A Full Life

To say my life is full would be a woeful understatement.  It is as overstuffed as the dinner plate of a very round visitor at an all you can eat buffet.  Piled a mile high with good stuff and a few choice nuggets falling off the edge.  I love my very full life and I wouldn't want to live it any other way.  Problem is I keep eyeing the dessert bar and I want to add a few more treats.  There just is no more room!

Since my last posting I took a glorious trip to Chattanooga to celebrate another fall wedding.  I paid my first visit to Rock City and loved every gnome filled minute.  I spent quality time with my husband and followed it up with some quality time with my son.  Yummy meals with family and friends were in abundance.  Every spare moment was spent baking cookies, selling them at the markets and receiving way more than my fair share of hugs. 

On Halloween I turned another year older, wiser and happier.  My friend Linda gave me a gift of treats from Bath and Body Works, one of my favorite stores.  The name of the scent she chose could not have been more perfect...A Charmed Life.  That pretty much sums it up.  A Full, Charmed Life is mine.

Many Hugs,
Kathy

The Comings and Goings of Life - Days...far too many to count

The comings and goings of the last few weeks have left me with a severe case of writer's block.  The times have been good...very good.  And the times have been sad...very sad.  I am wrestling with where to start, what to say.  Finally an overused Nike mantra popped into my head this morning..."Just Do It!".  So do it, I am.

Let's start with the very good.  For the last year I have been looking forward to 9/30/2011.  This was the day two of my favorite "young old souls", Morgan and David were tying the knot in Banner Elk, NC.  Two beautiful people joining together in a beautiful place.  What's not to like?!

Morgan and David are not only young old souls wise beyond their years, but creative ones as well.  The event was a feast for the eyes from the breathtaking venue on the side of a mountain to the thoughtful tablescapes Morgan foraged to put together over the last year to the whimsical napkins hand screen printed by David.  It was perfection.

A cold front moved through that magical evening with high winds, damp air and chilly temps, but it only made the fire pits more inviting, the S'more Love more tasty and the night more charming.  Guests were wrapped in blankets, chunky sweaters, puffy coats, whatever they had handy.  They huddled together, danced, laughed and basked in the warmth of the night.  Words do not do this evening justice.  Pictures do a better job, but still aren't quite right.  It was an evening that made a permanent impression on this brain of mine.  I will recall it whenever I need an extra dose of happiness.

In fact, I will pull it out right now to get me through recounting the sad event that followed. 

Winnie Stocks, my friend and co-worker, was best described as a beautiful "old young soul".  By old, I don't mean ancient.  She lived 62 wonderful years with the exuberance of a teenager.  She loved life, her family, her friends and her Pittsburgh Steelers.  She could light up a room with her smile.  She could make you smile with the clog of her fun, funky shoes clapping down the hall.  Man, how I miss that sound!

Winnie suffered a brain aneurysm on Sunday, 9/25.  She passed away one week later on Sunday, 10/2.  We celebrated her life last Friday with a church service and a happy hour.  Winnie would not have it any other way.  She was in the hearts of all of us and her big beautiful smile showed up on our faces.  What a beautiful legacy...a Winnie smile.

Live each day like Steve Jobs did...like it was your last.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Pure Magic Part 2 - Days 372-394

When I mentioned in my last posting that I was running out of gas, little did I know that I would run on fumes for three weeks straight.  An average of 4-5 hours of sleep each night leaves very little in the tank for posting creativity.

Don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining.  The last few weeks have been about as good as it gets.  They have been pure magic.  Problem is, so many good things happened it would take a War and Peace size novel to tell it all.  So how about the Cliff Notes version and some pictures to tell the story?!

*  I fell in love...with an ice cream truck.  A rarely traveled route home from
Gainesville yielded a wonderful discovery...a vintage ice cream truck for sale for $5,900 that was the perfect match for the food truck dream image in my mind.  Problem is I don't have $5,900, but I am working on it.

*  My research and development team has been prolific...my customers.  They have come up with some winning flavors.  Like The Hadley, Lemon Coconut White Chocolate, The Morgan, Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip and The Noah, Blueberry Butterfinger.  They have been the first to sell out on market day.  Which brings me to my next point...

*  We have enjoyed three consecutive weeks of sell outs...culminating with a banner day last Sunday at Maitland where the cookies disappeared before noon with two hours to spare.

*  I actually have my first Heartsong groupie...Jennifer.  She and her husband visit me at both markets.  She makes me smile by posting photos of my cookies on Facebook.

*  I have a new kitchen home...The Sugar Suite and I hope to be prolific to keep up with the growing demand.  I can bake 48 cookies at a time instead of 18.  More cookies in less time!  I am in heaven.

*  Thanks to my friend Morgan, I fell in love with more material things...vintage jewelry.  Our jointly owned necklace spawned a visit to Winters Past in McIntosh, Florida.  There I discovered a necklace and earrings from the forties that featured Heartsong colors and had to come home with me. 

*  We ushered in Fall this weekend with the first Gator game of the season and we won.  I love winning.  I love my Gators and oh how I love Fall!

My soul is happy.

Many hugs and magical days,

Kathy

Pure Magic, Part 1 - Days 359-372

A rare eight hours of sleep left me refreshed and clear headed enough to reflect on the happenings of the last two weeks since my last posting. Two words sum it up...PURE MAGIC! Words won't do it justice, but I will do my best to share anyway. The time away started with a chuckle and ended with a blessing with lots and lots of good stuff in between. So much good stuff that I need to break it up into at least two parts.

It began when a customer stopped by my booth and asked me to participate in an event celebrating World Breastfeeding Week. Since "No" is not in my vocabulary, the answer was "Yes, sure!". She called mid week to work out the details and asked if I could make mini...boobie cookies. I began to giggle like a little schoolgirl. Mini boobie cookies?! Out came the "Yes, sure!". "How many mini boobie cookies would you like?" I asked. "Oh, sixty or so should work" she replied. So I set out on my mission to create a mini boobie cookie.

D & G Occasions, a local bakery supply store, was my first stop. I perused the cookie cutter section looking for just the right size circle cookie cutter for my little cookie. Since it was close to closing time, a store clerk asked if she could help to speed me along. I shared my mission with a chuckle and stone faced, she told me of a "special" cabinet in the back that held body part molds. Oh my! She asked me if i would like the key to check it out. Double oh my! Well out came my famous words again..."Yes, sure!" I replied. With the guilty pleasures key in hand I headed to the back to unlock the mysteries from the secret stash. Stored inside were candy molds of every body part you could imagine...female and male. I felt like I had stumbled into the back room of a video store. Quadruple oh my!!!!! Somehow I didn't think these would work for my mini boobies. I promptly headed back up front with the key...feeling more than a little embarrassed, but with a schoolgirl giggle that would not stop. 

I am running out of gas right now, so I will have to share the Pure Magic events in the next installment.  Until then...Many, Mini Boobies...OOPS, I mean Hugs!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Revisiting The Power of Good - Days 353-358

I have a belief that gets stronger with each passing day. It is not revolutionary nor particularly profound, but it is strong and powerful. It is a belief in the "Power of Good". This power knows no religious boundaries, no race boundaries, no boundaries of any kind. It is a belief that if you open your heart and let people in, together you can make amazing things happen. You can build friendships that will last a lifetime. You can encourage the creativity of young minds. You can make people happy. You can offer comfort. You can build self esteem. You can build the foundation of a business based on family and community instead of greed and the almighty dollar. You can build "our" business, not "my" business. A business where the customers are the research and development team.

Together we can make lives a little sweeter. We can smile, laugh and hug together. We can be a force to be reckoned with. We can change the world...all from the "Power of Good"...the power of an open heart and a silly little cookie called Heartsong.

Many hugs,
Kathy

It's All About You - Days 349-352

Heartsong Cookies was built on a foundation of creativity and it will grow with a little help from all of you. I love the challenge of your flavor suggestions. Flavors like "The Robin", a decadent Red Velvet Caramel Cashew or "The Kelly", a simple old fashioned Snickerdoodle with chocolate chips added. "The Morgan", an Andes Mint S'Mores Cookie was a market favorite. As was "The Jenny", Dark Chocolate with Reese's Pieces. This weekend's customer creations include "The Sydney", a chocolate lover's dream...chocolate cookie base with fudge, chocolate chips and chocolate sprinkles and "The Caitlyn", a chocolate raspberry thumbprint cookie with chocolate chips.

So tonight I raise my milk glass and offer a toast to all of you. Here's to unleashing the unexpected flavors you always dreamed about. Here's to all of you.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Figuring It Out - Days 344-348

Heartsong Cookies is morphing into a business...a full-fledged business.  Not a hobby or a dalliance.  Problem is, this small business of ours is having a challenge figuring out exactly what it wants to be when it grows up.  It is kind of like a senior in high school ready to embark on a life adventure.  Opportunities and dreams abound. 

If the business had wealthy parents, it would go to the Ivy League...a little retail space with a compact, well-organized kitchen and a large work island for classes and parties.  We would fill the kitchen with the people we love so much...encourgaging creativity, building self esteem and inspiring dreams.  We would teach the art of baking and encourage a sense of community.  We would laugh and get a little rounder together.  Our hearts singing every step of the way.

Or maybe a state school...with a little help from a Kickstarter project, we would find a cute, little vintage ice cream truck and dress it up in Heartsong finery.  Inside would be baskets of cookies on the shelves and an icy milk slush machine.  Pump bottles of coffee syrup, chocolate syrup, strawberry, blueberry and almond syrup would be perched on the counter ready to flavor an icy cold milk treat to go with the freshly baked cookie of the day.  A flavor that was created by our customers...like "The Morgan", an Andes Mint S'Mores Cookie.  The line outside the truck would be long.  The smiles would be plentiful and the tummies happy.  We would have followers anxious to find out the next stop on the Heartsong Cookies and Moo Truck Tour.  Our truck would go to farmers' markets, festivals and fund raisers for schools and causes we believe in.  We would give back to the people we love so much and our hearts would burst out in song.

Unfortunately our little business doesn't have rich parents...only me and Mike.  And that Kickstarter project just doesn't seem to want to write or film itself.  So for now instead of the Ivy League, I think our little business will be staying home and going to community college.  Lake Mary and Maitland Farmers' Markets and B3 Cafe are great places to be.  We can still encourage community, creativity, dreams and happy tummies.  Our hearts humming as we figure it out.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Market Bliss - Days 341-343

I wish I could find the words to convey just how magical market day is for me, but somehow they just won't come. It is a pure blissful mix of total exhaustion and the adrenaline rush of interacting with people...lots and lots of beautiful, warm engaging people. These people are an unending source of joy and flavor inspiration. Today we featured flavors created by my customers. Erin suggested a Triple Chocolate Cookie, a chocolate base with milk and white chocolate chips. From her sister Kelly came a Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodle. Morgan asked for an Andes Mint S'Mores Cookie. One by one they all sold out. Selling out was great, but seeing the pride and joy in their eyes when they first spied their creation was priceless.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Sweeeeeeeeet Surprise! Days 333-340

July 27th is a very special day in my life, but for some crazy reason I never seem to remember it...but my husband does! Year after year he surprises me with something special to commemorate the anniversary of our engagement. A gift. A decadent dinner out. A getaway. And year after year I am caught off guard. I think my brain is playing a pleasant trick on me because I LOVE surprises.

Tuesday afternoon during my daily check in call Mike casually mentioned a package may be delivered that day. It was a just a little something, but he wanted to know if it arrived. A FedEx notice greeted me on the front door and I noticed the package would be available after 7:15. I called Mike to let him know and he asked me to pick it up if I could. Curiosity was getting the best of me. What was so important about this package?! When I arrived at FedEx the package was not back yet. They told me I could wait and it would be available shortly. So I did. I waited and waited and waited some more. Customers came and went. One irate customer cursed, threatened, came and went and came and went again. Then the police arrived. And finally Mike's package made an appearance. I walked out of FedEx hoping the package was worth the wait.

I called Mike to tell him my mission was accomplished. He informed me his package was actually a gift for me to celebrate our anniversary. Damn! He got me again. And I had the nerve to be impatient with the wait. I was driving at the time, but could not wait until I arrived at my destination. At the first stop light the scissors came out and the package was opened.

Oh my...I had to catch my breath. Tucked inside the box was my ticket to being an official "businesswoman". It was something I had dreamed about and hoped for, but was just beyond my reach...until now. An iPad. My very own iPad. An iPad with a simple engraving on the back - Kathy Paiva
Heartsong Cookies

I am married to the most amazingly thoughtful, supportive man. Thankfully nine years ago on July 27th I said yes to the best proposal of my life.

Many hugs,
Kathy

The "Casey Effect" - Day 332

You had to live under a rock to be unaware that yesterday was a momentous day for American society.  The verdict was in on the latest "trial of the century".  I have to admit I did not get caught up in the Casey Anthony trial fervor.  I was pretty darn close to living under that rock.  I could not pick Jose Baez out of a line up.  I never watched one moment of the coverage.  It was too depressing to me.  The loss of a child.  A family torn apart.  And all the while society hanging on every salacious word.  I drove by the courthouse and just shook my head.  Grand stands set up for the perfect camera angle.  Media trucks everywhere.  Computers were tuned in to the live feed everywhere I went.  All day.  Everyday during the trial.

Thankfully I was on the road when the verdict was read...isolated from the craziness by my sports talk radio.  My husband Mike was not so lucky.  He was at a car dealership waiting to pick up his car when the world came to a halt.  He witnessed the mob mentality.  The anger and hate.  The rush to judgement.  He carried it home with him and to the restaurant for dinner last night. 

Here we were two people that didn't follow the trial for one moment having a heated discussion over someone we didn't even know.  Mike wants to give up on society.  He dreams of a secluded island with 6,000 dogs and me.  I want to give society a hug.  Mike could not shake the image of the dealership mob.  I was trying to understand his position.  We were somehow engulfed in the "Casey Effect" and it was a miserable place to be.

I can only imagine how society must feel today.  No live feed to watch.  No speculation.  No drama.  They will have to go back to their own lives.  I think we need a group hug!

Many hugs,
Kathy

My Friend Chris - Day 331

If you have ever paid a visit to the Heartsong Cookies booth at Lake Mary or Maitland Farmers' Market, you may have had the good fortune to meet my friend Chris.  Chris is my sidekick in cookie sales and a very special guy.

When Chris was a wee lad something happened with his brain development leaving him...as some people describe..."challenged".  I have never felt comfortable with this description and have wrestled with a better word for years.

A recent event helped me to discover the perfect description for Chris.  A week ago Chris spent the weekend with us so he could help out with both markets.  He gleefully volunteered to accompany me to the kitchen Saturday night to bake the last few batches of cookies for my Maitland Farmers' Market debut.  We cranked out the remaining cookies in record time.  I baked.  Chris cleaned.  We made the perfect team.  After reveling in our symbiotic relationship, we headed out the door for a Jeremiah's Italian Ice reward.  Unfortunately, fate had other plans for us.

We were greeted in the parking lot by a young man with a knife who demanded Chris' wallet or he would stab him.  My motherly instinct kicked in instead of common sense.  I told the robber "NO!" and pulled Chris back toward the kitchen door.  "NO!" I shouted again.  Thankfully my antics attracted some attention from the Austin's Coffee crowd and the robber turned and ran.  Chris and I made it back into the kitchen, called 911 and within minutes the police arrived with the K9 unit, roads were blocked and a search helicopter circled overhead.  I helped Chris fill out his incident report and we headed to the police department to help with the composite.  It was scary...surreal really.  Like being part of a crime show.

Needless to say I could not sleep that night.  I replayed the event over and over and over again.

Chris slept like a baby.  He lives in the moment and does not hang on to excess baggage in that brain of his.  He will not have to deal with the trauma of revisiting the kitchen event over and over like I do.  Suddenly the description of Chris became clear.  Chris is "mentally enhanced".  He lives a blissful life of simplicity.  I am rather envious of him right now.

Thankfully Chris and I both left the kitchen that night physically unscathed...and thankfully Chris left the kitchen with the same blissful spirit with which he entered.  But most of all, thankfully Chris is in my life and I am forever better for it!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Busy Bee - Days 318-330

Today was my first opportunity to sit down at the computer in...oh my, THIRTEEN DAYS.  I think this is the longest unplanned sabbatical I have taken from my semi-daily blog.  Needless to say I have been a busy bee.  The thirteen days have been filled with baking...over one thousand cookies.  The hugs have been plentiful.  Life stories abound.  From an attempted robbery at knife point that left me shaken and scared to a homemade gift presentation from Sheri and Sarah that left me giggling for the rest of the day. 

I added a second market to my plate...Maitland Farmers' Market every Sunday at Lake Lily from 9-2.  Sell and give outs abound at both markets.  At my urging customers are coming up with some fun flavor suggestions to try out at the markets.  Like Erin that asked for a Triple Chocolate cookie, - chocolate base with milk and white chocolate chips.  "The Erin" debuted at the Maitland market this weekend.  Jerome asked for Butterscotch Pecan."The Jerome" was a tremendous success at both markets last week.  This week Robin gave me a fun challenge.  She asked for a Red Velvet Caramel Cashew cookie.  Sounds decadently sweet and yummy.  "The Robin" will be appearing soon at the Maitland market.  Agy wants a Macadamia Fig and she will have a big bag of "The Agy" waiting for her to pull up to the booth on her bike.   I love when my customers get their creative juices flowing.  You should see the look in their eyes when I tell them their creation will bear their name.  It is that childlike happiness that gives me the energy boost to keep on buzzing through nights of little sleep. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

It Takes A Village, I Needed A City! - Days 316-317

Last night I had a daunting task in store.  I agreed to make 173 cookies for delivery this afterrnoon.  Unfortunately the kitchen wasn't available until after 8:00 last night and I had very little prep done for the task at hand.  So I divided the evening into mini goals and dove in head first.  Goal one was to have all ten batches of dough made by 10:00.  I would have been successful if I hadn't been for the freak out moment on the last batch.  I discovered the mint extract for the Fat Mint Cookie Cookies was not mint at all, but an empty Orange Extract bottle.  Thank goodness my loving husband hero came to my rescue and delivered the goods and a kiss.  I was good to go for another hour...or four.  I scooped, baked, bagged, labeled, and dressed 180 cookies in Heartsong finery.  Goal two was to make it into bed by 4.00.  I accomplished the taste with 2 minutes to spare.  I have always said it takes a village to make a Heartsong Cookie.  Last night I needed a city!

Tired doesn't begin to describe how I felt when the alarm went off the morning.   I honestly didn't know how I would make it through the day.  Then I made my delivery to Jackie and
Diana.  I had never met the two of them...only spoke on the phone.  But they greeted me with big hugs like old friends.  Jackie's eyes lit up as I pulled the baskets and hug bags out of the car.  She was almost giddy and I was oh so pleased and not the least bit tired.  Hugs have an amazing power to renew the spirit and evidently provide an adrenaline rush like no other.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Dad's Day - Day 315

Today I took a road trip to Micanopy to hand deliver a batch of Tri Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies to my Dad for Father's Day.  Judging by the look on his face when he peered through the door and saw me on the other side, I think the trip was a tremendous success. Happy Father's Day Dad!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Powerful Hug - Days 313-314

I have always said Heartsong Cookies is about so much more than cookies.  It is my window to a bunch of beautiful souls.  Never have I believed it more than today.  With visits from Linda, Natalie, Norma, Tim, Sheri, Sarah and Noah, I was really feeling the love.  And then more magic happened. 

I shared some samples of today's market flavors with one of my semi-regular customers and her friend.  They bought a hug bag to share and I mentioned the cookies came with a real hug it they wanted one.  I don't know exactly why I asked two perfect strangers if they wanted a hug.  It would have made my sister-in-law Kevina cringe, but my instinct told me these two could use one.  The friend was my first hug recipient and she hugged back with gratitude.  Then I turned to my customer to pass on some love.  As I wrapped my arms around her, she whispered in my ear that her husband had just passed away last weekend, then she gave me a hug that I will never forget.  Her friend shared the events of the last week and she grabbed me for a bonus hug.  It is amazing how such a simple gesture can pack such power.  It was almost electric.  It is why I am the purveyor of hugs...and cookies.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Choc-O-Hugs - Days 310-312

This week has been chocked full of hugs.  Hugs for Nan in North Carolina for her tea party.  Hugs for Joanne in Palm Harbor for her bridal luncheon.  Hugs for Tiffany for her wedding favors.  Hugs for EJ, my Michaels buddy, just because.  Hugs for Kat for all her help at work.  Hugs for Alex and Joey, the Yum Yum Cupcake Truck guys to say I'm sorry.  Hugs for Jo and Al to say thanks.  I have baked my little hug filled heart out.  I am tired, happy and completely devoid of anything profound to say.  Except...I love what I do.  To borrow another much overused line from Jerry Maguire...baking completes me.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Finally! - Days 308-309

Since last September I have waited for a call or an e-mail from Mari at the Maitland Farmers' Market.  An e-mail that never came...until today.  Today I received a glorious e-mail simply titled "CALL ME!!!!!!".  Yay!  Could it be that finally there would be a spot for me at the Maitland Market?  The answer came quickly when I picked up the phone.  Mari said she was looking for a cookie vendor and wondered if I knew of anyone that might be interested.  Hmmmm...I think I might.  She seemed almost as happy as I was when I told her I would love to be a vendor.

When I hung up the phone, the reality of what I had just said yes to hit me hard.  I had committed to working seven days a week.  Oh my!  I think I need an assistant...or ten. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

A Craving Satisfied - Day 307

For some unknown reason I have had a silly craving for the last few weeks.  Normally I would justify my craving with the rationalization that my body was trying to tell me something.  That it needed the protein of a burger or the calcium in ice cream.  But what on earth could my body need from a slice of coconut cream pie?!  More cellulite?  A bigger butt?  As hard as I tried I could not get the thought of the creamy goodness out of my head.  So today Mike humored me with a trip to Perkins.  Aaaah...craving satisfied.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Cookie Angel - Days 305-306

This morning when I headed in to B3 with their cookie delivery, I was greeted by Karen with a story to share.  She told me earlier in the week, her co-worker Lisa paid me the ultimate compliment.  While eating a Heartsomg cookie she exclaimed..."She is an angel...a cookie angel!"  I cannot think of a better moniker.

While I am far from an angel, I have felt rather heavenly this week.  Between the baking with new friends to the food truck adventure, it has been one happy time after another.  Now it is time to relax.  No Friday night baking.  No early morning farmers' market set-up.  I am in a state of ultimate heavenly bliss.,,feeling kind of like a cookie angel. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

An Open Heart - Days 302-304

This morning when I looked in the mirror I noticed something new.  Not a wrinkle, a freckle, a bag or a sag.  I noticed a smile and happy eyes.  What a great way to start a day...and such a contrast to the image staring back at me the last few months.

I began to reflect on the journey to this smile and the smile grew bigger.  The week began with a memorable night of baking with my new friend Linda and her daughter Alicia.  We giggled, talked and commiserated...all the while channeling the positive energy into some pretty amazing cookies.  B3 and friends were the lucky beneficiaries the next day.

Tuesday was equally smile worthy.  I met Ryan and my friend Lynne at Lake Lily for dinner at the Food Truck Pod.  From 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday a group of 6-7 food trucks gather around the lake for a night of fun, food, music and community building.  This is America at its best...a potpourri of flavors coming together...from Korean bar-b-q to a decadent bacon cheeseburger tucked between two Krispy Kreme donuts...fish tacos to bacon brown sugar fries.  There was something for every palate.

We settled on a table across from the Yum Yum Cupcake Truck to soak it all in.  The positive energy was palpable.  Smiles were plentiful and the food was actually quite good.  Ryan and Lynne tackled the fish tacos.  I went for a little more adventure...a sampling of small plates that included a grilled chicken skewer topped with hoisin, a herbaceous chimichurri and tempura bits, duck prosciutto bruschetta topped with tomato jam and creme fraiche and a wild ramp flatbread with garlic aioli...all washed down with blueberry soda.  Dessert was a delightfully sweet treat from my kitchen mates at Yum Yum, an Orange Dreamcicle cupcake  - yellow cake with a vanilla cream filling and orange frosting.

After dinner, Ryan headed home and Lynne and I made a beeline for Antonio's to share a bottle of Pinot Noir and great conversation.  Lynne has a dream to write a book.  She even has the title, but seems a little stuck...a little reluctant to put it out there.  As I watched her describe her passion for writing I saw the look people comment on when I talk cookies.  Lynne has found the one thing that fills her heart and soul.  Hopefully with a little hope, encouragement and a gentle push, she will jump into the happiness pool and write her little heart out.

I shared with Lynne the source of my recent happy life.  It isn't mystical or profound.  Actually quite simple.  I choose to live my life with an open heart and let all the good people, good food and good times pour right in.  A smile in the mirror is my reward.

Many hugs,
Kathy

I Found My Kwan - Days 299-301

The last few days have been pretty fantastic for so many different reasons.  I baked my heart out.  Reaped the soul filling rewards for all that baking.  Felt an amazing sense of community and love from my fellow market vendors.  Experienced more love from my market regulars.  Watched Jerry Maguire with Ryan.  Dreamed big food truck dreams.  Shared a whole day of wonderful with my husband Mike. And ended the weekend with bad bowling, great food and the awesome company of Ray and Diane.  Somewhere along the way I found my kwan.  I think it was somewhere in between watching Jerry Maguire and dreaming big food truck dreams.

I loved that line from Jerry Maguire and I cannot think of a better one to describe how I feel right now.  So I borrowed it.  I had to look up the meaning in the Urban Dictionary and it fits the feeling perfectly.  It means a sense of love, community and respect.  It is a place of total contentment.  It is where I am right now and where I always want to be.  It is how I feel when I spend time with Mike.  It is how I feel at the market.  It is something I lost along the way a few years ago.  It is so nice to find it again.

Many hugs,
Kathy

F-L-O-R-I-D-A S-T-A-T-E, Florida State, Florida State...Days 297-298

No, I can't do it!  I can't cheer for my rival school, but I can bake for them.  I am an equal opportunity hug giver.  The last two nights have been spent taking a little walk on the dark side.  A client requested I put together a platter of cookies for her grandson's high school graduation party.  He is headed to Florida State and she wanted to celebrate this new chapter in his life.  I happily obliged.

Somehow I thought my hands would have a problem rolling out this rival dough, cutting the little tomahawks and spelling out FSU, but I actually had no problem at all.  I labored over the color of the garnet and gold glaze.  I took extra care with the delicate little tomahawks to make sure they stayed whole.  And in the end the cookies turned out great.  In fact I actually thought they looked kind of...cute.  Oh fellow Gators, please forgive me!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Cookie Conversations - Day 296

After sharing stories of my glorious weekend at the market with my friend and life coach, Merrill, she suggested I focus my blog postings on the conversations born from a cookie.  I have repeatedly said my Heartsong Cookies business is so much more than just a mix of flour, sugar, butter and eggs.  It is a way for me to reach out to others, to offer a smile, a hug, an ear to listen, a vehicle to inspire dreams.  It is the door to great conversations...cookie conversations.  Conversations that usually have absolutely nothing to do with baking and everything to do with life, dreams and challenges.  I love these moments and vow to do a better job of sharing the stories. 

Stories of Linda, the single mother of four living on a sinkhole facing challenge after challenge with grace and a smile.  Laurie, the poet with the desire to bake for her family and touch the world with her words.  Naya, the high school student with a dream similar to mine,,,to make people happy with her "Sweet Treatz".  Natalie, a recent UF graduate with a desire to save the world or at least change an attitude.  All are amazing people I met with a cookie and a smile.

These cookie conversations are what drive me.  They fill my soul.  They are the positive spirit people comment on when they meet me.  They are a reflection of all that is good in the world...the good in each and every one of you.

Thanks for sharing a morsel of yourself with me.  I look forward to many more tasty treats...cookie conversations.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Eating and Vegging - Days 294-295

Nothing...absolutely nothing was checked off my to do list the last two days and I enjoyed every lazy moment.  I spent my time eating great food, drinking good wine, watching mindless TV and sharing time with my family.  I needed the break.  Usually I would feel a little guilt.  Not this weekend.  I am ending the holiday weekend with a full belly, a full heart and absolutely no guilt.  Aaaah...pure bliss.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Oozing The Power Of Good - Days 289-293

Today was one of those magical days when all the planets were aligned and the energy that oozed from everyone I met was filled with the power of good.  It began the moment I arrived at the market and was greeted by my market neighbor Donna with a great big hug.  Then Linda stopped by for her weekly cookie fix and we made plans for our dinner and baking adventure in a couple of weeks.  I met a kindred spirit, Natalie whose sole goal in life is to save the world.  She and her boyfriend started an apparel company based out of Gainesville.  You have to check out their site at... http://www.wannasavetheworld.com/Home_Page.html.  Their mission statement sounds like I was the copywriter.  It renewed my faith in our future.

Naya, her boyfriend and mom stopped by with a very special surprise...two beautiful homemade cupcakes and a business card.  Naya took my advice and started her cake business.  We made plans to bake together at the kitchen in a couple of weeks.  Happy dance!

As I reflect on this day, I am almost giddy.  Once again I am reminded of how much I love what I do.  It is so much more than putting together some sugar, flour and butter to create a tasty treat.  It is putting together love, encouragement and inspiration to make people happy.  It is the recipe of my life...a recipe called "The Power of Good!"

Many hugs,
Kathy

A Warm Welcome - Day 288

Today was a busy day at work filled with bits a good stuff along the way...great catch up conversations with Rita and Terry, a joyful e-mail from Linda and Alicia and a visit to Sheri.  It was a good day. But the good day got even better when I walked through the front door of my home and was welcomed by the smell of sizzling chicken. Ryan was working his kitchen magic for dinner again...prosciutto wrapped chicken breasts with fresh sage and my new favorite side of lemon risotto.  To borrow a phrase from the annoying Rachel Ray, YUMMO! 

I desperately want Ryan to find a job so he can start his life, but I will sorely miss him when he leaves.  He has blossomed into quite a chef.  It makes me smile when I hear him plan a menu or call me for advice.  He shares my passion for food and that is a very good thing.

Many hugs,
Kathy

I Feel Cute Today! - Day 287

Last night I finally got some much needed beauty rest.  My day began at 11:00 a.m.  Usually I would have a problem with this, lamenting that half the day was gone before it ever began, but not today.  Today I was rested and feeling kind of cute.  I eased into the day with a black and blue lunch.  Black heirloom tomatoes from David McCullough's garden, brie cheese, crispy bacon and peppers from Donna Marie atop a toasted Parmesan bagel with blue corn chips.  It was absolutely delicious! 

Then I was off to run errands and finally get my hair cut and colored.  Lucy worked her magic with the scissors and color and I walked out the salon door feeling kind of sassy.  It is amazing what a little pampering can do for one's self esteem.  I took my new found cuteness home to make dinner for Ryan and Mike,  Chicken and Dumplings, an herb salad and ice cold watermelon made my day complete.  Well almost...actually a night of baking cookies for my friend Carolyn completed my day.  I think the cute vibes translated into some pretty yummy looking cookies.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Raptured - Days 281-286

What a magical day at the market!  I knew it was going to be a good day when early into the first hour a former customer stopped by to ask if I had any White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookies.  He had tried them couple of weeks ago and couldn't stop talking about them.  I directed him to the basket full on the table before him.  "Is that all you have?" he exclaimed.  "Why yes, but I can bake more!" I answered.  He said he would take them...ALL OF THEM...all 11 of them, plus a bonus Cinnamon Pear Pecan Cookie.  I could not wipe the smile off my face.

Time flies when you are having fun.  I blinked at it was 1:30 and I had ZERO cookies left on the table.  It was a complete sell out!.  I love my family.  I love my customers.  I love my market buddies.  I love my life.

I certainly was not ready for the world to come to an end at 6:00 tonight, but if it had I would have died a happy girl.  I truly was raptured. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

Decadent Day - Day 280

Today was a day for indulgence.  I didn't do a lick of work.  I didn't do a moment of baking.  I did a lot of eating, sleeping, laughing, walking and watching a great new movie...Bridesmaids. 

The day began its leisurely pace around 10:00.  We headed to Peach Valley Cafe for brunch.  Mmmmm, it was oh so good.  Apple fritters, a peach Bellini and shrimp and grits were my guilty pleasures.  I cannot think of a better start to this decadent day.  After brunch Ryan and I headed to Sam's Club and Target for baking supplies.  It was really nice to have some company on my errand run.  The afternoon was spent at the movies with Ryan.  He suggested we go see Bridesmaids, a somewhat raunchy comedy that is a definite must see.  Laughter filled the theater and I was a willing participant.  Really...go see this movie!  You won't regret it.

The decadence continued with dinner at Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen with Mike.  We opted to share a combo platter with jambalaya, crawfish pie and gumbo.  The atmosphere was lively, the beer frosty cold and the food quite tasty.  Combine all that with reasonable prices and I will definitely go back...soon!

Next stop was Jeremiah's for the cherry on top of this decadent day.  Gelati enjoyed with Mike...a winning combination.

We returned home to a cool, breezy evening and a walk around the lake.  Once again I have a life...a rich, decadent, soulful life.

Many hugs,
Kathy

A Sally Field Moment - Days 277-279

Yesterday as I drove to Gainesville for work I suddenly found myself having a moment...a "Sally Field" moment.  I received an e-mail from Judy at Bright House Networks regarding Wednesday's cookie tasting.  She wrote to thank me for the cookies, to tell me I was officially set up as a vendor and to share the overwhelmingly positive feedback she received about my presentation and my cookies.  This is where the moment happened..."They like me, they really like me!" immediately popped into my head.  Here I was driving 80 mph down I-75, happy dancing and acting like a Sally Field goofball.  I looked up in the rear view mirror and saw happy eyes.  I craned my neck and saw a big smile looking back a me.  It occurred to me how fickle life can be.  A couple of weeks ago on the same drive the view in the rear view mirror was a little cloudy.  The eyes were welled with tears.  The smile was turned upside down.  Happy sunshine times are here.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Heartsinging Vacation Day - Day 276

I can barely carry a tune, but today my heart sang an aria.   I took a vacation day to bake for a tasting this afternoon at Bright House Networks.  I was honored to be asked by one of my farmers' market customers to present to her co-workers.  I baked a smorgasbord of flavors...White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan, Dark Chocolate Almond, Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip, Tri Chip, Double Dark Chocolate Chip and Ginger Peach Almond.  The reaction was beyond my greatest expectation.  The room filled with laughter and joy the moment the cookies arrived.  This is why I do what I do.  Why I take a vacation from work...to work all day.  I love to make people happy and today I did.  It has been quite a while since I did a happy dance.  HAPPY DANCE TIME!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Busy Bee -Days 267-275

Life buzzed by last week. A rare excitement filled the air at work. New projects were on the horizon and the glass was once again half full. Baking was steady and prolific. Celebrations were plentiful. From a Friday night treat with Mike at Seasons 52, compliments of the UF Bowling Team, to a beautiful Mother's Day spread, compliments of Ryan.

Life was and continues to be glorious!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Capturing The Joy - Days 262-266

Well, that didn't last too long...my posting break that is.  I have to admit I am addicted to this silly blog.  Few people read it.  It is rarely profound.  But it has an amazing power to help me make sense of my crazy, out of control life.  Writing my blog is the one time I stop perpetual motion.  I take a few deep breaths.  I pause.  I reflect on how amazing my "village" is.

Last week at lunch with Morgan and David, once again their generous spirit opened up before me.  We shared lunch at Siam Garden, talked printing projects, wedding plans and far too much about my recent financial woes.  Then they presented me with a gift...an amazing, thoughtful, caring gift.  David's mom, Merrill Frailey, is a life coach that helps people rediscover their joy.  Joy is an elusive part of my life these days.  It darts in and out like the Road Runner.  One moment it is here.  Next moment...beep, beep...it vanishes.  To help capture the joy again, my gift was three life coaching sessions with Merrill.  How amazing!  David waxed poetic on how great his mom was at her job.  I have no doubt.  I haven't even met with her and I am already feeling joyful.

Morgan and David are two beautiful souls that make you a better person when you share their company.  When I grow up, I want to be just like them.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Need A Posting Break - Days 260-261

As I sat down at the computer tonight to write a catch up post, it became painfully obvious to me that I needed a posting break.  Nothing...and I mean absolutely nothing came to mind.  I am tired of talking about cookies and unfortunately that is about all I do other than work.  I love to bake.  I am just tired of talking about it.  So, I am going to hit the refresh button and take a little break.  I will be back soon.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Easter Easy - Day 259

Thank goodness my mom took pity on me yesterday and invited us over to her house for our Easter celebration.  Non-stop baking leaves little time for house cleaning and I did not want to have everyone over with my house in its current disheveled state.  Easter brunch was a true collaborative effort.  I made a breakfast casserole and a fruit salad.  My mom made shrimp and grits.  Ryan baked a yummy lemon pound cake.  And Mike and Michael gladly ate every bite.  It was tasty, relaxing and so easy.  I could use a few hundred days just like today.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Farmers Market Love - Days 256 - 258

After a two week hiatus I was back at the market today.  I missed my farmers market family and evidently they missed me too.  As I unpacked the car for set up, I received some cheers and claps of joy from my fellow vendors.  Cheers and claps of joy!  Pretty amazing.  I have often extolled the power of a cookie, but this is ridiculous.  My buddies love their sweet treats.

Donna Marie from Donna Marie's Peppers, my next door market neighbor, was at her harassing best...teasing me that she wished I had stayed away so she would not have to eat all my samples.  Trish, Benito and their kids, Benito and Manual, from Trish's Orchids, were my first customers as usual.  They make me smile every time they stop by.

The market was not over the top busy, but we enjoyed steady traffic.  The Easter Sugar Cookies I decorated late last night were a big hit.  I am not a huge fan of most sugar cookies, but this recipe is pretty darn good...a delicate butter cookie, topped with a subtle lemon glaze and sprinkled with sugar.  Delicate is the key word here.  They are extremely fragile and one by one they lost appendages.  I was so frustrated.  And then I had a moment of brilliance...I would gather up all the broken pieces parts, bag them and sell them at a discount as a Bag of Broken Hearts.  It worked!  In no time every last broken heart had disappeared.

This weekend's market was also the debut of another one of my experiments...the bag of 6 "mini" Heartsong Cookies.  I called them Many, Mini Hugs and every last one was gone at markets end.  Speaking of markets end...that is when the fun began.  I had baked extra cookies this week and joyfully was able to slip into my role of choice, that of Cookie Fairy.  I flitted around from booth to booth passing out goodies.  In return a bag of lettuce, four tomatoes, a mini rose bush and a sweet smelling orchid magically appeared at my booth.  Did I mention, I love my farmers' market family?!  Once again I was reminded of the power of a cookie, but most of all...the power of good.  These are good people and I am one lucky girl.  Cheers and claps right back at all of you.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Officially An Old Fart - Day 255

As I drove through campus today at my Alma mater, I was struck by the students walking on their way to class.  No, it wasn't their age or their dress that I noticed, but the new appendage attached to their ears or hands...the "smart phone" or the i Pod.  It made me sad. 

They didn't see the beautiful blue sky or the new Spring growth on the trees.  They were oblivious to the smile on the face of the cute girl or guy they just passed.  They didn't hear the birds chirping or the Century Tower chimes.  They weren't soaking in the surroundings of what one day will be viewed as the best time of their lives.  No, they were caught up in the moment...in the texts...the tweets...the facebook postings...the Words with Friends...the Angry Birds...and they missed life. 

I need a hug.  I am officially an old fart!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Cookies and Peas - Days 253-254

The last two days have been spent like almost every day for this hug filled cookie baker...measuring, mixing, scooping, baking, cooling, bagging, labeling, plattering and delivering cookies.  Lots and lots of cookies.  Montana size cookies.  Rhode Island size cookies.  Bagged cookies.  Platters of cookies.  Retail cookies.  Donation cookies.  Meeting cookies.  Just because cookies.

Tonight was cookie platter night.  I put together a couple of platters for Luz and a platter for my UF meeting tomorrow.  All the while eating a bowl of peas.  Fresh, beautiful, sweet, bright green peas...with a little sea salt, fresh ground pepper and a small pat of butter.  Yum.  To me, peas shout Spring.  They shout comfort.  They shout happiness.  And after my hormone induced blue mood yesterday, I needed a big bowl of comforting happiness. 

I bet I had you worried when you read my blog title.  You know my love of cookie flavor experimentation..but a green pea cookie?  Hmmmm, you never know!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Productive - Day 252

I thought Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest, but not for me.  My Sunday was a day filled with accomplishments.  The day began with a home cooked breakfast...an egg sandwich panini with fried egg, cheddar cheese and Serrano ham washed down with a cup of hot coffee.  House cleaning was next on the agenda.  Floors were mopped. appliances wiped down and furniture dusted.  Then I moved on to the yard with a quickie weed pulling adventure, finished just in time to sit down with friends Tom and Chris for a glass of wine and a platter of cheese and crackers.  Tom shared some sobering news about the reappearance of his cancer and a scheduled surgery this week to remove a mass in his abdomen.  I couldn't stop thinking about him for the rest of the day. 

The afternoon was filled with errand running and cookie dough making mixed in with a little NBA basketball.  Then it was on to crossing some major items off my to do list that for now will have to remain a mystery.  Dinner was simple and delicious.  Ryan made a reprise of last week's lemon risotto and I sauteed some shrimp.  Dessert was a tiny slice of almond cream cake topped with fresh strawberries drizzled in honey.  It was a beautiful, productive day and I hope to follow it up with many of the same.

Many hugs,
Kathy

It's All About The Stories - Days 249-251

Thursday night was a productive night...thanks to my good friend Lynne.  We cranked out six batches of dough, assembled one basket of mini hugs for her injured co-worker, Michelle, two platter of 25 cookies each for an employee appreciation lunch and 47 cookies for B3 and Virgin Olive Market.  As hard as I tried to get Lynne to go home after her basket was complete, she would not budge.  She stayed until the bitter end...a little after midnight.  It was so nice to have some company for a change.  I think Lynne's calming aura must be my lucky charm because each time she visits the kitchen to help, the cookies turn out absolutely perfectly.

Friday began with a feeble voice calling up to me from downstairs.  It was Ryan asking for something to help his ailing stomach.  He hadn't slept a wink and was sure he was suffering from food poisoning.  I couldn't imagine that was the case because we had eaten the same thing the night before and I was fine.  The pain in his belly was so severe he could barely speak.   I strongly urged him to call the doctor and thank goodness he listened.  Turns out it was not food poisoning at all.  He had acute appendicitis and ended up in the hospital with an emergency appendectomy Friday night.  Thank goodness everything went swimmingly during the procedure.  The doctor said he was fortunate to have come in when he did...another few hours and the appendix would have burst.

I told Ryan while I appreciated his concern about me needing to take a break from baking and the market, staging an appendectomy was above the call of duty!

Saturday morning I slept in until 9:00 and then headed for the hospital.  I was greeted by a tired Ryan, happy to be through the worst of the pain.  Of course, I think the morphine may have had a little to do with that.   Thank goodness Ryan made it through his first surgery with flying colors.  He had taken another step into adulthood and had a story to add to his collection.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Stuffed! - Day 248

Tonight's culinary adventure took me to the home of my favorite second family...the home of David, Sheri, Noah and Sarah.  It had been a while since I enjoyed a Wednesday night family meal around that famous Lazy Susan table and I was filled with anticipation all day.  Dinner did not disappoint.  We headed for the garden and picked fresh lettuce, snow peas, carrots, beans and an heirloom black tomato.  Then it was back to the kitchen to whip up another one of David's dinner masterpieces.  Sarah and I snapped the beans.  I cut the carrots, tomato and shelled the peas.  Sheri tore the lettuce.  David made stuffed shells.  Noah practiced his skateboard moves in the driveway.  When dinner was ready we all gathered around the bountiful Lazy Susan.  This is my happy place.  No TV, just good conversation and tasty food.

Family dinner tradition calls for me to bring the dessert to the meal.  This time I solicited the help of my favorite chef, Ryan.  I asked him to make a banana walnut bread just like the one he had made last week.  Then I picked up bananas, butter, black walnut ice cream and whipped cream.  Dessert was a take off of one I recently enjoyed at Bahama Breeze.  Sarah and I melted butter in a saute pan, added some brown sugar until it dissolved into a dark caramel color.  Then we added sliced bananas to go for a swim in the buttery goodness.  Ryan's yummy banana bread was sliced, topped with a scoop of ice cream, ladled with buttery bananas and a squirt of whipped cream.  The end result was over the top sweet, but very good.  All Lazy Susan table members left the table with clean plates and stuffed tummies.  I loved this night!

Many hugs,
Kathy

My Favorite Chef - Days 246-247

The little bit of free time I have is often spent watching Food Network or Top Chef on Bravo.  I enjoy Giada, Ina and Bobby.  But when it comes to my favorite chef, there is no equal.  Ryan cooks the food that makes my heart sing.  Tonight he outdid himself with a special family dinner for my mom and brother.  Ryan makes simple, tasty food very, very well. 

We began with a Goat Cheese Topped Chicken Breast served with a Lemon Risotto...a to die for risotto.  Then he brought out the surprise...a homemade yellow cake topped with a crushed pineapple syrup, whipped cream frosting and toasted coconut.  It was like a pina colada only sooooo much better.  My mom loved it.  My brother loved it.  I really loved it.  The flavors were perfect, but my favorite part was not lifting the fork fulls to my mouth.  My favorite part was watching Ryan's confidence and love of food blossom with every meal he prepares.  I can't wait to come along for his next culinary adventure.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Red Velvet Fireworks! - Day 245

Ryan made a plan to bake a Red Velvet Cake from scratch for his dad's dinner party tonight.  Baking is a fairly new activity for Ryan and I could tell it was a little outside his comfort zone.  He asked me to be his mentor today as he baked the cake.  Problem is, Ryan and I both suffer from the same affliction.  We are both stubborn, controlling perfectionists.  Put two of us in the kitchen and let the fireworks begin.  Kaboom!

The cake came together well.  We popped it into the oven and then tackled the frosting.  How difficult could a cream cheese, mascarpone, whipped cream frosting be?  Aaaagh!  Difficult a plenty!  It started off well enough.  We creamed together the mascarpone and cream cheese, then we added the powdered sugar and vanilla.  No problem.  Last came the whipping cream...the dastardly, darn whipping cream! And our nice smooth frosting became a curdled mess. 

Ryan was frustrated.  I was frustrated.  He had spent $25 on the ingredients and now he just wanted to throw it away.  I couldn't let him fail.  Kaboom!  We argued back and forth and then I stormed out of the house to pick up more frosting ingredients.  While I whipped up a new batch of frosting, Ryan sulked in his room.  I called him out and together we iced one hell of a cake.  He came up with the idea to add sugar sprinkles to mimic the look of a baseball to commemorate the trip he and his dad are taking next week to Wrigley Field in Chicago.  Great idea!

As Ryan headed off to his dad's, he gave me a hug and a smile.  I think he was proud of his cake and I was proud of him.  He stepped outside his comfort zone, stumbled and ultimately persevered.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Orange, Blue and Red - Day 244

Today was part of our rite of passage as loyal Gator fans.  We piled in the car and headed to Gainesville for the annual pilgrimage to the Orange and Blue spring football game.  This year is filled with uncertainty and the unknown...with new coaches and shaky quarterback play thrown in the mix.  The game today did very little to quell our fears, but it was fun to be in the Swamp with 53,000 of our fellow Gator addicts.  The sun was out in full force so along with the orange and blue of the day, I added a little red by burning my face to a crisp.  St. Tebow was in the house to be part of the Heisman statue unveiling and I am a better person having been in his presence.  Not really, but it is amazing to me what an impact he still has on the Gator faithful. 

Life is good.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Friday Night Polka - Days 242 - 243

Thursday night was spent at the kitchen baking hugs for B3 and VOM.  I had no idea what I was going to make when I arrived, but after surveying my ingredient rack, I decided to mix things up a bit.  Dark Chocolate Chip Blueberry Pecan, Cranberry Chocolate Chunk, M & M Chocolate Chip and PB Cup Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies were the flavors that suited my fancy.  I just hope the customers at my favorite cafes feel the same.

Today is the start of my baking vacation.  No baking of any kind is going on for the next couple of days.  I feel so good I could almost polka...or line dance around a restaurant...or toast with a glass of wine...or sway back and forth to the melodic tones of accordion music.  Sooooo, I actually did a little bit of all of it at Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe in downtown Sanford with my two favorite guys, Mike and Ryan.  Ryan came up with the suggestion and Mike and I gladly agreed that this was the ticket for a no baking celebration.  And celebrate we did!  Mike raised a glass or two of German beer.  I sipped a glass of German Riesling.  Ryan got wild with a glass of ice water or three.  My Oktoberfest Sausage Sampler with red cabbage and spaetzle was absolutely perfect.  Ryan and Mike got Pork Schnietzel with spaetzle and potato pancakes.  We all got exactly what we needed for a happy dance Friday night.

Many hugs,
Kathy

One Exhausted Cookie Fairy - Days 240 - 241

Magical.  That is the only word that comes to mind to describe my evening at the Adult Literacy League fundraiser - Reading Between the Wines.  All the dough making, scooping, baking and plating.  All the lack of sleep, sore feet and pains in my back are a distant memory.  All I can think of is how fortunate I was to have this opportunity.  The opportunity to lay the foundation of my business on the principle of giving back...giving until you don't have anything left to give.  I gave this event everything I had.

The cookies were a hit.  A buzz creating, overwhelming hit.  Surveying the room from my booth, I saw many happy faces eating cookies...Heartsong Cookies.  This was like a dream for the cookie fairy in me.  I got to give away cookies to a group of people raising money for adult literacy.  Three hundred and sixty mini cookies.  An assortment of White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan, Dark Chocolate Cherry, White Chocolate Macadamia and Tri Chip.  I tried to pick flavors that would pair well with wine.  The White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan and the Dark Chocolate Cherry created the most buzz.  The White Chocolate Macadamia was the first to give out.  All four flavors disappeared before the end of the event.  Instead of a sell out, I had a give out...which is what my body is about to do right now.  I am one exhausted and content cookie fairy.

Many hugs,
Kathy

I Think I Can - Days 238-239

I think I can.  I think I can.  I think I can.  I am the little...big cookie baker that can bake 330 mini cookies for the Adult Literacy League fundraiser on Wednesday night.  On Sunday I made 12 batches of dough.  Tonight, in between baking for B3 and Virgin Olive Market, I made two more batches of dough and scooped mini dough balls until I couldn't scoop any more.  Tomorrow night is all about the baking.  I am going to bake and bake and bake until all 330 mini cookies are done.  I know I can.  I know I can.  I will.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Lots of Love - Days 236 - 237

Tonight I am tired and content.  The day at the market was beautiful.  It was Family Fun Day, so the park was teaming with families enjoying the gorgeous weather.  A lot of my regulars bypassed the market today...probably because of the horrific parking, but all in all it was a great day.  As I sat down to reflect on the last two days and write my blog, an overwhelming theme came to mind.  A theme I have discussed before, but a theme that needs revisiting,  It takes a village to make a Heartsong Cookie!

It never ceases to amaze me how fortunate I am to have the support of my family and friends as I embark on my venture into the world of entrepreneurship.  They all contribute so many little things that are never noticed as the sweet treat is devoured.  They are my village.  From my husband Mike who packs up his car for the market every Friday night and unloads and loads again every Saturday.  To my friend Susan who gets up early every Saturday just to drive her son Chris over to the house to head to the market as my special booth assistant.  From my brother, Michael that stops by the kitchen almost every Friday night to scoop dough and bag cookies and comes again on Saturday at market's end to pack me up  To my friend, Dennis that drives all the way from Winter Garden to keep me company on market day.  My mom who also stops by every Saturday to cheer me on and make sure I offer every passer by a Heartsong sample.  And then there is Kenda and Mark that stop by the kitchen most Friday nights to help and keep me company.  Morgan, the amazing designer that reached into my head and pulled out my perfect logo and website that reflect exactly what I want the company to be.  Jen at Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux that gave me my first retail opportunity and referred me to Tiffany at Virgin Olive Market that kicked my retail sales up a notch.   Lynne that reads my blog and facebook postings religiously and knows the perfect time to step in and offer help at the kitchen.

Yes, this is my village...a village filled with lots of love.  This is the village that puts that love into every Heartsong Cookie.  I know you thought only hugs and sugar went into every bite.  Now you know the rest of the story.

Many hugs,
Kathy

An Opportunity To Give - Day 235

Late today I was presented with an opportunity very difficult time to pass up.  I am donating a gift certificate for a 36 cookie basket to the Adult Literacy League silent auction fundraiser next week and thought it might be nice to have a platter of mini cookie samples for the attendees to try.  I decided to broach the issue with the organizer of the event.  I inquired about the number of attendees and was a little speechless when she replied that 325 plus would be attending.  She liked the idea of the samples, but stressed that I would need to make at least 325 cookies.  Oh my, could I pull this off?! Of course I can!  I need to keep repeating my mantra...the more I do, the more I can do!  Raising money for great causes is exactly the foundation on which I want to build my business. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

Touch and Feel - Days 232-234

In a world filled with tweets, e-mails, postings and websites, nothing beats communication you can touch and feel.  Yes, these are the words of a printing salesperson.  Yes, I am a wee bit biased.  But the last few days have reminded me just how important it is. 

I baked on Monday and Tuesday night.  Delivered cookies to B3 and Virgin Olive Market.  I answered to my new moniker "Cookie Lady" and enjoyed every moment.  But today was the day that moved me.  I was asked to reprise for the sales staff. the Scholastic Lunch and Learn I did a couple of weeks ago.  The seminar had been extremely well received and I thought the staff could benefit from the show and tell. 

We gathered together at high noon in the conference room.  Rich had lunch delivered.  I walked them through the seminar and then I got to the good stuff...my surprise agenda item.  It was the new mission statement I wrote last night.  It was my invitation to the staff to join me on that mission.  I was worried they would laugh or worse yet, get angry.  What I got back was something far better, I got back enthusiasm and encouragement.  I got back a little hope for the future that was sorely missing.  All born from a silly little seminar that focused on the importance of printing, the importance of touch and feel.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Ry-Monkey Cookies - Day 231

Today was all about relaxation.  I woke up late, headed to the grocery store to satisfy Mike's craving for fried chicken, stopped by Bruester's to satisfy my craving for pistachio ice cream, then headed home to bake.  I had promised Dennis a platter of White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookies for his out of town guests.  Ryan was promised a batch of Banana Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Chris was promised a few of whatever I was baking.  The White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan dough came together quickly.  I have made it so many times, I think I could do it with my eyes closed. 

The Banana Walnut Chocolate Chunk had only been experimented with once before.  My son Ryan was the one that came up with this combination.  He loved the first batch...me, not so much.  I thought the texture was a little too muffin like.  This time I substituted the oatmeal for Bare Naked Chocolate Delight Granola and the chocolate chips for chocolate chunks.  The result was a moist cookie that tasted a lot like banana nut bread.  I think I may have found a winner!  As I pondered what to call this tasty treat, a name from the past popped into my head.  When Ryan was a little boy, I used to call him "Ry-Monkey".  He hated the name, but I used it anyway.  What a perfect name for a banana cookie suggested by Ryan.  "Ry-Monkey" it is!

I packaged up my cookie promises and headed out for mission delivery.  Chris, Tom and Susan received a mini plate of Ry-Monkey Cookies.  Dennis got his platter of White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan with a few Ry-Monkey Cookies mixed in.  Ryan got his namesake cookie.  And I got the satisfaction of spreading hugs to some of my favorite people. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

Ebb and Flow - Day 230

Today was a great day, a not so great day and a great day again.  It had a rhythm like the ebb and flow of the tides.  Market traffic at the market was rather slow today, but some how we managed to sell out once again.  The post market celebration was held at the new Flippers Pizza next to the market.  Chris treated us to a lunch of marvelous individual pizzas and an antipasto salad.  This was the great part of the day...the really great part. 

After taking Chris to his house I headed home to watch the Elite 6 game that pitted my beloved Gators against the Cinderella Butler Bulldogs.  I had very good feelings about the game.  I honestly thought we were going to win, which must explain my devastation and disappointment when we jacked up a missed three at the end of regulation sending the game into overtime and ultimate defeat.  I was bummed.  Mike was bummed.  Ryan was bummed.  This was the not so great part of the day.

To try to get back to my earlier happy place, I headed to the grocery store with Ryan to pick up dinner fixins.  For me, good eats can cure almost any woe.    Earlier in the day I picked up a bottle of Primo 27, a complex spice blend from my kitchen mate Michael, owner of Spicecrafters.  Ryan and I  picked up shrimp and chicken, drizzled them in olive oil and rubbed Michael's spice blend into the meat.  While Ryan cooked the chicken and shrimp, I made my version of creamed corn from fresh corn cut off the cob and a simple Caesar salad.  Yummy, this was a simple tasty meal and a venture back to the great part of the day.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Hello Jim! - Day 229

Today is a day of new beginnings...especially for my friend Jim.  He has been working at a job that did not fit him right.  The ill fitting job affected him in every way, from the look in his eyes to his posture.  He shouldered a heavy burden.  Today that burden was lifted.  He was laid off.  I know that sounds like a horrific event, but I honestly feel for Jim it was a godsend.  After he got over the initial shock and packed up his belongings, we headed to the only lunch we could both afford in these crazy times...a BOGO coupon lunch at McDonalds.  It seems comicly fitting to be sitting in a Mickey Ds discussing prospects for the future...especially when an intoxicated homeless guy stopped by our table to tell us jokes about the economy and $5.00 gas prices...it was downright surreal. 

Jim and I talked about possibilities and options.  We talked about creative approaches to finding his joy again.  For the first time in a very long time, I did not hear a single excuse come out of Jim's mouth and his eyes had a hint of a glint that had been sorely missing.  Hello Jim...welcome back to a world filled with possibilities!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Where Dreams Are Made - Day 228

Tonight I shared the kitchen with Michael, a fellow entrepreneur that makes his own spice blend of 27 ingredients.  The kitchen was filled with the aroma of dreams being made...fragrant spiciness and warm sugary goodness in perfect harmony. 

Michael and I have met numerous times, but never had much time for conversation.  Tonight was different.  We shared stories of our business journey, plans for the weekend at the market and dreams for the future.  I love hearing about the dreams and aspirations of others.  It makes me feel like I am not so crazy after all...to dream big dreams.  Tonight Michael and I made much more than just spice blends and cookies.  We took a few more steps toward making our dreams come true.  We said them out loud.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Surprise! - Day 227

Today began with a skin biopsy and ended with a big surprise.  After a wonderful sushi dinner with Dennis I headed home filled with anticipation. Ryan called me this afternoon and promised a surprise dessert when I got home.   I love surprises, but if you add the word dessert to the surprise...I am elated. 

Ryan presented me with a plate of three fried ravioli and told me to take a bite and guess the flavor profile.  Oh my, was that bite divine!  Banana, nuts and chocolate.  He quizzed me on what kind of chocolate.  Frankly I did not care, I couldn't get the next bite to my mouth fast enough.  Turns out the recipe came from his favorite chef, Giada De Laurentiis...a fried ravioli filled with mashed banana, brown sugar, Nutella and chopped pecans.  It was one of the best desserts I have ever had.  I devoured FOUR and could have eaten a whole bushel.  Yes, they were that good!  I hope Ryan finds a job soon before I pack on another twenty pounds.  His cooking makes me want to break out in a happy dance of gargantuan proportions.
HAPPY DANCE!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Cookie Fairy - Day 225-226

Last night was spent at the kitchen baking Dark Chocolate Orange and Cranberry Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies for B3 and Virgin Olive Market.  Today was spent getting in touch with my inner cookie fairy.  After delivery to my retail outlets, I still had several cookies left to share with my printing clients.  And share I did.  I dropped off cookies to Amanda, Margaret, Stefan, Kate and Lee.  If money were no object this is how I would spend my days...dropping off little morsels of happiness to all my friends.

Many hugs,
Kathy

More Aaaaaahhhhh...Day 224

I don't think I have slept this much in an entire week the last few months!  Last night was a ten hour night and I awoke with a feeling I rarely experience.  I was not tired.  I was not achy.  I was refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Today the ship without a sail took us over to Tom, Susan and Christopher's for a picnic and boat ride on Lake Brantley.  I threw together a fruit and cheese tray and burger sliders. Tom grilled the burgers.  Susan made refreshing lemonade ice tea with fresh mint.  Christopher baked an awesome chocolate pound cake that I topped with Plant City strawberries and whipped cream.  Ryan and Mike were eager eaters.  It was a tasty collaboration. 

Tonight I am embracing my inner couch potato, nested on the couch surrounded by lots of my favorite pillows and my two favorite guys.  We are living the new American life of leisure each with a laptop in our lap and the NCAA Basketball tourney on the tube.  Not a word is spoken.  It is rather comforting in a strange way.  Aaaaahhhhh...life the way it should be.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Aaaaaah...Day 223

Twelve hours!  Unheard of on a Friday night.  Twelve glorious hours of sleep.  It was an amazing way to begin day one of the weekend of a whole lot of nothing.  Mike, Ryan and I headed to one of our favorite little dives for breakfast, Athena Cafe.  I got my usual, the Athena Special with corned beef hash, eggs and the best grits in Orlando.  Mike and Ryan opted for the Cheese Steak Omelet.  We all left with full tummies and happy hearts. 

I decided to fill my afternoon with a collection of things I had been meaning to do, but never found the time.  I gathered together clothes to take to Classic Consignments and costume jewelry for Plato's Closet.  I finally got my haircut and ended the afternoon feeling pretty darn cute thanks to Lucy at Hair Cuttery.  The smile on my face grew even bigger when I checked the score of the Gator basketball game and discovered they had beaten UCLA and were advancing to the Sweet 16.  And I became almost giddy when I found out I made $18.93 at Plato's Closet from my old costume jewelry.  The little things mean so much these days.  I love that about difficult times.

The evening was spent with my two favorite guys eating pizza, surfing on the computer and watching basketball.  Aaaaaaaah...this is the life. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

A Whole Lot Of Nothing - Days 220-222

This week has been filled with the usual...work, baking and very little sleep.  Corned beef and cabbage and a successful lunch and learn seminar were the highlights.  But I am tired...very, very tired.  So I have big plans for the weekend.  Big plans that include a whole lot of nothing.  No late night baking at the kitchen.  No early morning set up at the farmers' market.  No work of any kind. 

I plan to live the next two days like a ship without a sail.  No plans.  No worries.  No stress.  Wherever life's current takes me, I will go.  Tonight I floated over to Cheesecake Factory for some cheap drinks and eats.  Life is good...very, very good.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Happy Corned Beef and Cabbage Week - Days 218-219

My friend Sandy and I like corned beef and cabbage.  No, we LOOOOOOOVE corned beef and cabbage!  So every year during the week leading up to St. Patty's Day, we proclaim a national holiday and celebrate by eating our favorite meal.  Not once.  Not twice.  But as many times as we can fit it in. 

Over the years we have tried several spots to celebrate, but keep going back to our favorite.  Which Irish pub you ask?  No...we return year after year to Cracker Barrel.  Cracker Barrel does corned beef and cabbage right (my husband Mike would say this is not possible...he hates corned beef and cabbage).  They serve a lean meat, thickly sliced and lightly grilled with a wedge of cooked cabbage, boiled potatoes, cooked carrots and a side of biscuits.  Simple fare done right.  Tonight was my first night to celebrate with Sandy and I enjoyed every bite.  Happy Corned Beef and Cabbage Week to all and to all a good night.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Pure Perfection - Day 217

Blue skies.  Bright sunshine.  No humidity.  Azaleas in bloom.  New leaves on the trees.  Today was Florida at it's best.  Mike and I eased into this beautiful day with breakfast at Maitland Breakfast Club, a recent Urbanspoon discovery.  Judging from the line at the door, we were not the only one to discover this funky little place.  Mike ordered Country Fried Steak and Eggs.  I opted for a stranger choice...the Sausage Special.  Polish sausage grilled then topped with mustard, onions and Swiss cheese and served with home fries, two fried eggs and an English muffin.  Maybe it was the beautiful day, the fabulous company or my fabulous mood, but whatever it was...I think this was one of my best breakfasts ever.  I polished off every bite and had a very full tummy to show for it. 

Maitland Farmers' Market was next on the agenda.  We walked twice around Lake Lilly stopping to chat with the vendors along the way.  I accumulated quite a haul, from fresh herbs and veggies to biscotti and Gator jam. 

The rest of the afternoon was spent running errands and soaking in the sunshine.

Dinner was shared with good friends, Tom, Susan and Chris at Cafe Positano.  Pizza, wine and great conversation.  I cannot think of a better way to end a day of pure perfection.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Cookie Treadmill - Days 214-216

My friend Carolyn came up with a great analogy to describe my life these days.  She said I am living my life on a cookie treadmill set at the highest setting and I cannot get off.  Sometimes I do feel like I am running in place trying to accomplish something wonderful, but never quite getting there.  I get frustrated that living the part of my life that brings me such joy is mostly spent on the brink of exhaustion.  I question my sanity for going day after day on 3-5 hours of sleep.  And then a day like today comes along and all is forgotten.  All the motivation I need to keep going is found in the chocolate smiles of a little boy or the childish grins of a couple in their golden years enjoying a Heartsong treat.

Many hugs,
Kathy 

His Heart Is A Twitter - Day 213

My brother, Michael has taken on the role of Social Media Director for Heartsong Cookies.  He set up a Twitter account...@heartsongcookie and has been tweeting his little heart out.  I love this about him.  Not only do I not have the time to tweet, but I don't have the savvy to pull it off.  He does!  He announces the flavors I deliver to B3 and Virgin Olive Market...talks about flavors I take to the market.  He even came up with a tweeting sign off...OOOK...a shortened version of Many Hugs, Kathy.  Michael is a big reason Heartsong Cookies will be a success.  He believes in what I am trying to create.  Because he believes in me...I believe too.

OOOK

Reflection - Day 212

Tonight was all about reflection.  I thought about the weekend...my brother's invaluable help at the kitchen on Friday night, breakfast conversation on Sunday with Ryan, yummy Sunday night dinner with my mom,  the beautiful Monday spent with Mike.  I reflected on every precious moment and then the darnedest thing happened...I got depressed.  I realized just how rare these moments are in my crazy life these days.  I want more and I don't know how to get them.  I vowed to make changes in 2011...to step outside my comfort zone, but I am frozen.  I am scared.  I am tired.  I am a work in progress, but I feel like I am all about work and very little progress. I am stuck.

Tonight I reflected on the state of my life.  The people in it are amazing.  The time spent with them is far too brief.  I don't have the answer to how to get myself unstuck, but somehow I think tonight was a big part of that process.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Aaaaaah...Relaxation At Last! - Day 211

Sunday and Monday were everything I dreamed they would be...days filled with good food, much needed time with family and very little baking.  I have so much to share, but will have to save it for another day.  Mike needs to get up early tomorrow morning and I am keeping him awake pounding on the keyboard. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

My Husband, The Poet - Days 208-210

The last two days passed in a whirlwind of flour, butter, eggs, chocolate chips and hugs.  I survived it all with the help of my family and friends.  Kenda measured ingredients.  Michael scooped dough, bagged and labeled countless cookies.  Mike packed, unpacked, packed and unpacked the car with farmers' market gear.  I am blessed to have a life filled with amazing people.  I can never repay them.  I can only revel in their generous spirits.

My husband, Mike is one amazing man.  He is a scientist by trade, but a poet at heart.  On Friday I received a very special surprise in my inbox...an e-mail with an attachment to make me smile.  "A Tale Of Kathy" is the title of this ode to the craziness of our life these days.  Enjoy!

This is the tale of Kathy, my wife.
Fearless is how she approaches life.

There’s a singing in her heart
The melody sings happiness, let it start, let it start, let it start

Sometimes there are problems paying those pesky bills.
Oh, the fun of juggling which ones to pay first, what thrills!

Sometimes there isn’t enough time in a day.
Another night without sleep, Yea!

How is it possible to get so much done in a day?
Without everything being in disarray?

Behold the power of the list. Lists, lists and more lists
Notepads are filled with to-do lists
The notepads are key to remain on pace
And if changes are needed, they’re easy to erase

Doesn’t matter the time, day or night, she goes nonstop
Whoops, time to re prioritize, because there must be time to shop!
Shopping, shopping. To some it is nothing special or perhaps even boring
But to Kathy, it’s exhilarating!

There’s a singing in her heart
The melody sings happiness, let it start, let it start, let it start

She’s got a brain that will not shut off, and oh what an imaginative mind!
Kathy, wonderful Kathy, you are truly one of a kind.

She is loyal to her friends and family because that is the way it should be
She can’t let anyone down, otherwise she’ll be unhappy.

No matter what someone asks or wants, she’ll give it her best to make it a go.
What? You mean there actually is a word NO?

For a long time there has been a powerful driving force, a dream
A dream of cookies, not ordinary cookies, because she only knows extreme.

Her cookie dream has evolved into Heartsong Cookies, her new passion
Ask her many satisfied customers and they all agree, it’s the latest fashion

She started selling at the Lake Mary Farmer’s market, but things are growing
Now you’ll find them at B3 and others will be coming

There’s a singing in her heart
The melody sings happiness, let it start, let it start, let it start.

What will it all lead to? Kathy, the cookie millionaire!
That may be nice, but would it really be fair?

It may be too ambitious of a goal
Because Kathy’s tale is really one of a loving soul.

Life is all about the stories and Kathy has a wonder story
New stories continue to unfold and the joy spread by Heartsong Cookies erases any worry.

Her trademark signature simply says, Many Hugs, and those hugs are countless
Kathy, ah you’re so lovely as your spread your kindness.

There’s a singing in her heart
The melody sings happiness, let it start, let it start, let it start.

I love you Michael Paiva!  Thank you for always finding a way to make me smile.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Baking Magic - Day 207

Tonight magic happened at the kitchen.  I think Ryan and Lynne may be my lucky charms because every batch of cookies they helped me with turned out perfectly.  We cranked out Dark Chocolate Cherry Berry, Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip, a new creation...Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip and baked the leftover dough from Monday.  It was so nice to have some help and some company.  I firmly believe mood goes a long way toward baking success.  Good mood...good cookies.

Many hugs,
Kathy

A Side Of Life - Days 204-206

This morning as I awoke from another night of little sleep, all I could think about was how badly I needed a side of life to go with my all you can eat platter of work and baking.  Tonight I got my wish.  I went to dinner with one of my favorite people in the world...Vicky.  We met at Bahama Breeze and she had a Mojito waiting for me when I walked through the door.  I knew this was going to be a great evening.  Vicky is such a breath of fresh air.  She has no problem making decisions or sharing her opinions.  I love that about her.  Nothing is sugar coated. She is real and honest and good. 

We picked up from where we left off a couple of months ago without skipping a beat.  This is what friendship is all about.  This is the side of life I have been missing.  Time with a friend.  No work involved.  No baking involved.  Just good conversation, good drink and good food.  A great big side of life.

Many hugs,
Kathy 

Glorious! - Day 203

Today was a glorious day.  For the first time in a very long time, I awoke rested, refreshed and ready to take on the world.  Ryan, Mike and I headed to Sweet Tomatoes for a BOGO breakfast.  Then they accompanied me to Costco to pickup baking supplies and something for dinner.  I rarely have company when I run my errands and I reveled in the rare treat.  We picked up a can of lump crab meat for a Maryland Crab Cake dinner.  The rest of the afternoon was spent running errands alone.  I washed my car, made a little pocket change at Plato's Closet, visited Kenda and picked up a few more baking supplies.

Dinner was a tremendous success.  Maryland crab cakes, mashed potatoes and fresh peas.  Yum!  Ryan even complimented me.  He liked it...he really liked it.   

Then it was on to my favorite pastime...baking hugs.  I baked a batch of White Chocolate Blueberry NO NUT cookies for my no nut cookie lover friend, Randy.  Then I threw together some White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan and Toasted Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies for my new retail opportunity meeting tomorrow.

Mike was down for the count with a heavy dose of NyQuil to try to cure what ails him.  So I spent the evening watching the Oscars with Ryan.  Glamour, glitz and star gazing.  This was the cherry on top of a truly glorious day.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Sold Out - Days 201 - 202

Sold Out...two lovely words that are music to my ears.  Thankfully the world is filled with cookie monsters that are gobbling up my cookies as fast as I can bake them.  Friday afternoon after my early morning delivery to Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux, I received a call from Jen, the owner, asking for 10 more.  They had almost sold out by early afternoon and had no cookies for the weekend.  I love it! 

Saturday at the market was more of the same.  One by one, the flavors sold out...with the Fat Mint Cookie Cookie and White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan the first to go.  We only had six cookies left when we packed up the booth.  As I headed for the car I was greeted by one of my regulars asking if I had anything left.  She promptly bought every last one and wanted more.  Sold Out!  Cookie monsters are a very good thing.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Productive - Day 200

Tonight I was an organized, efficient, fearless baker on a mission.  The result was a very productive evening at the kitchen.  I baked White Chocolate Macadamia, PB Cup Chocolate Chip Pecan and Dark Chocolate Orange Cookies for my B3 delivery tomorrow.  I also made the dough for Jenn's wedding favors...more Dark Chocolate Orange and White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan.  Then I cranked out a pan of Outrageous Brownies for the farmers' market on Saturday.  I even measured ingredients for more farmers' market offerings.  I am NOT going to show up at the market again with less than 3 hours of sleep.  All in all, it was a good night.

Many hugs,
Kathy

FEARLESS! - Day 199

This morning while I was taking a shower a word popped into my head.  I wasn't thinking about anything in particular...just plans for a rather mundane day.  And there it was...this word.  Almost shouting at me.  "FEARLESS!...FEARLESS!...FEARLESS!"  I couldn't stop thinking about it.  I repeated it to myself..."FEARLESS!"  This is how I want to approach my life.  In the past at times I would let self doubt overtake me.  No more,  I am going to be FEARLESS in my approach to life.  I am tired of playing it safe.  I want to take chances.  I want to put myself out there.  I want so desperately to succeed.  I am going to listen to the voice that shouted in my head.  Oh my, I sound like a crazy person.  A "FEARLESS" crazy person on a mission...to make Heartsong Cookies a success. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

Fat and Sassy - Day 198

Today was all about eating.  Lots of "not so good for my figure, but great for my soul" food was on the menu.  The culinary delights began at B3 as I made my morning cookie delivery.  Jen offered me a cup of coffee to go and I decided to grab a quick bite for the road.  As I perused the menu, one of my favorite things jumped out at me...NUTELLA....mmmmmm!  Nutella on a warm toasted croissant.  A croissant the size of California.  I barely made it out of the parking lot before devouring half of this amazingly delicious treat.

The guilt associated with consuming a bazillion calories for breakfast quickly kicked in, but it was worth every fat laden bite. 

Work was a little crazy today.  I shuttled back and forth with proofs until almost 3:00.  For some reason, I had a craving for Indian food.  Not just any Indian food, but vegetarian Indian food.  I consulted Urbanspoon for Indian restaurants in the area and decided on Woodlands just down the street on OBT.  The reviews were impressive.  A lunch buffet priced by the pound was just the ticket for me to sample several flavors.  I am not an Indian food connoisseur, but I love the flavors.  I cannot begin to tell you the names of what I ate, but I filled my to go box with a bit of a sweet carrot side to compliment two types of spicy curry over basmati rice, a crisp salad of iceberg lettuce with radishes, peppers and carrots and a crepe filled with curried mashed potato.  The price tag was surprisingly low...just a little over $5.00 for one of the best lunches I have had in a very long time.

Dinner was prepared by my new personal chef...my son Ryan.  He keeps amazing me with his culinary endeavors.  Last night was a spicy Enchilada Lasagna.  YUMMY! Tonight Chicken Piccata with Pesto Spaghetti was on the menu.  YUMMY squared!  Not only was the food incredible, but he served it to me and even cleaned the kitchen.  I am in "Mom Heaven" right now...proud with a content, full belly.  I am feeling very fat and sassy.  I would happy dance right now, but my fat and sassiness won't allow me to move.

Many hugs, sit ups and cardio,

Kathy

REALLY, REALLY EXHAUSTED - Day 197

If I thought I had reached the point of total exhaustion yesterday, I was oh so wrong.  I hadn't begun to feel what true exhaustion was.  Maddie made sure I was taken to new depths.  My head hit the pillow at 2:00 after a full night of baking for Anthony and Susan.  I quickly fell asleep only to be awakened an hour and a half later by a barking Maddie.  That was OK, I could handle that...what I could not handle was the next half an hour of Maddie pacing the floor, jumping on top of me and staring me down within inches of my face.  She needed to go out and she needed to go out NOW!  Problem was it was 4:00 in the morning.  I begrudgingly got up, put my contacts in and grab some clothes.  Out the door we went.  Maddie spent the next 10 minutes finding the perfect place to do her business.  She didn't care that I was scared, cold and tired beyond belief.  She didn't care one bit.  We finally completed her mission and headed back to bed.  Mission accomplished...total exhaustion.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Exhausted - Days 194 - 196

I have been a baking fool this weekend.  Friday was another one of those days that would not end.  I climbed into bed at 4:00 a.m. after a full night of baking at the kitchen, but was disappointed in my output.  Even though I cranked out eight batches of tasty looking cookies and a platter of 50 minis for Alissa, I fell short of my goal.  Brownies, breakfast cookies and my new experiment, Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip were the casualties.  I am guilty of over ambitious goals that I just can't meet by myself. 

My butt did not want to get out of bed when the alarm went off Saturday morning at 6:30.  Two and a half hours is not near enough sleep for this hug giver.  But the market was calling and Chris was coming to help in an hour.  I grabbed a shower, threw on some clothes and tackled the loading of all my market gear.  Mike normally has my car all loaded and ready to go, but he was in Indianapolis with the UF bowling team and I was on my own.  Ryan finally got up to help, Chris arrived and we were on out way to the market.

With Ryan and Chris' help the tent went up and the booth came together.  We had a great day at the market.  Almost all the cookies were sold.  Alissa picked up the platter for her mom and seemed genuinely delighted with the presentation.   The star of the cookie offerings was the "Fat Mint Cookie" Cookie that Sarah and I had created the night before.  I was a little worried that customers would be turned off by a cookie with "fat" in the name, but they didn't seem to mind a bit.  The got the joke and loved the taste.  Sarah was really proud and so was I.

At the end of the market day, I could barely lift a thing.  My body was rebelling.  It needed sleep and it needed it badly.  I took a three hour cat nap before enjoying a wonderful dinner of chicken and polenta prepared by Ryan.  I don't know what I am going to do when he leaves for a new job.  I am spoiled rotten.

Sunday was a day of errands, another cookie delivery to B3 and of course...more baking.  I almost forgot the cookie request from Anthony in Boston and the hug bags for Susan.  Anthony requested five different types of cookies for his shipment.  Susan requested three more types.  Uuug, I can't make eight kinds again.  I settled for the five Anthony requested and hoped Susan would by agreeable to his choices.

By my rambling, I am sure you can tell I am exhausted...but happy.  Very, very happy...happy dance happy.

Many hugs,
Kathy