time gets away from you and some things have to be moved down on the priority list.  

I don’t think it’s too late though to wish you all a happy winter solstice…we’re still feeling the energy of this shift and for me it’s a very welcome shift.  Dec 21st was the shortest day of the year, when the daylight hours are the fewest and this year the solstice also coincides with the biggest and brightest moon…the last full moon of 2018.  It is one of the most electrically charged and transformational days of the year.

Solstices affect us all differently and this has to do with the sign that the sun and moon are passing through and is also influenced by our own birth charts and what is going on in our own lives at this time.  You may feel very balanced, calm and grounded during this time or you may be facing turmoil and unrest. Either way this time of darkness should not be something to shy away from, the darkness is a time for introspection, for understanding what you want the new season to bring and for letting go of the things that no longer serve you.  I ask that you embrace this emotionally charged time and try to let the universe guide you through whatever is happening in your life at this time. Trust that the solstice is nature’s way of awakening us and sweeping away the past so we are free from anything no longer serving. We have to clear the space to plant new seeds for future growth.

I cannot believe that 2018 has almost come to a close.  This time last year I was excited to be embarking on this new entrepreneurial journey and it has been so emotional.  I have felt excitement, fear, joy, stress, contentment, and any other emotion you can think of. It feels like so much longer than a year since all of you have come into my life.  I’ve met so many wonderful people since taking over the store it’s hard to imagine that it’s only been a year. I am so thankful for the people who have come into my life as a result of this endeavor.  Sometimes when things get hard, I think of all of you and my community and I know that I am doing the right thing. I want to thank all of you for your support over this last year and I look forward to what 2019 will bring.  

Speaking of 2019, I’ve decided that winter is a time when I need to slow things down a bit in my life and so you will see new hours at Branching Out starting in January.  I feel that I can still accommodate your needs with reduced hours while maintaining the work life balance that I require for myself and my family. Please know that when the store the is open by appointment I will do my best to accommodate your needs so do not hesitate to reach out if there is something you need during this time.  

The new hours starting January 9th will be as follows:

Sunday – by appointment
Monday – by appointment
Tuesday – by appointment
Wednesday – 10am – 7pm
Thursday – 10am – 5pm
Friday – 10am – 5pm
Saturday – 10am – 5pm

We will now be open late on CSA day so this should make things easier for your Snowy River Farm CSA pickups.

Now you’re probably wondering what we’ll be up to from Sunday to Tuesday!?!  I will be partnering with other local businesses who offer holistic services such as reiki, reflexology, massage therapy, wellness coaching, birth work and other holistic based services on these days.  Our tea room space is private, warm, relaxing and inviting. Service providers can use the space for as little or as much time as they need for a very affordable fee. Our space is great for one-on-one services but we also have seating for 12 if you wish to offer a workshop or training on an ad hoc or flexible schedule.  More details on the providers Branching Out is partnering with will be available in the New Year. Do you have a home based business and would like a public space to offer your services? Are you hesitant to commit to renting a space full time? Do you want to make your own hours with no commitment? If you wish to partner with us, please reach out and I will give you the details on what we have to offer.

Our Holiday hours are as follows:
Sat Dec 22:  10am – 5pm
Sun Dec 23: 1pm – 5pm
Mon Dec 24: 10am – 1pm
Dec 25 – Jan 1: closed for inventory, year end and rest!
Jan 2 – Jan 5: 10am – 5pm New Year and 1st birthday celebration sale!
Jan 9: new 2019 hours begin (see above)

I would like to thank you all for your support during my first year in business and look forward to serving you in 2019.  I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!