I’m a store owner.
- At February 24, 2014
- By Molly Chester
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5
I purchased a square-shaped, spiral notebook when I was 14, maybe 15. It’s about 7 inches on each side, 1” thick with a faded navy cover that has designs on it similar to the ones created by an old toy I used to have that held a pen still while a paper turned below it on a little wonky, Lazy-Susan.
In it, I put things that mean something to me, and not in any particular order or form – photos, quotes, clips from magazines, tickets, scribbles, drawings. My first entry was right in the middle of the book. Sporadic inspiration, I only pull it out when I’m moved by something. For example, I recently wrote, “’You are beginning to look like a dancer’ – 10/15/13.” My dance teacher Dennon called me over after class for those kind words. I felt like a happy kid when I heard his note, and the book keeps that feeling alive. Another day, I guess I was having a hard one because I drew a circle into a pie and labeled each pie piece with one of the following: family, job, friends, boyfriend, interests, location. And underneath, I wrote, “I changed all of these at once… remember that when you feel like shit.” Poor girl. Those are the fun nuggets that fill up this book. It actually has its own energy. I can feel it when I hold it in my hands.
One of the first entries in my book was an early dream about owning a little shop one day in the bottom floor of an old, soulful house. I’d live upstairs, of course. I wanted to call it either My Pink Elephant or The Polkadotted Horse. God only knows. But, I imagined it as a place where people could be creative together. Where each room featured items related to its purpose, such as the kitchen had cool gadgets and an espresso bar with a clever barista; the living room had stacks of great books by the fireplace. The bedroom would have feather pillows with tons of different colorful pillowcases from which to choose. All of my artistic friends would sell their wares there. You could buy an herbal tea (grown in the backyard garden) and sip it on the funky porch furniture with your dog at your side, because animals are welcome.
My dreams have shifted and morphed, but somehow, I now do own a store. And, it is officially open for business! Back to Butter is in the warehouse, and we’ve already gotten more orders than I dared to imagine. Thank you.
Whether you own a small store, like mine, or a large store, like you might. Or whether you’re a parent, or a doctor, or a volunteer. We have full lives these days, and sometimes, we need a healthy, traditional meal that doesn’t take a lot of time. John and I have Sauerkraut Quesadillas every Friday night. They sound a bit odd, but they’re so good. Recently, I’ve been breaking up leftover lamb burgers and tossing them inside with a bit of sun-dried tomatoes from last summer’s garden. Yum…
Try Sauerkraut Quesadillas for a busy Friday night, and while you’re here, what stories, quotes or bits would you write in your own little book? I’d love to hear them below.
Karen
Molly, you are such an inspiration! I hope you added some of your thoughtful comments in your New Cookbook. I am always encouraged by your notes.
Even though we have never met I feel as though I know you through your blog. I hope someday you have that cute little store you wrote about so long ago, right there on the farm. I would love to sit on the porch and sip tea and dream of far off places.
Congratulations, and thanks for dreaming and sharing those dreams with the rest of us.
PS – I received shipping confirmation on my Cookbook purchase I CAN’T wait!
Sandy Schrecengost
I suspect this initial “room” in your store is only the first evidence of your dream’s reality. Just hope I get to see lots of the additional pieces of proof that dreams really do come true. I am so proud of you. Love you so much, although as your mom…that comes fairly easily. BUT…I also like you with every fiber of my soul…and that isn’t always a given with parents and adult children. It happens when our hearts find people who bring more than they take. Sometimes, those people happen to be related. The overflow of goodness just draws us to them. I’m so blessed by you as both a daughter and a friend…gosh.
John
This is my favorite Friday dish. Congrats on the success of your book Molly,
Beth D.
Molly,
I really love the way you write. Your many talents continue to inspire me. Congratulations on your cookbook, I’ll be giving this as a gift to all my favorite cooks!
Love and miss you both!
Diedre Birkmeyer
Molly, I love this. I am a wife and a mother of 2 small preschoolers. I have always been drawn to living a life in a peaceful New England small town. I have always wanted to own a B&B and cook wholesome meals (with a southern hint as I am from the South). Everyone can enjoy the scenery, fireplaces, big front porches, etc. This inspired me to not give up on that dream and write it down. Maybe one day. Thank you.