late for Equinox…

Hello Dear Faithful Readers~

I am late with this…I am also not Rachael (shown above in the early 90’s). My name is Briana, I am Rachaels daughter. Vernal Equinox came and went in March and at that time I didn’t have the strength to learn the newsletter process. It is with heavy heart I have to announce that my mom passed away suddenly in January. Many of you have read this newsletter over the years, my mom loved writing it. I hope her thoughtful words warmed your hearts, perhaps even inspired a brighter day where ever you are.

If you knew her you also knew that she built a strong business. One that could survive a pandemic and then even the untimely passing of its leader. With the unbelievable support of our current staff and an entire local community of people who knew her, this family business has continued even while those closest to her have grieved.

A little about me…since 1990 this business has been a part of my life. In 2010, when I took over running Harding House, this business became my whole life. Sadly in 2020 Harding House was lost to the pandemic and I took the time to help my young children through those unpredictable days, weeks and months. Once schools reopened in 2021, mom asked if I would start working at Irving House. It seemed a natural next step. She wanted to start her slow retirement and after 10 years at Harding House it was time to run what we lovingly called “our sister property”. And in some way, because I grew up with Irving House, she is my sister….

Since her passing I have had to learn all kinds of new things about my new role as owner but overwhelmingly I have learned how many people my mother touched. Even months later I still receive handwritten letters, condolences and stories of how she supported their cause, their art, or their work. She was a mentor, a philanthropist, a writer, an editor, a friend, a designer … maybe I’ll just include the obituary… https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/rachael-solem-obituary?id=54140717

I will try my best to learn how to write a proper newsletter for you all by Summer Solstice. In the meantime~ for a “Wish you were here” segment~ I can tell you that we are still here. I sit in “our” office, the one my mom sat in for 30 plus years, greeting guests, reviewing spreadsheets and finding ways to market our small independent hotel creatively.

While I have you, she would have wanted me to remind you, Earth Day is April 22 this year. Don’t forget to look for an Earth Day event near you to join.  Her words, “While we at Irving House continue to seek to lighten our environmental footprint, there is plenty left to do in all areas.  This day reminds us to keep up the good work…”