Hi Achternaam,

Greetings again from Simply Canning. I want to share a bit of my heart here today. I’ve avoided commenting much on the world news that is in all our minds. We get enough of that, so I don’t need to repeat anything. I just continue sharing positivity, canning, and gardening information. I always hope to encourage and inspire you, especially those new to canning.

When this whole self-isolation started, I thought, woohoo! Not a problem for this homebody. I love staying home in my “little bubble”. I truly am blessed with where I live and the lifestyle we have. I have my husband and one of my sons here with me as well. I’ve managed to maintain that attitude, all the while praying for those with more outgoing personalities who I knew would struggle with isolation and limited interaction. And for those who live alone, this can be a hard thing. Phone and online visits only go so far!

A month or so in, and I’ll admit, I’m feeling unsettled like many of you. I’m not sure why. I’m not sure what has changed. But for the past few days I’m distracted, getting very little work done, floating through my days, unable to concentrate.

I’ve gotten several e-mails from SimplyCanning readers that have been so very very uplifting! Comments like…

"I am so grateful for your encouragement and guidance this past canning season." from Pat, a Simply Canning School Member

"The email I received today was so uplifting I just had to take the time to tell you how much it meant today! Thank you so much! Be safe and God bless you!" from Ruby, in response to a past newsletter.

And this…this one is from JustClaude. It brought a tear to my eye that morning. It arrived at the perfect time.

"Just want to say, you’re a foundation, even if you don’t know that. For what’s going on in society these days and the barrage of negative things. You bring in from your garden of peace and good knowledge for us to just breath. Love our roots and grow compassion every chance we have. You do that! Thanks for your healthy tenacity." JustClaude

Oh, how I hope Claude knows just how much that helped me recently. Because some mornings…I don’t feel tenacious. I replied and told him, JustClaude doesn’t fit. He is now known as "Claude the Encourager."

Let's be like Claude. Find a simple something you can do for someone else. Send an e-mail. Send a bouquet of flowers. Call and sing someone a song over the phone. Send an actual, physical, handwritten letter or card. You may never know just how much your little act of kindness can brighten someone's day. Good things come from good actions.

Let’s all be encouragers.

Since I rambled a bit in this newsletter, I want to keep my link list short and simple. Here what I believe to be the most helpful, yet underused page on the entire Simply Canning website.

Here is the table of contents.

A simple categorized list to find what you need. Check it out, and then go be kind to someone today.

Sharon, the Encourager

P.S. Get the training, advice, kitchen tips, and support to plan and fill your pantry and table with home canned foods. Simply Canning School is the tool you need to get moving!

Remember, it's 50% off due to the current situation! 

Learn more about Simply Canning School here.