Marla Fryman

“Nana!” That is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard; and the greatest honor that God has blessed me, and my husband AKA “Papa”, with to date. 

Of course, my two grown children are such blessings, as well. If you are a grandparent, then you know how “grand” it is! “IYKYK” applies here! In fact, I was just telling one of my 5 grandchildren that came up to love on me, that he “thinks” he knows love (he’s 6 years old), and loves us and mommy and daddy. I said someday, you’ll be married and love a special person. You’ll think that’s the best love ever! And then you’ll have kids…and man, the love grows even bigger! You won’t know that you can love so much, until you have children. And someday, you’ll have grands and remember this conversation. His eyes were so intensely concentrated on me; and on what I was saying. He squeezed me tighter and said that he loves me so much! I continued on. The love keeps expanding greater and greater. But you know what the biggest love ever is? He was amazed and said, “What, Nana?” I told him that as much as he could possibly EVER love anyone — that God’s love for us is even greater! Can you even imagine?! He said that is incredible!

Moments. My background of growing up in San Diego, owning businesses, hobbies and adventures aren’t any more interesting than yours; that’s not what this is all about. It’s these little moments that make up our life. Not the daily drudgery of labor, or of checking the calendar off until that first vacation day. It’s these little moments that are shared, experienced, and remembered; that is what is so meaningful. Notice them. Cherish them. And the memories that are created and carried on will be what’s important when it’s all said and done. You never know what little thing will stick with someone. Be the light! 

Oh yeah, if you’re still reading: I’m in my 60’s. Married at 18 (and still working on my first husband - as he jokes). Over the past 2 years, I’ve lost nearly 60 lbs by changing my “healthy” diet of salads, chicken, and the lite menu at the drive thru, to truly healthy. I still eat great foods.  I’m not starving. And, I even have ice cream, haha! The journey to shed the extra pounds, and to feel better, allowed me to also become more active; allowing me to go on hikes with my family and friends. I’ve worked my way from 300 steps a day to 5 mile trail hikes! My entire family now eats only organic, non-GMO, grass-fed foods. We’ve cut out processed foods full of chemicals and dyes. My lifelong allergies have nearly vanished because of healing my chronic inflammation and leaky gut syndrome - mostly by simply cutting out seed oils, to start. I no longer take a daily allergy pill and nasal steroid sprays. We’ve also cut out other inflammatory foods. I feel incredible! It’s funny, a little hope in losing weight has sparked an amazing journey to better health for my entire family! And, by the way, although I enjoy the beeswax candles the most, I am allergic to soy — and I can burn our scented soy candles without any issue! Our body’s have the amazing ability to heal themselves when given the opportunity. Which brings me to the reason that my daughter, Erica, and I started Ramona Candle Co.: healthy living. I had cut out all chemically made, fake fragrances. No room sprays. No scented soaps. No dryer sheets.

No candles. 

Until we discovered that we CAN have safe and natural beeswax, and natural soy candles - with clean scents, too! Hallelujah! Ramona Candle Co. was born!

…and the little moments continue…