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