Thanks

Being in business takes time. You find yourself absorbed in it any time you're not thinking about something else. Which is most of the time. Ten, twelve, fourteen hours a day. On that kind of schedule, it's so easy to neglect other things. We all go through it. Even those who aren't in business, I suppose. That's why a day like today is great. Thanksgiving. We don't have that in England. I've been in America for seven Thanksgivings. And each year I appreciate it a little more.

Thanksgiving. It's a time to reflect on the year that has passed. A time to be grateful for what you have and all who have helped you along the way. A time to remember things you tend to forget. A time to give thanks.

I'm new to the blog world, but I think giving thanks here is what is known as a "shout out". There are so many people I would like to give a "shout out" to. To give thanks to. They are people I have mainly come across only in print. People I have never met in "real life". People that have touched me and my soapy business just the same. I'm going to try and keep these really, really short, so that if I miss anyone out accidentally, they won't feel too affronted.

I'd like to start with Donna Maria Coles Johnson, whose Indie Beauty Network has inspired me from the very beginning and pushes me daily. She is a constant source of inspiration. To Jen from the Products of the Day consumer review blog, who I sent some products to for review, and lo and behold, we've been in touch ever since. She's been a very, very good friend to me. And to everyone (I think) who has written a word about Manor Hall this past year, and who have helped me in varying other ways, in alphabetical order:

Anne-Marie from The Soap Queen Blog
Christina from Bon Bons In the Bath
Gabreial from Wickedly Chic
Greg from Faith and Fear in Flushing
Jessica from Funky Finds
Joanna from The Soap Bar
Laurie from Blooming Lily
Mallory and Ashe from Miss Malaprop's Indie Finds
Sarah from Mystical-Beauty

And to my friends and family, both sides of the Atlantic, without whose help and support I would not be here right now. You all know who you are. Thank you. Especially to my own mother, and to my mother-in-law, Barbara, who both have been there when needed. Thank you. And to my right hand man and husband, who props me up well when I wanna fall down. Thank you, thank you, thank you. My mann, I love you.

Finally, to my customers... to everyone who has bought, sampled, tried, touched, used, heard about or recommended Manor Hall, thank you. Thank you so much. And if you're reading this blog, even for the first time, thank you. Thank you to everyone. A Happy Thanksgiving to you all.