SUMMER IS IN SESSION
time flies
In just a few short days, it will be the first day of summer and our 3rd year in business as an online shop.
It is incredible to think how quickly time passes. It seems like just yesterday, we were starting 2025.
It was in January that we, along with so many others, lost everything in the Eaton Canyon Fire.
Life has not been easy since, but a bit of beauty became apparent during such a trying time - the resilience of entire communities and the genuine, collective efforts to make friends and neighbors whole again.
We all have a long way to go to feel “back to normal” and with so many atrocities currently affecting our beloved, diverse communities… it will feel even longer still.
We are making an effort to be and stay positive as we regroup and continue with our work here at LEISURE & JOIE.
We launched our shop three years ago on the first day of summer and we are grateful it worked out that we are able to reopen and on such a meaningful day.
“AND SO WITH THE SUNSHINE AND THE GREAT BURSTS OF LEAVES GROWING ON THE TREES, JUST AS THINGS GROW IN FAST MOVIES, I HAD THAT FAMILIAR CONVICTION THAT LIFE WAS BEGINNING OVER AGAIN WITH THE SUMMER.”
carry on
There is something to be said for the beauty of bright mornings and summer evenings. There is an air of relaxation and a more laid-back attitude. Normally, this would be the time of year all we think about are margaritas by the pool, summer soirées, and finding ways to make “summer Fridays” a daily occurrance. This summer is significantly different.
As a child of immigrants, as an American, it is tough to see such hardworking, family-oriented people be “confused” with violent criminals, treated more harshly than animals, and snatched up with no due process or cause other than “not looking American” - whatever that means.
At LEISURE & JOIE we donate 3% of our total annual sales to the ACLU Foundation 501(c)(3).
We have aligned with this organization as they protect all of our civil liberties from egregious abuses.
Unfortunately, in these past few years, the attacks on so many groups of people have skyrocketed so it is even more important for us to continue to support other people, businesses, vendors, organizations that align with our values.
c’est la vie
“Such is life”… We are not making light of everything lost or everything going on in our beautiful and diverse cities.
Let this serve as a reminder that good things happen and bad things happen - what is important is how we choose to move forward that defines us…
donate to causes that support marginalized groups
support small businesses most affected by the curfews and closures
continue finding ways to bring joy into your life and the lives of others
These past few months have been filled with stress, uncertainty, but also optimism and renewed hope.
Giving up, is just not an option. Yes, we are still hurting and healing; just doing so while trying to find a sense of normality in what has felt like never-ending chaos.
“IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW SLOWLY YOU GO SO LONG AS YOU DO NOT STOP.”
Our priority here at LEISURE & JOIE is our renewed goal of continuing to add value to our community of patrons’ by way of our high-quality, practical, and thoughtful goods. Our offerings work in tandem and celebrate aesthetic beauty while ingrained with self-care practices, wellness, and slow, intentional living.
We are so grateful to be able to start again and will add more new products as we go on.
We are grateful for your continued support of our small business and look forward to continuing serving you.
check in on your people
We are all living through some heavy times. Whether or not you are/were personally affected by the fires, ICE raids, or know anyone who is, please don’t assume the people you love are “OK”.
Comfort and check in on those in your orbit.
visit, call, or text
take care of a meal or bring some food over
ask if they need help in specific ways
connect them with resources if they don’t know where to turn
be kind and open-minded
We have seen how good people are and can be when we come together, and we hold on to that.
There are more of us than those who would tear us apart. Keep fighting the good fight.
Yes, summer might look and feel a little different this year considering everything that is going on…
Just don’t forget to take care of yourself. Prioritize keeping yourself healthy and strong.
And hey… it is OKAY to have fun! You can be concerned with your community AND want to enjoy your life.
Two things can be true at the same time.
Don’t let anyone steal your joy.
New blog content is available every third Tuesday*, each month.
If our content resonates with you, SUBSCRIBE to get exclusive offers and be notified when new posts are available.
It’s always nice to have something to look forward to…
