Oh hi! I've missed you.

 

I've joined the unofficial MayCEMBER club and am finally recovering from the storm in June and now it's July!  What a season we have had, full calendars and full hearts.  Now that the heat is here, we are slowing down from this incredible season and getting ready for what's ahead.

 

Speaking of seasons, I don't know which one you are currently in - possibly one that is still busy and traveling with work, or family.  Maybe you are planning for the remainder of the school year as a superintendent, or you're a teacher enjoying your summer break.  Perhaps you are like me, jumping from the Tsunami of a busy season to an ocean filled with waves of constant child energy! Oh, but I asked for it!  No matter where you may find yourself, I'm glad you are with us for a few to pause and reflect. One of my favorite things to do is share this page with you to connect and challenge us on what matters.

 

I had the privilege to sit with my staff for lunch as we chatted on a recap of all the action with the shop and events. We went around the table and shared what we have learned from the first six months of this year, and as we enter the last six months of 2025, how will we finish? Such a great conversation - we laughed and there were tears! Nonetheless, we grew as a crew and I am so blessed by each of them!

 

Every year I pick a word for the year and encourage my team to do the same. My word for 2025 is "PACE".

 

I can still feel my racing thoughts as we planned events, the clock as we executed these plans and the brakes as it all was finished. Although I love my line of work, God and family are my driving force. I had to ask myself, how did my "PACE" affect me so far?  Am I staying true to my commitment, am I valuing my priorities? Then the moment of truth, reiterating what I believe, comes from the mouths of my beautiful little humans at home.  They shared how they loved being together, swimming with me, reading more than one book at night, getting mid day snacks, and just crawling in bed in the morning.  They loved summer.

 

I have to admit: I have all of the ideas of what I should be doing, what environment I should be in and where I should be traveling.  However, my kids just wanted ME. Yeah - I know. People tell you time is short: long days and short years. But it is easy to lose sight of this. When my kids shared what they love about our time together, I had to pause and understand my "PACE" and how it affects everything and everyone around me.

 

I want to raise a new generation in my family who gets the "PACE" and pauses all the noise to just be with others.  To enjoy an ice cream, a great story, a nice swim, or their warm sun-kissed skin. 

 

Take a moment to live out and know your life is a legacy, and the "good ol days" are still yet to come.

 

Come check out all of the beautiful pieces once we are back in-shop in August!

At Rising Sun Apotheca, every piece is a reflection of the desert’s wild beauty and the hands that craft it. From artisan jewelry to permanent adornments, we create with intention—honoring the raw spirit of the Southwest. Each design is more than something you wear; it’s a connection to the land, to tradition, and to the stories that shape us.