Sally's Sweet Shoppe

"When will you be open by?!" ~ Town of Genesee Board of Directors Member

Well, it is official that Sally's Sweet Shoppe has been approved by the Town of Genesee to open for business! In fact, the first question or comment directed at me by the board was simply this, "When will be you be open by?!". Now, how's that for support? ;o)

There is so much to do it makes my head spin!! Thank God I'm such a great Project Manager (sorry for being boastful, but really, I can do like 457 things at one time - well!)! That is one of the greatest gifts that God has given me and has helped me in my career as a caterer and as a PM in the construction industry. It has also helped me as a mom and my friends consider me to be Sally the Cruise Director for these talents. Sometimes you just have to say, "Thanks God" for what you've been blessed with! And right now is one of those times as my fingers are flying on this keyboard and have been all morning!

Morning?! It's 8 minutes 'til noon! OMG! OK, gotta run! Those building plans aren't going to draw themselves I tell you! Just had to share the good news with everyone!

Sally's Sweet Shoppe...Bakery & Indulgent Treats...coming SOON to Genesee Depot!

Life as I have come to know it, ends TODAY!

"Enjoy Life...Its Delicious"

Today is the big board meeting day! I say "big" but if you have no idea how small the little town of Genesee Depot is, let me just suffice it by saying - as you are driving through it, if you blink, you shall miss the entire downtown! Which I must say will be one business bigger, I assume, as of about 8:00 tonight. Well, isn't that just exciting.

I understand the Town Planner is just a little excited for my little Sweet Shoppe to open. I think he may even know how many steps it is from his desk to my counter! And I thought my husband was going to be my biggest fan!! Nice to know that there will be others!

What I have noticed about today is that I have no fear. That's just weird to me. How can that even be? And maybe that's not entirely true. I'm fearful of how many hours I will be working or when my first day off will be (this is one girl who likes balance in her life), but that will all work itself out soon I'm sure. But that's it. OK, so that's not true either as I keep thinking of what Dani has been struggling with lately -- finding enough time in the day to run a successful business that also fills her up and finding time to do it ALL. So, maybe I should stop talking about fear now as this paragraph seems to keep growing. Let's do that! Let's move on!

Kelly has taken some pictures of my cookies recently and I just love them, so I thought I would share them with you all. Not sure how, but they almost look more delicious than when I saw them in person! She's good, right?

I've been dreaming of bakery again. There is the weird thing when you are in the food service industry (or maybe it's true for other creative industries too???) where you think about food and how you can make something better, stronger, faster (no really!) or how you can invent something so unique and different. My life used to be like this. Ideas would just hit me at any time of the day. Time to go back to keeping a notebook by my bed again. I can look at a color and think of something creative to bake centered on that -- or a seasonal offering, or a theme, or really anything. That must be what poets and painters and writers and sculptors and dancers do. Before now, I never put myself in the same "category" as those artists, but I have come to appreciate the creativity and ownership in said creations since I have left the industry. In fact, my latest obsession has been how to make my daughters' favorite candy bars into a yummy indulgent treat at the bakery! Ummmm!!

Speaking of indulgent -- I've decided that's my tag line. Sally's Sweet Shoppe - Bakery - Indulgent Treats. I just love that! And I just ordered a neat WallWord (love these things!!) for the bakery that says "Enjoy Life...Its Delicious". I love that too! :o) How could I not get that?! I'm hoping to plan some neat kind of Indulgent Afternoon and/or Evening Getaways both at the bakery and at Three Sisters. Picture it: Women, Chocolate, Wine, Chocolate, Love. I think I may be a little too excited for this part! Well, and one can see why -- after all, I love chocolate and wine and have the best darn friends a girls could ever ask for -- all of them! Just makes sense to put all those things in a room and see the magic rising. Makes me think of when Rhonda Kay asks us to picture a white light circling our bodies when we are ending our Yoga sessions. I see that light!

OK, one last thing for today. Something to whig out a little over. So, you all know back in May when I first introduced my cookies at Three Sisters' big spring event, right? Well, at that event, Dani asked me to meet someone she respects very much and has regularly at the store to offer his services. Dani and I were chatting in the back room over a deck of Tarot cards and her Mochalotta (jeepers those things are good!) and Brett came back to get set up for his appointments that evening. Dani asked Brett to stop and tell her/us what he felt about me (please keep in mind that I have never seen this man before in my life!!) and he said (you should really be sitting) that something big was going to happen to me soon and by October IT will be open...oh, no wait (he said)...by August you will be open, by October you will be running your business as it should be.

Seriously, are you kidding me about this? For those keeping score in the Brett accuracy column (which Dani doesn't do anymore since it's like at about 98% in her book) that "prediction" from this man who has known me for all of 34 seconds would be dead accurate. It is my hope that I am on track with today's meeting to open by August. Someone should catch me now cuz it still whigs me out like the 5 of Hearts did!

OK -- wish me luck! :o)

What a Whirlwind!

"Anyone's life truly lived consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit." ~ Lillie Langtry

Oh my! Where has the last two weeks gone! I have had one of the busiest two week time spans of my life! Parades, birthdays, concerts, family vacations, dinner parties, graduations, helping at school events, cleaning, homework up the ying-yang, and on and on and on! I seriously had to wear my Super Heavy Duty Cape this month!

We spent 5 days up in the Crivitz area as we do every summer. It is such a fun time for all of us. The kids have very few rules and even get to sleep in their very own "adult free" cabin, we stay up late, we drink beer and coffee, we swim, we play, we read, we talk...we reconnect w/ my sister's family and my dad and step-mom. It may just be "up north" but it's a pocket full of memories for our family(s). The girls went "cliff jumping" again this year and they all went "fun-yaking" (a beginner's version of a kayak - you know, with less death and all!) :o) My nephew, Ikey (8), hit a rite of passage and was tall enough to drive his own go-cart this year. Ahhh...that's my favorite. I have pictures of all the years the kids didn't make the cut-off and then the year they did! Smiles from ear to ear! (sorry -- haven't had time to load up pictures, but Caroline has posted some of Annie's videos of cliff jumping on her blog!)

The girls finished school, Annie had an 8th grade graduation ceremony and dance, C got her ears pierced for her 12th birthday, and we Skyped with our Stefi last night and all is happy and well in Mexico as she finishes her last week of school with dances and ceremonies!

I am taking a public speaking class this semester and the work is pouring on! It is the most work I have ever had for a class and at times feels like I won't keep up! Who knew?! But I'm happy (joyful actually) to report that I got an A in my Women's Studies class and we got a perfect score on our final project (that so many of you helped us with on our blog site)! I never had a perfect score on a project and/or paper like that! Blew me away!!

Nothing new with the bakery YET as we go before the town on Monday (28th). I have had so much good response and energy from the governing officials thus far that I am not worried a bit. I am trying to figure out a logo for Sally's Sweet Shoppe and I don't want to do a cupcake (so overdone!!). We are going to have a mid-century, June Cleaver, kitschy feel. Dani suggested lady in a cute apron (as that will be our "thing") and so far I like that idea best. Got any other ideas for me?

I feel like I am a reporter for the Times today. Sorry I am not sharing my heart much with you all today. I feel like I needed to play catch-up and this is one of the last steps to catching up. The whole me will be back soon, I'm sure. But for now, I'm off to read about 94 pages in my text so I can take a quiz that is due today! Hi Ho Hi Ho!

OH! Happy First Day of Summer! It's one of my favorite days of the whole year! Well how can it not be, really? More hours and minutes of SUNSHINE than any other day of the year!! Hello Sunshine! Let's get to work! :o)

Boobies and Wierd Energy

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

OK, so no those two things do not go together, but today is a weird energy day...sitting on the edge of negative, and I don't like it (thank God at least the sun is shining!!). About a month ago, John and I visited a few "local" bakeries to get a vibe from them, understand, and learn from them. I introduced myself at the big bakery in Waukesha, stated that I was researching opening a bakery of my own in a different city (I quickly added) and wondering if I could speak to the owner. I was told "no" but that he would call me back. He did. Today (almost a month later).

I again, stated my intention for reaching out to him, complimented him on his success, and hoped to learn from him. He was a bit defensive at first, I complimented him again, and then he went on to tell me that for the first time in 5 years his retail shop is operating out of the red and that if it wasn't for his wedding cake business, he's not sure what would have happened...then he asked if he could put me on hold and after a minute or more of being on hold, I hung up. He didn't call back. Huh. Wonder if he heard the part of my story where I said I was hired by one of my clients to be their Customer SERVICE Director. Probably not. I'm gonna need Dani's "Mean People Suck" poster on my blog!

You know, I don't want to bake like you sir, nor do I want to invest in a $250,000 bakery...I just want to do my thing, my way and I thought that we could learn something from each other in the process of doing so. Must just be me. And, since we're being mean...I want my $5.25 back 'cuz the brownies weren't that good! And I don't need your help, I just saw an opportunity for greatness for both of us -- but I'm happy being great on my own without you, Sir!

A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition. ~William Arthur Ward

Well, anyway...I had my yearly "Boob Squishing" today. Ma'an I hate it! You know how when you blow up a floaty too big it pops the blowy-up-thingee out? Yeah, that's what I think of when it feels like my nipples are going to shoot across the room. I'm sorry, but a breast is not meant to be squished and flattened. On the other hand, I don't EVER miss my mammogram and I emphatically implore others to do the same. So please, if you haven't scheduled your boob squishing for the year, or your annual exam, PLEASE DO!! We are all in this together and I for one do not want you to not be here when I tell you how much I hated my NEXT boob squishing.

You'd think they could at least give you a lollipop when you're finished.

On Saturday, we had dinner at my one of my best friend's (Rhonda) house. She lives in such a charming old house with built-ins, a "secret closet", porches everywhere you look, woodwork that is simply stunning and plaster walls. I just love beautiful old houses. They sure don't make 'em like that any more! It was so nice to be in quiet conversation all night with them and nobody else. I highly recommend some one-on-one time with the people you love if you never get to have them all to yourself. I soaked up all the love I could that night, for I know that the next time we get together, and most all of the other times, I will have to share her/them with others. Thank you Rhonda and Michele for a lovely evening and for being my friend for the last 29 years! What a blessing you are to all of us.

So in closing...why are you still sitting here -- go make your appointments! ;o) Face the fear head on and walk right through it! I'll save a lollipop for you!

More Important Birthdays!!

"The greatest gift I ever received came from God...my family."

Today is my husband and (step) daughter's birthdays! I don't usually use the word "step" because I hate, hate, hate how Disney and society have mutilated that word. All step-mothers are not evil and all step-daughters are not whiney little brats trying to trick their dads into hating their evil step-mother! Sorry...I know, that's another post for another time...on to greater things...like my husband and youngest daughter!!

Today, John is 42 and Caroline Mary is 12. And for as special as birthdays are for people, I'm kinda gonna need C's to be over because, seriously, the kid was counting and reporting hourly how much longer it was until her birthday was ("finally") here -- for the last week or so! ;o) They share their birthdays -- June 4th. I'm guessing it's a great day to be born. I'm sure that John doesn't mind too much, after all, how much more wonderful of a gift can you get on your birthday that your very own gift of a daughter?

I bought my husband a birthday card that I swore Hallmark wrote JUST from me to him and I want to share it with you now because I think it such a beautiful reflection of what I would want to say to him if I had the voice to do so (and I think you will marvel at it as well given this past year of our lives) (as a side note, it is written exactly how Terri writes her beautiful works of art at Bonesigh -- all lower case, intentional line breaks, purposeful words, etc.)...

Husband, any idea where the year went? I think I missed it, running around in circles, taking care of stuff, and I wonder did I love you enough? Did I look at you and really see the remarkable man you are and tell you how lucky I am to be married to you? Well, it's about time I did because I am, you know...I am and I do and I will and I hope you know it.

I often wish I would have met John first (b4 my first husband) but then I stop to reflect that this was not God's intention for me/us as I'm not sure I would have known how to love him like I do now. And certainly I would not have the gift of Caroline to share with him.

And she is a gift -- to the world really. I know why God blessed me with her. She is my reminder to dance, to be free, to wonder if the sky is purple and to make believe. She tests me most every day, and most every day I thank God for sending her to me. I'm proud to be her Ma and I'm a better person because of her. She is my forever Butterfly.

Every year, I get a picture of the two of them together as they prepare to indulge in their birthday cake or cakes which usually they either fight over who gets to pick, they get both of them, or if all of the stars are aligned just so, they even choose one (gasp) together!

Happy Birthday to the man and the little lady that fill my life to overflowing.With Carolyn for their annual Triplet Photo

My Boojie

"When we love, we grow."

My Boojie (my niece) turns 13 years old today! I have no idea how that could be since I'm (still) only 33, but she INSISTS on aging! I don't know what is the matter with kids these days!

I have been blessed with 7 nieces and nephews (well, 2 nieces and 5 nephews) from my sisters. They are my children and it was through them that I learned of unconditional love. My Boojie is the the ultimate protector of the family. She is fiercely competitive, unquestionably funny, and the most protective person of the people she loves that I have ever met. She is a good student, a great athlete that gives her all (and I really mean that!), a pianist, a sister, a grand-daughter, and a perfect best friend to my daughters who love her more than anything in the world.

Tam and I always thought she should be a nurse because she has an empathy and a compassion for people the likes of which I have never experienced from another person before or since. Well, that and because she gets hurt a lot, so it would be good if she could fix herself up! :o) She has a little piece of my heart that just melts every time I think of her. I am thankful for the wonderful young girl she was and I can not wait to see what a spectacular woman she becomes. The world WILL be different because Boojie walked upon it.

On this, her 13th birthday, I took a look back at some of my favorite pictures that I have taken of her (and let's be clear, I could only put 5 on this blog and I take A LOT of pictures!!). It's hard not to see how beautiful she is -- inside and out. Happy Birthday to my CP Soupa, Our Boojie, Miss Carolyn P. Your aunt loves you too, too much!
Please note what her T-Shirt says....

This may be my favorite of ALL time. Taken last year on our family vacation in Crivitz. I still pee my pants laughing when I see this!!

So Much Good Energy Around Me!

"Where there is great love there are always miracles." ~ Willa Cather

I have to say, I am quite literally shocked at all of the good energy pouring my way about opening up my bakery. Here's some of the comments just from this past weekend alone...

• My friend, Bill, and I were having a conversation about my decision to open the bakery and I told him that while I felt I would miss the "business world" and all that brings, I was being called to do this. He said ~ "Poodle, what's more business than owning your own?" Huh, I got that.
• (My sister) Tam and I were sitting by the pool and I had told her of this fun idea I had for a Ladies Night in the bakery -- you know chocolate and wine (or whine, however you want to spell it) :o) for dinner - that's it, chocolate and wine! About 2 hours later she yelled "You should get a flat screen TV and on Ladies Night you could play all sorts of Girlee Movies!!" Huh, that's fantastic!
• I was showing my Dad and Step mom my packet I have been working on to present to the board for approval in the Town of Genesee (including my to scale "as built" drawings that I did - Ma'an I love that I have a background in home-building!!) and I said that I just put the equipment in a spot but that I would like to see what he thought of the layout and he said "Honey, we should just go over there again with the plan you drew and walk it out". Huh, of course we should.
• At that same time, my Step mom said (while looking at her copy of the plan) that she just loved the name (thank you husband!) and said fun things to Annie while we were swimming about "fighting" over who would be the head Cashier (or "Casher" as Annie calls it...please don't ask...). Huh, how fun is this?!
• My brother in law asked if he would be able to stop by in the morning to pick up stuff to take to clients. Huh, OF COURSE you can brother dear!
• My niece Carolyn, Annie, and I were walking Monday morning and we were telling Carolyn (CP) that we have noticed (one of life's mysteries for Annie and I) that there are no frozen pears. Why can you freeze apples, cherries, peaches, etc. but not pears? I quenched CP's disbelief in this fact when I asked her if she had ever heard of a pear pie to which she said "Auntie Tracey - you should make that for the bakery and then patent it!" She's always thinking that one. She also confirmed that she too would be working in the bakery, right Auntie Tracey? Huh, OF COURSE you are my CP-Soupa!
• My cousin, Sami Jo (made her son's monkey cakes), asked me how things were going with the bakery as if she doesn't have enough stuff to worry about with her three children under six, the selling of her house, buying of another one, and moving. Huh, nice to know my family is behind me even with all their stuff.
• And lastly, again, all from the last few days, I have had at least 10 people contact me regarding my logo and website after I sent out an email to about 2 dozen people that I know and love to see if they knew anyone that I could hire "cheap" to do this for me. I'm still not sure what "cheap" will be, but to have over 10 people reach out to help me is pretty darn amazing! As Dani says, "Is it odd or God?" Huh, I think I know.

We're on to a new week now. My packet is due on Monday and all I have left to do is a sign rendering, which since I don't have a logo (or graphic artist) yet may be hard to do, but I understand I can at the very least give them the idea of what I want and they can approve with restrictions based on that. Well, I mean really, how much more do you need? It's Sally's Sweet Shoppe. It's not like I'm putting some ancient cave drawings on the sign too! But if I did, they would be cave drawings of all the people that love and support me!!