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
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
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
Many hugs,
Kathy
Saturday, June 18, 2011
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
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
Thursday, June 16, 2011
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
Many hugs,
Kathy
Monday, June 13, 2011
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
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
Saturday, June 11, 2011
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
Many hugs,
Kathy
Friday, June 10, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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 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
Sunday, June 5, 2011
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
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
Thursday, June 2, 2011
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
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
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