Monday, July 2, 2012

Delicious Dreaming

I have big dreams.  So do my daughters, who have not become daunted by the harsh world yet.  Apparently I haven't either, come to think of it.  Anyway, we want to do lots of great things in this world, one of which is to start a bakery/coffee shop which serves healthier alternatives to all-out gorge-fest typical sweets.  The other day, like many days of the past, we made one such recipe, called Melody's Applesauce Cookies. It basically contained a hodge podge of basic baking ingredients along with oatmeal, cinnamon, applesauce, less sugar and fat, and a dash of flax.  It was delicious, and whether it was my imagination or not (I really don't care if it was), I had more energy that day, and every day after that until they were gone (which was admittedly, the next day).  The power of the mind is strong indeed, and so is the fuel you put in your body.  So, it's a fun thing to think and dream about teaming up with this great family of mine to rock out a better alternative to the local Starbucks or posh but sickeningly sweet neighborhood bakery.

I imagine our bakery (currently known as "The Wildflower Bakery & Coffee Grind") to have plenty of healthier but still tasty sweets made with whole grains and less sugar, well-worn books to peruse, a few classic board games, a tea station with natural herbs, plenty of bagels and cream cheese, a couple of comfy couches and chairs, hummus and pita, salads, and all kinds of coffees and non-coffee drinks since I loved working that scene as a college student.  Since I am on the fantasy wagon, another dream is to have a few rooms available to rent out for people to teach music, do therapy sessions, or tutor, as well as a small living room like semi-conference room where at least one day a week we offer free or low-cost (cup of coffee) seminars for people on a variety of wellness topics.  I could cover my psychology topics with my counseling license, like boundaries, self-care, volunteerism-boosting depression, etc, as well as have friends and family join me by offering casual but informative training conferences on nutrition, theology, philosophy, and a number of other interesting topics.  On other days, this living room type space can be used for music shows or small theatrical productions.  I love the idea of community building and improving the quality of life for ourselves and others on a regular basis.

For now, while baby Jack is in diapers for many years to come it will happily remain a dream while I puruse other interests, like teaching, writing, and therapy, which are great but less all-inclusively time-consuming.  One day, like in fifteen years, I may just go for it.  Until then, if anyone wants to try it before me, have at it, I will gladly be one of your best customers.  Especially if you have a toddler area.  Hmmm...another idea coming to mind.