Hugfest! - Day 24

Welcome to Kathy's Wild Ride, full of ear popping highs and stomach turning lows.  Yesterday all hope was lost.  Today hope abounds.

Early this morning I gathered my business paper work and headed to the Maitland Senior Center to meet Mari and discuss my options.  Her tone was much different from the day before.  Defensive statements were replaced with apologies.  She had read my e-mail and began to think she had confused me with another vendor.  She didn't want to be responsible for taking away my dream and had already placed calls to several other markets in the area.  I really appreciated her efforts and explained I would have to come to the market on Sunday to intercept any friends that might show up.  That is when Mari gave me a gift.  She offered me a booth space for this Sunday, September 5.  The space would be at the back of the market.  I did not care.  I had a space.  Happy, Happy, Happy Dance!

Heartsong Cookies will debut on Sunday, September 5 from 9-2 at the Maitland Farmers' Market after all.  I promise a Cookie and Hugfest of gargantuan proportions!

Many hugs,
Kathy

I Need A Hug! - Day 23

This afternoon Mari from the Maitland Farmers' Market let the wind out of my sails and sent me plummeting head first into the ground.  What began as a follow up call to confirm a time to meet Mari this Sunday for booth payment and space assignment, ended with the discovery that she had accepted another cookie vendor since we last spoke and placed me on a waiting list that could take months.  I begin my commercial kitchen lease on Wednesday and will have 30 hours of baking time with no outlet to sell my cookies.  To say I am devastated would be an understatement.

The leap into entrepreneurship has been quite a journey into unfamiliar territory.  I always say growth and life lessons occur outside your comfort zone.  Looks like I am due for a huge growth spurt and some higher education.  I have asked many questions along my quest, done tons of research on the subject and followed all instructions to the letter.  Problem is there are many questions I don't know to ask and I am far too trusting of the information given.  Ignorance is definitely not bliss, it is a recipe for disaster.

Everything happens for a reason.  Maybe I was meant to play cookie fairy a little longer.  Maybe I needed more time to reach cookie perfection and I didn't even know it.  Maybe I was destined for a more well attended farmers' market.  For whatever reason, I will NOT be making my Heartsong Cookies, LLC debut on Sunday, September 5.  However, I will start baking cookies on Wednesday, September 1 for family and friends.  In the meantime, I need a hug!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Feeling Like A Cookie Rock Star - Day 22

What a fabulous day this turned out to be!  As much as I hated to get up this morning when the alarm went off at 6:50, I enjoyed every minute of the day.  Vicky and I met for breakfast at First Watch, then headed to A Chateau Kitchen to work out the final details of next week's start up.  Vicky had the same reaction to the kitchen that I did when I first walked through the door.  There is positive energy going on in this place.  I am so excited, I cannot wait for Wednesday to arrive.  Wednesday is the day I do a trial run in the kitchen.

My final day at Costco was next on the agenda.  Today I played cookie fairy to all my co-workers and a few of my regular customers.  I wish I had a videotape of Customer George as he bit into a White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookie.  He moaned and grinned until the entire cookie was gone...proclaiming it was better than a girlfriend.  Now that is a ringing endorsement if I ever heard one.  Customer Anthony shuffled by.  He LOVES the White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookie.  I saved the last one for him and got a huge farewell hug in return.  Daniel picked up his bag of Daniel's Cookies and insisted I try one with him.  We both agreed the combination of peanut butter cups, chocolate chips and toasted pecans was a winner.  "We did good!" is all he said as he walked down the aisle.  Suddenly the effects of little sleep disappeared.  I felt like a Cookie Rock Star.  Playing cookie fairy definitely gave my confidence a major boost at a time I certainly could use it.  This is what life is all about.  Not lots of money or lots of things, but lots and lots of happiness.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Costco Cookies - Day 21

Tomorrow is my last day at Costco...at least for a while.  To celebrate I baked cookies for the Costco gang until the wee hours of the morning.  White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan, Toffee Almond Chocolate Chip and Daniel's special request Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Pecan...now that's a mouthful.  Then I assembled a last minute order for Lili in one of my newly decorated bags.  I love the new bags!  Now I am so tired, I cannot see straight.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Heading South - Day 20

Today was a really good day as vacation work days go.  I headed south to Jupiter to deliver a job to Jeff, one of my favorite clients.  We rendezvoused at the Food Shack.  Oh my, I would love to pack up the Food Shack and move it north to Altamonte.  The menu is steeped in seafood with lots of funky twists.  We started with the Tuna Basil Roll...the Food Shack take on an egg roll, but oh so much better.  The egg roll skin is crispy, but not greasy and the tuna perfectly rare.  The sliced roll is fanned atop a salad of field greens, fresh basil and fruit tossed in a light vinaigrette.  Yum!  My entree choice was the Platter of the Day - Grilled Shrimp, Panko Crusted Fried Oysters and a Sweet Potato Croquette served over a salad of field greens, fresh peaches, plums and fresh herbs, once again tossed in their signature vinaigrette.  The plate edges were drizzled with a spicy cocktail sauce to drag the crispy oysters through as I devoured the plate.  The balance of flavors and textures on this plate were amazing.

The tasty food was made even better by the excellent company.  Jeff is a laid back designer with a passion for paddle boarding.  He told me on my next trip to bring my bathing suit and he would take me on a paddle board adventure.  After I got over the horrifying mental image of me in a bathing suit, I warmed up to the idea.  I shared details of my Heartsong Hug Club.  Jeff shared plans of his own...a website domain called "Do it standing up" selling t-shirts and stickers with his logo designs promoting paddle boarding or...whatever.  I had to laugh...my sappy idea and his edgy one.  I think we both will be successful.

The good day continued tonight with another meal shared with friends.  I called Kenda and Mark and asked them to meet me for dinner at Little Saigon.  The summer roll and Number 34 were delicious.  We talked about Mark's Superfizzee venture and Heartsong Cookie prices.  Mark and Kenda tagged teamed me with all the reasons I should charge $2.00 per individual cookie instead of $1.75.  They almost have me convinced.  The competition prices hover around $2.00 and my cookies are filled with an abundance of  quality ingredients like chocolate, nuts and dried fruit.  But, I just don't want people to feel like I am too pricey.  I think I will just have to sleep on it.  Sleep tight!

Many hugs,
Kathy

I Feel Cute Today - Day 19

Vacation today did not include a trip to the office.  It did include a call or two and a few e-mails, but all in all it was a relaxing day. 

Lately I have been working so much, little time was left for looking cute.  Yesterday I took a chance that my sister in law would be able to fit me in for a little personal pampering today and I was in luck.  So Mike, Maddie and I headed to Lakeland to visit his parents and get my hair done.  After a nice lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse with Mike's parents I headed to Lori's salon.  Lori worked her magic on my hair and my self esteem.  I left the salon with a new bounce in my step.  Feeling cute is certainly a good way to wrap up a vacation and begin a new chapter in my life.

Tonight I got an e-mail from Morgan with graphics for my booth banner and a revision to my logo that includes the LLC.   Tomorrow I am going to order my sign.  I am getting very excited about next week's grand opening.  My cute hair is blowing in the wind as I round the final turn.  The finish line is in sight.  Cute Happy Dance!

Many hugs,
Kathy

USS Enterprise - Day 18

Well...today I was back to my wayward vacation ways, spending time at work instead of home with Mike.  After I came back to my senses, I headed home to assemble the cookie basket for Randy that was shipping out to the USS Enterprise.  I had bagged the 36 cookies the night before, but they needed to be dressed in their Heartsong finery before shipping out.  I tied ribbons on the individual packages, assembled them in the basket, wrapped the basket in tulle and ribbons, carefully packed the carton with lots of air packs and headed out the door for the post office.  Sometime in the next week, Captain Ryan will unveil a basket of hopefully tasty, not stale, Heartsong Cookies aboard the USS Enterprise.  I still think that is such a cool destination for my simple treats.  Thanks Randy, for giving me this opportunity.

Many hugs,
Kathy

I Am A Taxpayer - Day 17

This afternoon I headed to the Altamonte Springs City Clerk office to get my Business Tax Receipt for the city and the county.  I believe this is the equivalent of what I was calling an Occupational License, but frankly I am not sure.  Everytime I turn around I discover a new expense.  I found out yearly tax renewals must be paid by September 30 and that I will be charged the half year rate for the month of September.  Oh joy!  I also discovered that all my communication must say Heartsong Cookies, LLC unless I wish to pay an additional $50 to operate my business under a "ficticious name"...Heartsong Cookies.  I am proud of the fact that I am a corporation and now all will know just how proud I am!

Tonight I am baking cookies for an order from Randy.  White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan, Toasted Walnut Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Cookies will fill a basket headed to the U.S.S. Enterprise.  How cool is that?  I love my new adventure.  Spreading hugs is a very good thing!

Many hugs,
Kathy

I Am Licensed - Day 16

This morning I got an early start on my week of vacation by jumping in the car and heading to work.  For some reason I can't seem to get the hang of this vacation concept.  Finally around 1:00 I realized vacations are best spent with my husband rather than my lovely co-workers.  I called Mike and met him for lunch before my 3:00 meeting with Terry from the Department of Agriculture.  This was the first time I had been back to A Chateau Kitchen in over a month.  The same warm comfort feeling from my first visit hit me as I walked in the door.  Terry was waiting for me with paperwork and answers to all my questions.  He was so much help and made me feel like I was on the right track with my new venture.  Laura from Cake O Licious was busy decorating her cake pops in the corner of the kitchen.  She was warm and engaging.  Soon after I arrived she offered me a cake pop sample - Red Velvet with a White Chocolate coating.  It was moist, delicious and a fun, creative way to eat cake.  Check out her website at www.thecakepop.com.  I think I am going to like this place!

At the end of the afternoon I had a license from the Department of Agriculture, a clear plan of the labeling requirements for my product and an good idea of how I would handle beverage sales from my booth.  Next stop is the Occupational License.

I am doing this...I am really, really doing this.  Happy Dance!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Two Weeks and Counting - Day 15

Tomorrow is a big day for Heartsong Cookies.  I meet with the Department of Agriculture at 3:00 to get my license.  As real as everything seems now, the license will mean there is no turning back.  I keep pinching myself that this is all happening.  And reminding myself the clock is ticking...two weeks and counting.  I have a good idea of the cookie menu for our opening week and a clear picture of what the booth will look like.  Problem is, I have absolutely no idea how many cookies to bake or how many people will show up.  It is a bit scary.

This afternoon I received an e-mail from my friend Karen that left a big smile on my face.  She has been doing  research the last several weeks to master creation of a PES file.  This format digitizes a logo into a format that can be read by high end embroidery machines...like the ones my sister-in-law, Kevina has.  Attached to the e-mail were two PES files Karen created...one for my logo type and one for the three icons.  I cannot wait to test them out.  I love the way everything is coming together.  But even more, I love the way everyone is chipping in their special expertise.  Heartsong Cookies is a true collaborative effort of exceptional people.  It is all coming together exactly like I dreamed it would.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Game Day - Day 14

Mike, Ryan and I started the day as deliciously as we ended the day before.  We headed to Metro Diner near his apartment for an unbelievably good breakfast.  Metro Diner is a tiny place with an energy you feel the moment you walk in the door.  The food is fantastic!  Mike and Ryan both ordered the Fried Chicken and Waffle special.  Their plates came filled with perfectly fried chicken and fresh Belgian waffles topped with homemade strawberry butter.  I ordered the Shrimp and Grits special...two stacked grit cakes smothered in cream gravy with chorizo and shrimp.

After brunch, I headed to Everbank Field to meet Ryan's Jacksonville Jaquars co-workers.  They all raved about Ryan and my cookies.  My head barely fit through the door on the way out.  Ryan took me on a grand tour of the inner workings of the stadium.  Very cool!

I shopped for relaxation this afternoon before heading back to pick up Mike for dinner...at Bistro Aix once again.  We decided it was so yummy the night before, we needed a curtain call.  After our gut busting brunch, we opted for appetizers tonight. Mike and I shared Crispy Chips with Melted Blue Cheese and the Fried Cod appetizer.  Our second course was a half size salad for me and French Onion Soup for Mike.  As the rain poured outside, we decided coffee and cookies would be a great way to pass the time.  I wanted to do some research on the competion and I have to say even though the cookies were good...I am feeling pretty good about Heartsong.

The weather gods were not kind to the Jaguars fans tonight.  Thunder and lightning filled the sky right before game time and delayed the start for almost two hours.  All the fans were clustered in the concourse with an air conditioner that could not overcome the body heat.  It was hot, sticky and wet, but great for people watching.  Mike and I sat on the floor in the corner and marveled at the roundness of Americans.  We both vowed to forgo eating until next Thursday...or at least until the morning.  When the game finally began the clouds opened up and gave us a nice soaking.  It was just one of those nights.  We decided we had enjoyed about as much game day fun as we could handle and headed home to relax and dry out.

I am so proud of Ryan.  His game day program turned out great and kept a lot of bored, soggy Jaguar fans company as they endured the wait for game time.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Delicious - Day 13

The word of the day is DELICIOUS.  Today was a day filled with deliciousness.  I delivered the basket and box of cookies to Marnie this afternoon and she seemed extremely pleased.  The first Heartsong Hug Club delivery was carried out by my brother to my mom.  The voice mail message I received from my mom was priceless.  The part that made me giggle was the "Go Kathy!" words of encouragement.  She loved the cookies.  Mike and I took a road trip to Jacksonville this evening to visit Ryan for the weekend.  The three of us went out to eat at Bistro Aix in San Marco near his house.  Oh my!  It was delicious...as I reminded Ryan so many times during the course of the evening that he begged me to broaden my vocabulary.  I had a half order of arugula salad with crispy green olives (fried) and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese and a lemon vinaigrette.  My entree was a half order of homemade saffron pasta with fresh clams, chorizo and a light tomato broth.  Mmmmmmmm!  Washed down with two glasses of house red wine...this was pure bliss...and DELICIOUS!

Many hugs,
Kathy

I Am Certified - Day 12

This afternoon I took my food safety certification test...and passed!  Yahoo, I am a certified food safety manager.  Tonight I baked four batches of cookies - Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan, Toffee Almond Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate Macadamia.  Then I assembled a basket for Marnie's Debt Free event, a box for her basket giveaway, a basket for the charter member of the Heartsong Hug Club...my mom and a basket for Ryan.  It is 1:43 a.m. and I am exhausted and brain dead.  I promise tomorrow will be a better posting day.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Done - Day 11

For the last 2 1/2 weeks I have labored over a proposal for one of my largest printing customers.  The RFQ required hundreds of quotes, spread sheets and addendum.  It was beyond painful.  Today at about 3:00, just and hour before the deadline, I uploaded the fruit of my efforts.  I was DONE!  Yahoo!  Happy Dance!!!!!!

To celebrate this momentous occasion, I left work a little early to meet my friend Dennis for spirits and appetizers at BJ's Brewhouse.  We were getting together to celebrate, dream and plan.  Dennis is helping me with Heartsong Cookies.  I want to help him find his special thing that makes his heart sing like Heartsong does for me.  His dream is to buy a motorcycle and travel the country photographing covered bridges for a book to honor a promise to his sister who died of cancer.  I love his dream...except for the motorcycle part. We talked about dreams, life and work.  We had a blast!

After a two week hiatus, I planned to bake tonight.  "Planned" is the operative word.  I did not follow through.  Instead I went shopping for disposable gloves and cookie sheets for the business.  I watched Throwdown with Bobby Flay, followed by Top Chef.  It was nirvana.

My late, late evening was spent studying for the food safety test I am taking at 4:15 tomorrow afternoon.  Wish me luck!  I know this test is supposed to be easy, but it is stressing me out.  Years have passed since I have taken a test of any kind.  I don't want to study, but I need to keep my eye on the prize...my license.

Many hugs,
Kathy

I'm Excited! - Day 10

Tonight when I was running errands, a simple text showed up on my phone.  I text that made my heart sing.  "I'm excited!" is all it said.  And yet it said it all.  The text was from my brother.  I quickly picked up the phone and placed a call to him to ask a question I already knew the answer to.  "What are you excited about?" I asked.  "Your business!" he answered.  At that moment I knew for sure I was doing the right thing by taking this risk. 

I want Heartsong Cookies to be "Our Business", not "My Business".  I want it to be a vehicle to get my friends and family together.  To give us all an escape from the challenges of the day. At times I have questioned whether I was counting too much on the generosity of my friends and family.  Would Heartsong bring us closer together or keep me so busy, I would never get to see any of them?  All the doubts evaporated with a few little words..."I'm excited!"  My dream is coming true and all my friends and family are in it. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

Many hugs,
Kathy

On A Roll - Day 9

Today was all about getting things done.  I was tired of talking and ready for action.  I submitted my letter of resignation to Orvino for my weekend job at Costco.  It wasn't accepted.  Frank asked me to stay on for any Saturdays I could work...no matter how few.  A Saturday once or twice a month would give me a little commercial kitchen payback money.  I may take him up on his offer.

I mailed the vendor application to the Maitland Farmers' Market and the deposit check to A Chateau Kitchen for the commercial kitchen rental.

I called the Department of Agriculture to schedule my licensing inspection.  A local agent will call me within the next 3-5 days.  Happy Dance!  I am on a roll.

Tonight after dinner, I buckled down and studied for the food safety test.  I thought I could take it online tonight, but soon discovered all I could do online was register.  I registered to take the test on Thursday, 8/19.

Then I checked out my new website Morgan put up for me - www.heartsongcookies.com.  It is still under construction, but a vast improvement over the Weebly template.  I love everything Morgan has designed for me.  She seems to have a window to my mind.  The look is exactly what I envision...only better.  It is simple and clean...warm and personal...all the things I want Heartsong Cookies to be.

Today was a really good productive day.  I keep pinching myself.  This is happening...it is really happening.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Over The Top - Day 8

Work at Costco today was excruciating.  My station was set up right next to a new item at Costco...Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc...only $7.99 with 90 Wine Spectator points.  Use the word "Cupcake" with anything these days and you have a winner.  Add a great price and great flavor and watch them fly off the shelf.  This is how I spent my day. 

The last hour was almost unbearable until I started a texting marathon with my brother.  What began with an invitation to grab some pineapple upside down cake from the house moved on into a volley back and forth with cookie flavor ideas.  Michael served up a Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie topped with Mom's fudge frosting and chopped pecans.  "Over the top!" was my reply.  Michael answered with a line of "Over The Top" Cookies...with a variety of different flavored drizzles.  We volleyed back and forth for almost an hour. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup with Peanut Butter Drizzle.  Apple Cinnamon Crunch with Caramel Drizzle.  Dark Chocolate Chip with Orange Drizzle.  Tropical Escape with Key Lime Drizzle.  White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan with White Chocolate Drizzle and of course the cookie that started it all...Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip with Fudge Drizzle and Chopped Pecans.  So many cookies...so little time.

Who knows if any of these flavors will ever come to fruition, but it was an immensely entertaining way to pass the time.  Thanks Michael!

Tonight I must cut this posting short to study one more time for the food safety test.  I plan to take it online tomorrow night.  Wish me luck.  It has been an eternity since I took a test of any kind.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Charter Member of Heartsong Hug Club - Day 7

Today was a banner day for Heartsong Cookies.  I accepted my first member into the Heartsong Hug Club...my mom.  For her $18 she will receive a dozen freshly baked cookies hand delivered to her door with a great big hug.  She can choose a combination of any flavor that makes her heart sing.  Mom asked me to mix it up...some Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip and a surprise without chocolate.

Heartsong Hug Club was created to help defray the commercial kitchen rental costs during my first few months of operation.  Friends have offered to help and I thought this would be a fairly inexpensive way to buy "stock" in Heartsong Cookies with the dividend being homemade cookies and a hug.

Many hugs,
Kathy

I'm Committed - Day 6

This afternoon on my way back from Tampa, I picked up the phone and called Mari from the Maitland Farmers' Market.  She wasn't in, but I left a message.  I told her I wanted to submit my application for a booth to begin September 5.  Then I gulped and hung up the phone.  A few hours later, Mari called me back.  I recapped my intentions and asked a battery of questions.  What denotes the commitment required for the lower weekly rate of $15?  A 40 week commitment.  What types of photos does she want of my display? Just photos of my cookies.  Do I need to do anything else for vendor approval?  Nope, just send in the application.  Can I sell chilled drinks?  Yes, but keep prices consistent with the other vendors.  When is the payment due?  Pay for the month due on the first Sunday of the month.  Mari welcomed me to the market and seemed geniunely excited about my involvement.  I hung up and took a deep breath.  I was committed.  Instead of feeling scared and anxious, I felt empowered.  I am doing this.  I am really doing this!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Glazed - Day 5

Glazed doesn't refer to a cookie topping.  Today, it refers to my state of mind.  The RFQ I have been working on for two weeks is kicking my butt.  I am not a sit behind a desk kind of girl.  I like to be out and about interacting with people, not stuck behind a computer.  The RFQ due date WAS tomorrow, but thankfully...or regretfully, they gave us all an extension until next Wednesday.  Oh joy!  More torturous days behind a desk.  Needless to say, I am not much in the mood to sit behind my laptop to write a posting either.

The Heartsong Cookies progress today was miniscule.  I didn't study for the Food Safety test.  I didn't submit my farmers market application.  However, I did receive a draft of the under construction Heartsong website Morgan created while on vacation in Seattle.  Crazy girl!  I love the look of the site.  With a few minor tweeks we will be good to go.  I am so embarrassed by the ugly, ancient Weebly template that you currently see when you click on www.heartsongcookies.com.  I cannot wait for the new look!

Many hugs,
Kathy

With The Help Of My Friends - Day 4

Late last night I received an e-mail from my friend Kenda.  A simple comment she made about not being available every Sunday served as a wake up call for me.  What was I doing dragging my friends Kenda, Vicky and Dennis into my dream?!  It was my dream, not their dream.  It was what I wanted for all of us, not what they wanted for themselves.  Because they are my friends, they came along for the ride.

I felt like a big dork.  But somehow the anxiety that had been consuming me the last few days disappeared.  I am a control freak.  This venture into the business world has made me feel totally out of control.  Kenda's comment brought me back reality.  I am in control.  I will find a way to make this work...with the help of my friends.

Friends like Karen, doing research to find a free trial program to digitize my logo for embroidery on shirts, aprons and caps.  Friends like Morgan. creating my logo and website with cookies her only reward.  Friends like Vicky, offering to do whatever I need to pull this off and listening to my endless ramblings.  Friends like Kenda, slapping me across the face when I need it and telling me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear.  Friends like Dennis, agreeing to take a cake and cookie decorating class even though that is probably not his idea of fun.  Friends like my brother Michael, texting me endlessly with ideas and solutions.  Friends like Jo, Al and Marieta, believing in my dream enough to put their hard earned money behind it.  Friends like my mom, calling me late at night to give me encouragement.  Friends like my husband Mike, giving me the push to follow my dream and always...always being there every step of the way.  I am blessed with an abundance of friends and with their help I can conquer all.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Race Night - Day 3

Tonight I was determined to finish putting together the booth display for my application photo to the farmers market.  Problem was I quickly ran out of daylight.  After picking Kenda up from the airport and stopping by Lowe's to pick up the tables for the display, it was almost dusk.  I literally raced into the house, race/walked Maddie and started setting up the tables.  To make things a little more interesting, Mother Nature joined the party with a little sprinkling of rain.  I frantically opened the table cloth packaging, raced back and forth to get baskets, pedestals and sign stands.  I only had minutes before darkness fell. Oh no, I forgot my phone.  Back into the house I raced to grab the phone for a few quick photos.  Then I began breaking everything down to avoid the rain. 

Unfortunately all the racing yielded a crash and burn on the final turn.  Not one of the photos I took was in focus.  I knew they would be a little fuzzy because of the lack of light, but these looked like I took them while running...well, I did.  The photos were a flop, but the look was a winner.  I finally got the see the booth in the flesh instead of just a picture in my mind.  I liked what I saw.  If only I could bottle some of my confidence in my presentation for the other aspects of my business.  In time...

On this race night, I didn't cross the finish line, but it is definitely in sight.

Many hugs,
Kathy 

Sleepless Nights - Day 2

My journey into a new blog site had a rather inauspicious start.  Somehow I incorrectly registered the site as purveyorofchugsandcookies instead of hugs and cookies.  No wonder no one could access it!  I blame it on two sleepless nights of worry and angst over the challenges ahead.  Money fear.  Product fear.  Test taking fear.  Too much to do fear.  Fear has overtaken me.  I have been frozen the last few days.  Tonight I decided to do a little something about it.  Mike set up the canopy I borrowed from Tom and Susan for my booth.  I tied turquoise curtain panels to the frame for a little pop of color.  The frame is not level, so the panels hang unevenly.  It is definitely a work in progress.  Somehow seeing everything come together gave me comfort.  I took a small step.  Tomorrow I will purchase 6' tables to set up in a U at the front of the booth.  The tables will be topped with chocolate brown table cloths and an array of baskets to display the cookies.  Once everything is set up, a picture will be taken to submit for approval with my Maitland Farmers Market application.  Another fear to add to my ever expanding list...Application approval fear.

Tonight I found vintage inspired aprons to serve as the centerpiece for the Heartsong Cookies uniform.  When paired with aqua or white polos, I think Kenda, Vicky and I will look quite cute.  Although my confidence is lacking in many aspects of this new venture, I feel certain our booth and the people in it will be outstanding.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Heartsong Cookies, My New Baby - Day 1

It began as a dream.  Grew to a plan.  Blossomed into reality.  Heartsong Cookies, LLC.

Birthing a business has amazing similarities to birthing a child.  The elation of creating the limited liability partnership equates to finding out you are pregnant.  Moments after is the feeling of oh my, what have I done?!  My life is changed forever, but in a very good way.  Will I be a good parent...good business owner?  How will I pay for everything?  Will all the love and attention I put forth yield the results I hope for? 

All the childbirth worry was for naught.  The process of raising my son Ryan to adulthood was the most rewarding experience of my life.  I just hope giving birth to my new baby - Heartsong Cookies, will be equally rewarding and successful.

Many hugs,
Kathy