Finding the Magic in the Pivot: Why This Long Weekend Was Exactly What I Needed

May is officially here, and with it, the beautiful, unpredictable rush of a new season. For makers and small business owners, this time of year is a whirlwind. We’re deep in preparation mode—mixing, pouring, curing, and planning for everything the sunny months have in store.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that if we don’t intentionally pause to catch our breath, the season will rush right past us.

This past Victoria Day long weekend was the official kickoff to the season here in Hanover, Ontario, and the weather truly delivered. We were treated to gorgeous, warm sunshine—right up until Mother Nature decided to throw a little plot twist at us!

The Best Laid Long Weekend Plans

Do you ever have one specific thing you promise yourself you’re going to do on a long weekend?

For me, it was a beach picnic supper. My middle daughter had her heart set on catching a classic lake sunset, so we planned to do just that after supper, determined to just sit, relax, and soak it in.

We made it to the beach and truly enjoyed our picnic, but since my oldest daughter lives right near the beach we were heading to, we decided to make a little adjustment to the plans. Instead of staying on the sand, we decided we would head over to her place to watch the sunset together.

The new plan was perfect: a cozy backyard bonfire and a front-row seat to the sunset at her house. But just as we were finished up the picnic, Mother Nature changed her mind and threw some rain right at us!

When a Change of Plans Turns Into Something Better

The initial plan was to head over to my oldest daughter’s place for a backyard bonfire. Because of the incoming rain, the fire didn't happen, but we moved the gathering indoors—and honestly, it was the best thing that could have happened.

With a family that spans from teens to a grandbaby, the house was immediately full of life. My two youngest kids spent the evening playing with their niece, and let me tell you, it was magic. They were all laughing so hard and so loud—more than I have heard them laugh together in a very long time.

And the best part? While the kids were completely wrapped up in their own fun, it carved out the most wonderful, rare pocket of time for my husband and me to just sit, catch up, and truly visit with our oldest daughter.

There was a time in my life—maybe back in the frantic early years of raising a young family and building a business—where a sidetracked plan would have stressed me out. But hitting this chapter of life teaches you the beautiful art of flexibility.

The rain didn’t put a damper on a single thing. By shifting gears early, we stumbled right into a night of laughs, family and amazing feelings. It reminded me that at the end of the day, life is truly great.

Bringing the "Slow & Mindful" Into the Studio

Taking that step back this weekend was a gentle reminder of why I choose the artisan path. When I'm in the studio hand-pouring candles or formulating cold-process soaps, I’m not just making a product. I’m making an invitation for you to slow down and protect these family moments, too.

Every item is crafted to help you create your own cozy atmosphere—the kind that makes you want to linger at the table a little longer or sink into a deep conversation while rain taps on the window.

Behind every small, handmade business is a real person learning to balance the hustle with the harmony. I am so incredibly grateful that you choose to bring my handcrafted pieces into your homes and into your family’s daily lives. Trusting a small business is a beautiful thing, and I never take that for granted.

Over to You: How Was Your Long Weekend?

Did you have to do any long weekend pivoting of your own, or did your plans go exactly off without a hitch? Do you have kids who are reaching those ages where family dynamics are shifting into something new and beautiful?

I’d love to hear from you! Pop a comment below and tell me:

1. What was the highlight of your long weekend?

2. Are you a "stick to the plan" person, or have you learned to love the early pivot?

Let’s chat in the comments—I love getting to know the beautiful community reading along here!

Carrie