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