You know that a cafe is in my future. It is, especially when everything I read or happen to see, seems connected to my dream of owning a cafe or B&B. Its just going to happen.
But as I read, and learn...I see where the idea is still perfecting in my imagination. Maybe I am still creating it....in my mind and when I know what I want exactly....it can present itself. That would be nice.
A few years ago it was going to be a cottage operating as a B&B and another small cottage for me to live in. With a big barn and an apartment for a caretaker. It was going to have small cabins and a pond, and gardens, a gazebo....pet cabins in the back for dogs who travel. Because they wont get to stay in house but they can have their own cabin. Maybe not ideal, but it would be nice nonetheless. The idea is that people were going to get away for a few days, maybe even get married here, honeymoon here, or just be passing through and those that did...would appreciate a simpler stay...with no fancy electronics in the room, at all. Besides outlets for the stuff they bring....there would be no electrical anything in the rooms....lots of peace and quiet....but have access to free Wi-fi and a giant TV in the main sitting room and a lap top to borrow with an office they can use if needed. With modern features like a wireless access to a copier/printer/scanner/fax machine. And of course, I would have books everywhere in nooks and crannies, for anyone to borrow while they were there.
But everyday the cafe would be open, to anyone that showed up. Like an everyday business. I would make baked goods, jars of jam, make soaps, and small toiletries for a guests stay. But have a little gift shop or shelves in the cafe too for anyones access. During a slow season I could offer a presentation and show people how I make my cupcakes, cookies, jam or my soaps. still love the idea of that. I love thinking about it! And learning to make those cookies, breads, jams and soaps, and toiletries...I love creating the visuals in my mind. I see it when I type about it.
But all in all a sweet quiet retreat of sorts. Nothing fancy, mostly rustic and simply designed. Using eco friendly anything and everything everywhere I can. Keeping it simple and easier to care for over the long haul. Making life in all areas, easier for everyone involved.
But now, I see it as a little more....zen. Not just a semi-rural country side cottage. But more like a hybrid retreat. With a quiet meditation room, a yoga studio, a working veggie and herb garden. Chickens for eggs and loaded with good foods that the normal everyday person might not even notice that my country biscuits are vegan, that the veggie burgers are handmade, that unless I am serving actual meat or eggs...everything else you eat is vegetarian or vegan. So youu can be healthy eating mindfully and it will appear in your stay very easily, quietly, without a lot of notice. But offer meats from local family farms, only our in house eggs....and feel good foods like many indulgent options but I can bake yummy treats with healthier alternatives that the average Joe wouldn't even notice. But I could shock them with the good news....like when they send a compliment to the chef, the response would be a delightful thank you and a surprise recipe card of the dish sent to them after their stay.
Anyway...the cafe still would have its charms on its own...like the quarterly food drive/giveaway. I am big in to giving back and would love to have 4x a year a food drive or giveaway. Open to anyone that shows up, of any income, any family size. etc. Just have a buffet and offer it for the holidays, and let everyone bring a gift as a donation and then on their way out, they all get a gift in return as they leave. Give out turkeys at Thanksgiving. A summer BBQ and give out extra veggies and fruits from our garden, or let people come pick.... have a yoga instructor volunteer their time and offer a free class occasionally. Just to get people trying it. Let kids and teens come with their art for an art sale...and let them get $$ for their art, win prizes for their work, more creative use of crayons or eco-friendly art etc....and I could sell baked goods and smoothies, then donate portions to a local art studio and give out coupons for the studio etc...an exchange of sorts.
Sometimes I forget that I can network and get other businesses to work with me, and we can exchange services and help each other out. I don't have to have it all....but I can get it. And I can send you business and you can send me business. Like - I know this amazing life celebrant who performs marriage ceremonies. It would be amazing to have her join a couple there, a few times or even just once. Maybe even for me and my hubby to renew our vows one day. That would be ridiculously amazing.
But the premise...is to give people a truly peaceful retreat, in the country charm we imagine...in the cottage style of appearance, but with an all accepting zen clean feel and a natural state of quiet and simplicity. Surrounded by all the elements of earth, like a pond, trees, a rock garden. A fire pit. A grilling area. A gazebo to sit and enjoy the summer nights. Walking paths for morning walks or a walking meditation.
Yeah its flooding my mind lately.
