There are weeks that feel like they stretch on for years, and this has been one of them.
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that our beloved Hansel, our Great Dane and gentle giant, passed away this past Monday. If you’ve followed Blissfully Rooted for a while, you probably felt like you knew him. He was more than just a dog; he was a soulful presence, a massive source of love, and a member of our family in the truest sense.
A Hole in Our Hearts
The silence in the house this week has been deafening. The spaces he used to occupy—which, let’s be honest, was most of the room—feel impossibly empty now. Tomorrow, I will go to pick up his ashes and bring him home one last time. It’s a task no pet parent ever wants to do, but it’s also the final step in honoring his life with us.
I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to this incredible community for the love you’ve shown him over the year, and especially for the messages that have poured in this week. Your kindness reminds me that grief is the price we pay for love, and Hansel was loved deeply.
The Sanctuary of the River
When the weight of loss feels too heavy to carry, I find myself turning to the one place that always makes sense: nature. There is something profoundly healing about the outdoors. The trees don’t rush you. The wind doesn’t ask you to "move on." The earth just holds you, exactly as you are.
In these moments of grief, getting outside isn’t just about fresh air; it’s about grounding. It’s about remembering that we are part of a larger rhythm—one of seasons, cycles, and continuity. Nature absorbs our sorrow and offers us peace in return.
Finding Perspective: Eagle Watch Weekend
Speaking of nature’s majesty, this upcoming weekend offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with something greater than ourselves. The Eagle Watch Weekend is happening right here in Utica at Starved Rock State Park this January 25-26.
There is nothing quite like watching a bald eagle soar over the Illinois River against a winter sky. They represent freedom, vision, and strength. If you are feeling heavy this week, or if you just need to step away from the noise of daily life, I encourage you to head out to the trails. Watching these magnificent creatures reminds us that even in the coldest winters, life persists and beauty remains. It’s a chance to breathe deeply and find a little perspective.
A Light in the Darkness: Pure Enchantment
As I navigate this week, I’ve been leaning on small rituals to bring comfort back into my home. Healing isn't a straight line, but creating a space of calm helps.
We just released our new Pure Enchantment candle for Valentine's Day, but honestly, it feels like much more than a holiday scent to me right now. It features a soothing blend of Lavender and Sage—two of the most powerful plants for calming the spirit and cleansing heaviness from the air.
With its delicate, hand-sculpted flower, it serves as a gentle reminder that beauty can bloom even after hard seasons. Whether you are grieving a loss, looking for peace, or simply need to clear the energy in your home, I hope this candle brings you the same sense of sanctuary it has brought me.
Hug your fur babies a little tighter tonight.
Stay rooted,
Chauntelle
