practical and meaningful

a tired so deep, after a high so high

The cafe is open.  After nine months of planning and construction and menu workshopping - we opened our doors on Monday.  In 4 days, we have had over 500 customers. We have gotten some really great press and unbelievable support from the neighborhood and friends.

Starting a new business is exhilarating.  We have been training and creating systems and making things happen. So much to do, so many people to greet. So much energy exerted.

The other day, as the adreneline started to fade, I got tired.  A deep, in your bones tired that not even the stellar coffee we serve, could revive.  I knew that attacking my pile of work was futile - so I took a hot bath and went to sleep.  It was deep and dark sleep, not my usual nodding slumber and when I woke up, I felt clearer and stronger than I have in years. 

I have always regarded sleep as a waste of time, but this week, it was the most practical and meaningful thing I could do. 

knowing when to get out of your own way

We are days away from opening the cafe and we are working hard finalizing the menu, tweaking recipes, and creating systems.  Yesterday I had a team of experts to help with the task and in a moment of clarity I realized that I needed to get out of the way and let them do their job.  It felt good to know it, and to admit it, and to walk away.  I was able to focus on the bigger picture, delegate more errands, and get a lot more done .

Knowing when to get out of your own way is both practical and meaningful.

learning new things every day

As we get ready to open the cafe, we are prepping, and cooking, and sampling, and learning new things every day. It feels good to learn new things.

testing the toaster

coffee+food....practical & meaningful

The Pavoni is a longtime treasure of mine that I have carted around and used worldwide and the mixmaster was my grandmothers (she was one of the best cooks I knew). I have held tight to both of these for years, and now I am happy to share them with patrons of the cafe as our mascots!  I just need a + sign to put between them!  love and love. coffee+food=love