Heartsong Cookies Found A Home! - Day 176

Happy, happy, happy dance!  Heartsong Cookies has found a home!  Beginning Friday, February 4, Heartsong Cookies will be sold at my favorite neighborhood cafe, Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux.  Jen sent me an e-mail last night and I haven't stopped giggling since.  Tonight I spent the evening trying to tell the story of how Heartsong came to be.  With my copious blogging experience over the last two years, you would think this would be easy.  It is NOT.  I promise to share more over the next few postings, but for now I must get back to storytelling.

Many hugs and giggles,
Kathy

Comfort Food - Day 175

Today was filled with chores...grocery shopping, cleaning out the fridge and pantry.  Nothing exciting, but very satisfying...especially when I peered into the fridge tonight to tackle my comfort food dinner.  I could actually see what was in the fridge!  I made fried chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes, green peas and strawberry shortcake.  It was easy and judging by the three clean plates, very tasty as well.  It is really nice to have Ryan home.  I know he is anxious to start his life, but I love having him in mine once again.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Moving Day - Day 174

Whew!  I ache in places I forgot I have.  We loaded a trailer full of Ryan gear, cleaned his apartment, drove 2 1/2 hours and unloaded the gear at home.  In between we fit in an amazing pulled pork lunch at The Q in Jax and delicious Chicken, Prosciutto and Onion pizza dinner from Carmela's in Longwood.  I am pooped and content sharing the living room with two of my favorite guys, Mike and Ryan.  Too tired to write anything profound, but joyful beyond belief.  This has been one of my best weeks in a very long time and I finally realized why.  Mike attributed all of last week's trials and tribulations to the "Damn Jets" beating his beloved New England Patriots.  Well this past weekend, the "Damn Jets" lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  All is right in the world...thanks to the "Damn Jets"!  Happy, happy dance!

Many hugs,
Kathy

R, F-B and DD (Part 2) - Days 170-173

Wednesday evening brought yet another delectable ingredient to the mix, a lively dinner with Lynne filled with hopes and dreams for the future.  We shared an olive plate and salad from B3 Cafe, a happy dance and our perspective of the world.  I left happy and filled with positive energy gleaned from Lynne.  It propelled me to a night of baking magic.  On the baking docket for the evening...an experimental flavor, Dark Chocolate Orange and old favorites, Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip and Cranberry Pecan Chocolate Chip.  The scent of the Dark Chocolate Orange Cookies baking in the oven was amazing.

Thursday morning was a blur of proof and cookie deliveries.  My joyful days continued with a surprise lunch from Carolyn's mom.  I was only upstairs with Carolyn for ten minutes reviewing a proof.  But ten minutes was plenty of time for Carolyn's mom to put out a spread that would rival any fine Japanese restaurant.  We feasted on steamed dumplings, a salad of cucumber and crab, rice with tuna flakes and nori and cabbage with ponzu.  I loved the food and the company.  Carolyn's mom speaks broken English and I only understand every four or five words, but it is just enough to get the jist of what she is trying to say.  She has a passion for food and loves to share it with someone has the same passion...me!

Somehow I managed to fit in a little work in between all my happy moments.  The day flew by.  Thursday evening was all about Dennis.  We met at...where else, Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux, for his birthday dinner.  We talked about ways to make our hearts sing...painting and pottery for Dennis, cookie baking for me.  We shared stories and laughter, planned the decor for Heartsong Cookie Cafe and people watched.  This was the way every Thursday evening should be spent.  After dinner I headed for home with a happy heart.

Birthday Sugar Cookies were a special request from Dennis.  I opted for a variety of heart shaped cookies...some chocolate dipped, some chocolate drizzled, some glazed and some sugar sprinkled.  The result was a beautiful platter worthy of my friend.

Friday was Dennis Day.  I met him at First Watch for breakfast and cookie delivery.  The cookie platter caused quite a stir and Dennis loved every minute of it.  He proudly told anyone that would listen that I baked the cookies and even shared a chocolate dipped morsel with the restaurant manager. 

Friday night was Ryan time.  I headed to Jacksonville to help Ryan move and share a decadently delicious dinner at Bistro Aix.  Ryan chose my entree, dessert and even picked up the tab.  This was the cherry on top of my tasty week.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Rich, Full-Bodied and Deliciously Decadent (Part 1) - Days 170-173

Leave it to me to use food adjectives to describe the past few days of my joyful life.  Much has happened since my last post.  Each day added the perfect ingredients...leaving me with an exquisite week to savor.

It all started on Tuesday, the anniversary of one of the best days of my life...the day I married my best friend, Mike Paiva, eight amazing years ago.  We celebrated at one of our favorites, The Ravenous Pig, with wine, beer, caramel corn (the best ever!), biscuits (also the best ever!), charcuterie, mussels and great conversation.  We left with full bellies and happy hearts. 

Tuesday was also special because I met with Jen, owner of Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux, to discuss entrepreneurship and the possibility of putting Heartsong Cookies in her cafe.  Jen offered great insight into starting a business and reinforced the fact that I have to make money.  She really liked the breakfast cookies I dropped off last week on a whim and gratefully accepted the White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan and Ginger Peach Almond Cookies I brought to the meeting.  She must have liked them as well because I received an e-mail a couple of hours later extolling the virtues of the WCBP Cookie.

Tuesday was a joyful day indeed...all the ingredients were coming together for the perfect week.

On Wednesday, Morgan and David added some laughter and warmth to my life stew.  We met at Siam Garden for lunch to discuss the Save The Date piece for their wedding, my website progress and life.  Morgan asked me a simple question that touched my heart and made me think.  She asked me what words of wisdom I could share about marriage as they embarked on their life together.  My answers were not profound.  I simply said...talk about anything and everything, laugh, don't take each other too seriously and don't try to make the other into something they are not.

Morgan and David are amazing individuals that together will be an unstoppable force.  I see qualities of myself in Morgan and qualities of Mike in David.  If their pairing is half as wonderful as my life with Mike, they will be blessed with a joyful life together.

Well I am only halfway through the recipe and feel like I have written a novel.  I think it is best to make this a two parter.

Many hugs and joyful days,
Kathy

Savor Every Tasty Morsel of Life - Day 169

This morning I was reminded once again how important it is to savor every tasty morsel of life.  My friend Sandy sent me a sobering e-mail.  Her friend and downstairs neighbor Carl had passed away suddenly and she was extremely sad.  She needed someone to talk to.  She needed a hug.  I offered to stop by for lunch and she quickly accepted.  We met at one of Sandy's favorite lunch spots near UCF, El Corral, for a little comfort food.  Sandy tearfully shared the few details she had of Carl's passing.  They believe he passed away from a heart attack or stroke sometime Thursday night.  Carl was only 58 years old.  As a vegetarian that watched what he ate and exercised regularly, it seemed unthinkable that he would die so young.  Sandy was numb.  Someone that was so integrated into her daily routine was gone and she was sad...very sad.  She felt like there should have been something she could have done.

I fumbled for the right words to say to offer comfort.  They never came.  Instead I listened and I told her how glad I was she was in my life.  I told her that maybe Carl's passing was another reminder of just how important it is to savor every moment.  She agreed.  I don't know if I made a difference.  All I know is that once again a strangers' passing had a profound impact on me.  It made me very thankful for days like yesterday.  Days spent in leisurely bliss with my husband.  Days when I saw the world around me in a whole different light.  Where I noticed the beauty in the the little things and savored every tasty morsel of life.  I need a whole lot more of days like that.

Many hugs,
Kathy 

Approved! - Days 165-168

"Approved"...the most beautiful word I have seen in print in a very long time.  That was the word that jumped off the page when I opened the FedEx package from my second mortgage company on Thursday night.  It had been almost three months of aggravation and worry since I submitted my loan modification.  Not a word was heard until that beautiful letter.  Approved!  APPROVED!  I was approved for a loan modification that will cut my payment in half.  I will actually be able to make the new payment.  I haven't stopped happy dancing since I read that word.

I happy danced my way through the commercial kitchen all by myself on Thursday night and made cookie dough for the market on Saturday.  I happy danced my way through the kitchen again on Friday night with the help of my friends Kenda, Mark, Dennis, Morgan and David.  I cranked out cookies and they bagged them...laughing, talking and smiling all the way.  It was truly a beautiful sight as I peered from the kitchen door.  There they were...all five of them huddled around the table helping me.  I am truly blessed.  Their generosity of spirit gave me an extra 2 hours of sleep before the market on Saturday.

Saturday at the market was cold and windy and yet warm and comfortable with the spirit from the customers and the other vendors.  We had a blast and actually sold almost all our cookies.  Customers seem to be in the mood for something different because my new creations - Ginger Peach Almond and Dark Chocolate Peppermint Pattie were the best sellers.  I had visits from Sheri, Noah and Sarah, my mom, my brother and several of my regular customers.  I bartered for a cream puff, a slice of pound cake, an heirloom tomato, lots of produce and a beautiful bromeliad.  All in all it was another great day at the market.

Saturday night I baked sugar cookies for a safari themed baby shower.  The color scheme was brown, blue, yellow, green and pink.  Some were iced with almond glaze and spinkled with sugar, others were dipped in chocolate.  They were simple and cheery and very tasty. 

Sunday was a heavenly day.  Mike and I got up and embarked on our cookie delivery adventure.  Erin loved the cookie platter and that alone would have made my day, but it just kept getting better.  We consulted Urbanspoon for brunch ideas in the area and decided on Peach Valley Cafe.  What a great choice it was!  Warm Apple Fritters coated in cinnamon sugar taste extra good when enjoyed outdoors with a nip in the air and clear blue sky overhead.  The omelets were equally amazing.  It was a perfect way to start the day.  After lunch Mike and I wandered down to the Seminole Wekiva Trail that runs behind the cafe and became inspired for a walk...a nice long walk.  We drove back to Altamonte, parked at Sanlando Park and headed out on the trail.  I happy danced the entire 5.47 miles of our hike, stopping along the way to photograph the beauty.  I loved this day.  Time with Mike, good food, cookie hugs, nature and exercise.  Perfection.  Happy Dance.  Hugs for everyone!

Many, many hugs,
Kathy

When Life Hands You Lemons...Day 164

This week has been quite an adventure and it is not even half over.  Life has been heaving lemons at me at a rapid fire pace.  So far I am getting pretty darn good at playing dodge ball and somehow even have a smile on my face. 

It all started when I set out for work on Monday morning...my car wouldn't start.  After a jump start, a trip to two service departments, and a lost work day it was determined my car was "absolutely fine". 

Then came Tuesday and out the door I headed to my "absolutely fine" car.  Problem was...once again it would not start.  This time I had no Mike or Ryan to jump start my day, so I gave AAA a call.  An hour and $113 later I was on my way thanks to Sebastian from AAA and a new battery.  According to Sebastian my car was "absolutely fine". 

Problem was...my car was just pretending because Wednesday came along and guess what?!  You guessed it...my "absolutely fine" car would not start for the third day.  Another call to AAA and this time Phil came to my rescue, jumper cables in hand.  He ran tests, jump started the car, waited for it to charge, ran more tests and determined my car should be "absolutely fine" to drive to the dealership service department.  I thanked him and watched in the rear view mirror as he loaded his gear and headed down the road.  Then I turned my attention back to my "absolutely fine" car and the smoke that was billowing from the air conditioner...the air conditioner that was not even turned on.  I jumped out of the car and ran down the street after AAA Phil.  Thank goodness he saw me, jumped out of the truck and quickly determined that towing was the only answer for my mixed up car. 

Unfortunately Phil was not in a tow truck, so an hour later a new AAA buddy came into my life.  I honestly can't remember his name.  What I do remember is his colorful personality.  I spent the entire trip to the dealership listening to his view of the state of our country.  His catch phrase was "C'mon now".  In fact, I think that is the name of his new political movement..."The C'mon Now Party".

Hours passed at the dealership with popcorn, movies and jovial conversation with Vernon, my service adviser.  We bonded over talks of our dwindling income and creative ways to pay my service bill.  It turned out my "absolutely fine" car had a relay issue that kept the blower motor running even when the car was off.  $244 was the damage to my wallet....a whole lot of lemons.  But somehow I left with a smile.

Mike, my superhero of a husband, drove all the way from Gainesville to save the day and greeted me as my car was pulled around.  He took me to lunch and everything was right in the world.  I survived the lemon barrage and had stories to share.  After all, life is all about the stories...and lemonade.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Farmers' Market Good - Days 159-163

Tonight I celebrated my recent farmers' market cookie sales success with a yummy dinner for one.  A dinner made with fresh produce from the market.   I started with the best salad ever...a mix of romaine, cherry peppers, strawberry onion, cukes and black heirloom tomato.  Then came fresh green beans cooked with a little bacon, dill and garlic and a side of wild rice.  Strawberries drizzled with honey and toasted coconut made for a tasty dessert.  You could taste the market freshness in every bite...and the love behind it.   

This is what makes me happy.  This is what fuels my soul.  I need more of this and a lot less of everything else.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Mini Posting Break - Day 158

I need to take a mini break from posting to spend some time with my husband.  I promise to be back in a day or two.  Heartsong Cookies will be at the Lake Mary Farmers' Market this Saturday, 1/15 from 9-1:30.  Come join us for some tasty treats to warm your heart. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

GPS For A Lost Soul - Day 157

When 2011 began, I was a lost soul.  Depressed and confused, I was searching for direction.  I needed someone or something to show me the way...a GPS for a lost soul.  My map unfolded over the last week.  It began with magical conversations with my friends Carolyn and Rita.  Continued with "Stream of Consciosness List Sunday" with Mike at B3 Cafe.  And today it completely unfolded in the most unlikely of places.  My direction became clear as can be at...the memorial service for Frank Soley.  Frank passed away on Saturday, January 8.  It was far too early for his life to end.  He was a young sixty years old hit by a car while riding a bike.  I did not know Frank very well.  I had only met him once or twice many years ago.  But I knew many of the people he touched.

Today on a beautiful, cold, crisp day in Polasek Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park, family and friends gathered to honor Frank.  As I surveyed the crowd, I was struck once again by how many people can be touched by just one person.  One very special person.  A person with a passion for life.  A person with a generous spirit.  A person that made everyone he came in contact with feel important.  A person that made everyone's life better.  A person that wished to go out in a blaze of glory...not wither away into oblivion.  Frank's wish came true on Saturday and we are all better for having him on this earth.

No, I did not know Frank well.  But I vow to live my life the way he did.

Thanks Frank for my GPS.

Many hugs,
Kathy

The Cookies Stars Are Aligned - Day 156

Tonight was one of those nights...those rare nights when everything came together just right.  The dough was the perfect consistency.  The cookies baked to the perfect shade of golden brown.  The size was perfect - not too big, not too small.  The cookie centers were soft and moist.  The cookie edges crisp and brown.  Tonight all the cookie stars aligned.  Tonight cookie perfection was achieved and it felt so good.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Baking and BCS - Day 155

Breakfast Cookies baking in the oven with the faint scent of toasted almond in the air...BCS National Championship on TV...my loving husband perched in his favorite chair in my line of vision as I write my blog.  It doesn't get much better than this.  A feeling of contentment overwhelms me.  No silly financial strife can ever take this feeling away.  I am wealthy beyond compare.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Late Start, Great Finish - Day 154

My day was cut a little short by catch up sleep from the day before.  I hate to admit it, but I did not drag my butt out of bed until 10:58...TEN FIFTY EIGHT!  Oh my, half my day was over before it even began.  The plus was the extra sleep left me full of energy to tackle the day.  I was ready for a day of list making and accomplishments.

Mike and I started our day with a trip to our new favorite haunt...Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux, a charming neighborhood cafe in the Audubon Park district.  We arrived, lap top and notebook in hand, with the intention of making plans for our year of new beginnings.  We left with bellies full of great sandwiches and a notebook full of a stream of consciousness list of 39 items to tackle in 2011.  I found this exercise liberating and therapeutic.  It was fun to take all the stuff clogging up my thoughts and purge it on to paper.  By the time we drove home I already crossed two items off the list.  By the end of the day, two more items were nearing completion. The day may have been a late start, but it was definitely a great finish.  

Many hugs,
Kathy

Sold Out - Days 152 and 153

Today I rolled out my new breakfast cookie at the Lake Mary Farmers' Market and to my surprise it was the first to sell out.  With an almond butter base and loads of dried cherries, bittersweet chocolate chips and Marcona almonds, this dense and hearty cookie seemed to strike a nerve with the customers.  They liked it and that made my heart sing.  They also seemed to like my other newcomer - White Chocolate Peach Pecan.  All these vanishing cookies make me want to continue my experimenting ways in the weeks to come.  I can hardly wait for the Flav-o-matic option to go live on my website.  Customers will be able to choose the items they would like to see in a cookie and I will do my best to make their cookie dreams come true.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Breakfast Cookie Experiments - Days 150 and 151

The last two evenings have been spent experimenting with healthier alternatives for the new year.  Wednesday night I baked a batch of breakfast cookies from an American Diabetes Association recipe.  The result was a high fiber, low sugar, low fat, fairly tasty breakfast sponge.  I liked the taste, but didn't really care for the texture.  However, my taste testers seem to like them.  I, on the other hand, missed the fat. 

So...tonight I tried out a new breakfast recipe from the King Arthur Flour web site.  I made a few tweaks to give it the Heartsong touch.  Instead of peanut butter, I used almond butter.  My add ins included lots of bittersweet chocolate chips, chopped Marcona almonds, dried cherries and a little toasted coconut.  I liked this one better.  It is still hearty and dense, but has a texture closer to a fat full cookie.  I think this recipe may be farmers' market worthy.  Tomorrow I will let my taste testers decide.

Many hugs,
Kathy

KT Tunstall - '(Still A) Weirdo' Lyrics Video (HD)

Feeling Blue - Day 148

Today I did a battle with the blues all day long.  Thank goodness for Mike, Carolyn, Carolyn's mom, Alana, Rita, Beatriz and Ryan.  They all played a part in making my blue start to the new year a little rosier.  I can blame the blues on the post holiday let down...or hormones...or financial strife.  But I really think it has everything to do with feeling a little lost.  My year of new beginnings needs a road map and I haven't quite found it yet.  It is a shame there is not a Mapquest for lost souls.  I could use some step by step directions right now.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Another Christmas Packed Away - Day 147

The ornaments are packed away.  The nutcrackers are wrapped up.  The lights are turned off.  The tree is at the curb.  The living room looks naked.  Another Christmas is in the books.  It was a fabulous Christmas.  Though the presents were few, the time spent with loved ones was priceless.

After a brief baking sabbatical, I am looking forward to the new year.  I have researched healthier cookie alternatives and have several ideas for the farmer's market this weekend including a fudgy, gluten free cookie, a whole grain cookie, a low sugar cookie and a hearty breakfast cookie.  Here's to new beginnings for Heartsong Cookies in 2011.

Many hugs,
Kathy

A New Day - Day 146

One One One One...a new day of a new year of new beginnings.  I began this year by doing absolutely NOTHING and it was oh so fun.  I sat on my butt, checked Facebook every few minutes, played a litte Words with Friends with my "friend" Ryan, watched lots of football...even a Gator win, and ate traditional New Year's fare of black eyed peas and greens.  Just got back from a walk around Crane's Roost with Mike.  We soaked in the cool night air, the last of the holiday lights and talked more football.  I wish every day in 2011 could be this good!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Happy Year of New Beginnings - Day 145

I love the beginning of a new year.  It it a time of self reflection...a time filled with hope for the future...a time for re-evaluation...a time filled with new possibilities.  I have so many thoughts and dreams swimming around in my head.  My heart tells me it is time for a change.  My head confirms it.  I just have to figure out what that change will be.   It is scary and exciting.  Stay tuned...

Many hugs for the new year!
Kathy