Greetings!
It’s been a busy summer so far, and it feels like its only just begun. This past week, as I referenced vaguely on Facebook and Twitter, we suffered a family emergency. My father had a massive heart attack while he and my mom were at our home. A tough week has come and gone, and I am happy to say that my dad is on the mend, though he has a long road to recovery ahead of him. I do appreciate all of the support, understanding, and positive notes I’ve received privately from so many of you, and I apologize for the vague and potentially concerning tweets while we took care, and continue to take care, of our family. In the moment it wasn’t something I wanted to have to explain or rehash all over social media – the ordeal was traumatic enough for everyone involved, as I’m sure you can imagine. Orders were delayed temporarily, but I’m trying to get everything back on schedule for this week. A big chunk of outstanding orders went out first thing this morning – thank you for your patience during this difficult time!
That being said, I’m going to turn around and say that we need some (more) family time. Family always comes first. Being that GEEKSOAP is a one woman small business, if I take a “vacation,” the shop also goes into vacation mode since there’s no one else to make and fill orders! The shop will be temporarily “closed” starting this Saturday, June 20, 2015 and will re-open on Friday, July 10, 2015. As I often do briefly in the summer or over the Christmas holidays, my family and I will be taking a short break to recharge together. This is also a great time for me to restock supplies and prepare for the release of new designs.
So what will this look like for the shop? A notice will appear across the bottom of the site, and my confirmation emails will include the delay information. Orders will continue to be taken, though it will be as clearly stated in as many places as possible that work will not begin on any orders taken after June 20 until my return on July 10. Orders will then be worked on and shipped in the order that they were received, with my typical 7-10 business day turnaround time for shipment. Orders placed by June 20 will be out the door per my usual schedule.
WHAT ABOUT THE NEW FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE SOAP YOU TEASED US WITH ON INSTAGRAM?! Oh you mean THESE gorgeous works of art?! Never fear – they will be releasing upon my return as well, which just so happens to time up nicely with the Heavensward expansion fresh at everyone’s fingertips. You’ll all have your Astrologians to 60 by then, won’t you? No storyline spoilers, please, I just recently finished the main scenario (up to the current patch) and am on the edge of my gaming seat! (Literally. I tend to fall backwards if not. True story.) As you can tell, these new designs are inspired by my current gaming obsession: FFXIV Online. I play on the Brynhildr realm; I have a 50 BRD, WHM, PLD, SCH, and SMN, but I mostly just play BRD and WHM. Moogles are my favorite thing ever, and the tonberry design is based on the rug at the entrance of our FC’s house, The Tonberry War Machine. I am in love with how these hand carved designs turned out, aren’t you?! Look for them July 10.
As always, I appreciate your support and understanding when it comes to taking personal time every now and then for myself and my family. GEEKSOAP is also very important and dear to me, as are all of my customers, friends, followers, and fans. I would not be here if it weren’t for you! I am looking forward to my “vacation” time and excited about releasing my new soap designs to all of you in July!
With love,
Lesley / GEEKSOAP