Color Therapy

Last night my friend Emilie hosted my first party for Trades of Hope. So much has changed in a month, it was nice to plan a party outside and not worry about any covid restrictions. It was even raining on and off, and we didn't really care. This business is like therapy for me. It really feels good to have s little bit of purpose in my life right now. I am really not ready to deal with the public, yet. I went to Fed Ex in Edison yesterday to see about trying to retrieve a delayed package, and the reality of our shipping delays and costs are out of this world right now. It is understandable, but honestly I am praying for all of the essential workers out there. Everyone seems to be in tough positions of giving the best customer service with not enough help. So, last night I ended up needing some retail therapy. And, this was the best kind......a party with my co-workers from the last few years. It was as if nothing had changed, but everything changed. Listening to stories of zoom calls, children's adjusments, job searches, wild animal sightings was a joy to behold. Netflix has been my new reality (haven't gone near hallmark in months). And, seeing friends living life on social media becomes difficult after long periods of time home by myself. I also was listening carefully to what everyone liked about the products of Trades of Hopes. Some were able to do some retail therapy for themselves or buy a gift for someone. I loved also that our special line of product is called Color Therapy. Jan and I were able to walk the Ocean Grove boardwalk into Asbury Park boardwalk. Again, it was lightly raining, but it just felt good to breathe in the fresh ocean air. The picture above was taken by Jan in the old Casino building which is covered in public art. Jan told me she got to see the installation and was fascinated by how they tied each of the colored strings. This installation was more of a rainbow last time. Here are the words of the Artist of this current Wooden Wall Project in Asbury Park, NJ: AARON “If you look closely at this installation you will notice fluorescent pink squares spaced out 6ft from each other. At the top they remain apart but as the threads reach the bottom, the wind will sometimes allow them to touch. The pandemic required us to be isolated and 6ft apart from each other while in public. During the year of 2020, many of us lost loved ones to covid-19. We were careful of gathering together with family and friends in order to keep them safe. Now, during the summer of 2021 the pandemic is still very much present, but we are starting to find our way back into each other’s lives. Spending a whole year self reflecting was necessary for me in order to prepare myself for what was about to happen. I had come to accept that I would be going in for the long haul of being single for the rest of my life. I was very content focusing on my career and my personal goals. There were moments in my past that needed healing and 2020 brought closure for me. As I began putting myself out there again, slowly and cautiously, someone reached out to me that has completely changed my life forever. Meeting Aaron has shown me that the love from another person can enhance life in every way possible. I was content with memories of love and not realizing how special and meaningful new memories of love can be. This installation represents a year of isolation and self-reflection that brought about healing and a renewed sense of purpose with someone that has changed my life forever. Special thank you to @woodenwallsproject and a very special thank you to Wendi @wendiglassman & Paul @paul_h_weinstein of Asbury park for making this installation possible.” -HoTTea (Eric Rieger) I have to agree with the sentiments of healing during this strange time in our lives. I feel very strongly I needed this time for myself to feel the feels in order to heal from the most loss I ever suffered from in my life. I needed some therapy! So, retail therapy.......color therapy.......and aromatherapy were all included last night. My biggest hope for everyone is they can find healing in this time of transition. It's a little tricky, because taking the time for yourself, sometimes stirs up all kinds of memories and feelings that you would rather put behind you. But, like everything, over time things will get better. Quote of the day: Paul Gauguin The Quote: "Color! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams." Song of the day: Coldplay Hymn for the Weekend