The other day I was talking to a friend about the cafe and all of a suddent I got it. The fact that I have a restaurant had not quite sunk in until that moment. It was sort of magical.
When you are creating something, you are in it and doing it and making it happen- and sometimes it is hard to step back and actually see what you have done.
Life takes time and effort...and moments of pause to reflect.
The rules have changed.
When I was growing up, all my friends lived within walking distance and we were able to interact organically. We went to the local school and our parents all knew each other. We did not set up play dates. We did not communicate on instagram or via text. The world was less complicated and yet, more connected.
These days we send our kids to Charter schools and Private schools - which means the kids come from all different parts of the city in search of a great education. Academically, these schools are a godsend, but Socially, they are a challenge. Creating connections outside of school is difficult. People are busy and parents are busy. Trying to connect takes effort and persistence.
We have not quite cracked the code for making and keeping plans with friends. There is a lot of coordination and a lot of driving involved. It is not clear whether the kids should make the plans and coordinate with the parents - or vice versa. We have had mixed success with both.
These days my daughter will have a playdate via facetime (both girls are in their own room talking and interacting as if they were together) which is very practical and somewhat meaningful.
Moving forward, I hope to figure out ways to nuture the friendships, not get swallowed up or sidetracked by social media , and find ways to create authentic connection.
My list is varied but you can see parts of it shining through every thing I do.
Building things. Shaping people's experiences. Providing jobs. Feeding people. Knowing. Working hard. Loving hard. Organization. Seeking. Documenting. Sampling. Doing good. Creating spaces. Encouraging others. Standing back. Family. Details. Friends. Meeting people. Making a difference. Believing. Soul work. No regrets. For the long haul.
Identify your bliss and make that your life's work.
5.5 hours on the plane with no internet, no email, no phone calls. Nowhere to be, no car to drive, no one expecting me to respond.
I have never enjoyed being on a plane as much as this one.
Lately, my head has been overstuffed with details, decisions, stress, business, life…. and I have barely had time to think my own thoughts.
On this plane, I have listened to my music, written blog posts, taken a nap, had a picnic, and watched a movie.
I literally could turn right around and fly home, and land feeling refreshed, ignited, and satiated. Sometimes a little down time is all you need to start to feel like yourself again. Add in some music and some rest – and you have a vacation.
time stands still in travel....
Download 03 You Are the Everything
This week we did a food lab to test various salads and sandwiches for Coffee+Food. Sampling different combinations, taking notes on the ingredients and presentation. Creating a training guide for the prep team that will make the food day after day.
The problem is that I am a random cook. I have no chef training. I do not measure. I fill my food with love and it usually turns out ok. But to create a menu that we will duplicate week after week, means dialing in the recipe and being able to pass on the information.
In getting ready for the tasting, I got self conscious about the way I "WING IT" in the kitchen. So I found myself GOOGLING "How to make a panini sandwich" and took note of the various techniques listed online. As we began to make the sandwiches, all the notes went out the window and we ultimately created our own techniques that will work with how we want the sandwiches to look and taste.
Our menu will be small and inspired. You will remember the kale salad and crave it over and over. You will think about the chicken salad and wonder what the special ingredient is that makes it so good. You will love our creamy salad dressing.
For someone who does not really like change, the past six months have been utter chaos with moving things from place to place, into storage, out of my warehouse, into a new space, & into new storage.
I keep settling in, organizing, and then moving again.
This time, it is to start construction on the Cafe which will be next to the Hollywood Art Studio. We should be open in a few months. Wish us luck !
When I love everything around me, I am constantly inspired.
When I have money in the bank, I am more able to think, feel, and live life.
When I invite people into my home, I am more connected and loving in the world.
When I am taking care of myself and eating right and exercizing, I have more to give.
Creating jobs and making money connects me to my community and my purpose.
Appreciate your life, find meaning in everything you do.
Eliminate what does not support your true self.
Love your life, work hard, play hard, be AWAKE.
painting by Adele Sypesteyn
