The introvert in me hesitates. Always. Just a split second before. Should I ask? Send a note, knock, say hello?
In high school I was admonished to think before I speak. As a melancholic adult it generally seems to work out better the other way round. The result, over time, is that the gap between hesitation and audible words slowly closes. And continues to close.
Our next skillshare is courtesy of that closing gap — of speaking before thinking (though I don’t recommend that strategy in all areas of life — ha!).
For about five years I’ve known that one of my neighbors works with wood. That’s all I’ve known about him. This spring we noticed him giving away wood at the end of our alley, where the littles and I like to mess in puddles and collect cones from the enormous Norway spruce that hems us in. By chance, seeing him in his yard one day, I asked how he was doing. I don’t know why; I didn’t think about it. I just said the words.
Gradually I discovered that John is a craftsman and an expert soap maker. His home-based business, the Longfellow Soap Company, currently supplies handcrafted all-natural soap to twenty-five locations in the metro area. John has also taught soap making to over four hundred students at several Minneapolis venues: Tiny Diner, Twin Cities Coop, and Junket to name a few.
One question led to another. He smiled. “You want to learn, don’t you?” I walked home, delighted to tuck his business card in my pocket. The card went missing hours later, thanks to dear small children, so I worked up courage to walk back, knock on the door, and apologetically ask for a second. When the door opened, I smiled. It was a familiar scent that came through the door frame. Oil. Comforting and soft. The sign of a soap maker’s home.
So. John is joining us! And the workshop is available for a fee lower than you’ll find his class anywhere else in the Twin Cities. Five spaces are available. Each participant will receive a copy of John’s soap making manual along with five bars of soap. The retail value on that soap is $20 — more than the cost of the class — so if you don’t take advantage, I’m not sure why!? I’m delighted and excited and hope you can make it.
John adds, “No need to bring anything — except your enthusiasm!”
Soap Making // John Hanson (The Longfellow Soap Company)
When // Saturday, July 27th
10:00 a.m.-noon
Where // Location will be emailed to registered participants
Registration // Five spots are available — first come, first served
Register here
A confirmation email will be sent upon registration.
Cost // $15 (all supplies included) // Your spot is held upon payment via
PayPal
Cancellation // Should you need to cancel, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible. You can contact us at thedorothyexchange@gmail.com. Because class fees contribute directly to hosting our teaching artisan and to keeping the overall cost of these events low, we cannot refund your payment after registration. Thank you for understanding!
The Dorothy Exchange 