zena musings

NEW! Obama '08 Candle

Standing on a political soapbox isn't my thing, but creating candles to help manifest what's wanted and needed in life is. I had no intention of creating a candle for Barack Obama until a chance encounter with the Democratic National Convention planted the seed of desire that sprouted so big so quickly it simply HAD to be done! This is a limited edition candle available through the November 2008 election, and if Obama wins, the inauguration. (And no, there won't be candles made for McCain or other political candidates.)

Scented with papaya, the quote on the label reads:

We are the people we've been waiting for.
We are the change we seek.
~Barack Obama

Plus, each one of these red, white and blue candles contains a clear quartz crystal for extra oomph. Order yours today!

A New Candle for Ease & Enjoyment

Everything we want in life is downstream.
Drop the oars. Stop trying to push the river.
~Sister Cathy Beckley

After a grueling 2007, I woke up New Year's Day 2008 knowing in my heart of hearts this year was meant to be the year of ease & enjoyment. I adopted those words as my mantra, and am thrilled to have finally created a candle to celebrate this new way of living.

I am eternally grateful to my spiritual director and longtime friend Sister Cathy for introducing me to ease & enjoyment as a spiritual practice and daily way of life. It doesn't mean there won't be hardships or pain or challenges, it just means I know I'm not the manager of the river. My job is to surrender to the natural flow as best I can. To follow the path of least resistance. To stop struggling and fretting so much, to ENJOY my life! To trust that the easier, softer way is always the route I'm meant to take. It has proven true for me a thousand times this year. I have never enjoyed my life as much as I am right now, had such deep faith, or felt so close to Spirit. It can prove true for you, as well.

Notice of Price Increase ~ May 1, 2008

I want to let zena moon customers know that effective May 1, 2008 our candle prices are going up. The new prices will be:

2 x 3 small pillar - $10
2 x 6 medium pillar - $15
3 x 7 large pillar - $22
3 x 8 obelisk - $18
2½ x 3½ affirmation & element - $12
3 x 4 animal totem - $18
2½ x 3½ prayer - $14

I know this may seem like a steep hike, but in reality it's exactly parallel to the rising costs of our materials. Since our last price increase in 2003 we’ve absorbed a 30% increase in the cost of wax alone, plus significant increases in labor, scent, utilities and other materials which go into making our hand-crafted candles. I have avoided raising prices as long as possible -- too long, to be honest -- but to keep the company healthy and my dogs fed I need to face the inevitable.

We will still offer free shipping over $30 every full moon as well as special new moon discounts available to our newsletter subscribers (sign up here). You can also save a whopping 50% every day by shopping The Island of Misfit Candles.

Price increases are never easy, which is why this is only the second one I've done throughout zena moon's nearly 9 years in business. It's no secret that women business owners especially struggle with valuing their work and setting fair prices. So, if you don't have an accountant who actually pays attention to your Profit & Loss statement and works with you to keep your company solvent, I highly recommend finding one ASAP! Before hiring my new accountant I was pretty much operating in the dark in some areas, and that is one dumb way to run a business. Especially a business that reflects your heart and soul (which are of great value).

Thanks for your support, loyalty and patronage. I'm grateful beyond measure!

Two New Candles

authenticity
"Be who you are
and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind."
~Dr. Seuss

be present, be here
"With the past, I have nothing to do;
nor with the future. I live now."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

(This one was inspired by and is dedicated to my soulsister Liz)

New Babies

I created two new candles today: acceptance and soothing a broken heart.

I think soothing turned out gorgeous! (Photo on right.) I'm pretty sure acceptance will too (they're still cooling, none are unmolded yet).

Other than allowing time and doing the legwork, I don't have a whole lot of influence when candles are birthed. They come when they come. I've tried forcing new candles into existence, but unless they're ready to come forth, they don't! Either they turn out ugly, or I can't find the exact right quote, or something undefinable just isn't right. Forcing the creative process rarely works for me, yet there's a fine fluid line between simmering organic creativity and fear-ridden inertia.

This morning I personally need acceptance. And soothing a broken heart was loudly knocking on the door, begging "Make me! Make me!" Both will be available to order later this week.

What's knocking on your door?
What's begging to be expressed through you?