Well, the first full and true week of operation has come and gone and I have the oven burn marks to prove it. The week was one of long hours of preparation, shorter hours of being open to the public and even shorter hours of sleep. But, all in all, I loved it. In fact, I love it so much that there can be no turning back now.

Folks seemed to like the menu and also were quite comfortable with the prices charged, the portions given and, most importantly, the cleanliness of the cafe. As the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer that was very nice to hear! Jazz and Christmas music played in the background, the smell of freshly baked bread and hot coffee filled the air and patrons would walk in and out for a little smakerel here and a menu there.

No that I am open, I figure that I need to remain a consistent presence in the community, market, market, market and keep listening to what people want and provide it in a way that makes sense. I also need to actually open the "market" section of Cornerstone and I will begin looking for local artists, potters, writers, etc. so that I can highlight the talents and wares of our artistic community.

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Well, at long last and after much time, effort and energy, Cornerstone Country Market & Cafe is ready to open this Wednesday, December 1st. This has been the hardest job i have ever loved and has been a trip to say the least. While I did open, sort of, a couple of weeks ago I am finally ready to open five days a week. Wish my luck my LBB family and send your warm, loving vibes when you can.

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Hello everyone. It's been awhile since I have been here.  So I guess it's time for an update. First thing I found a job in August 2010. I'm working at Koons Ford, Falls Church VA as a sales consultant. If you are looking for a new or used vehicle give me a call at 301-509-8029.

Second I'm very close to achieving my weight goal for the year. My goal was 168 lbs. This morning was 171 lbs,  I've been fluctuating 169 to 171 for 4 weeks or so. I need to work on the blood pressure though, hope to have health insurance again soon.

I still have a bunch of challenges, but my state of mind is much better and my outlook has improved.

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We spend most of our waking moments with this question in our conscience...

"where am I going? What am I doing? Where am I headed? How will I get there?"

...without ever spending more than five minutes looking at where we came from and marveling at the loves, selfishness, laughs, sacrifice, selflessness, heartache and break, generosity, and wishful thinking that actually got us to where we each stand today.

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You know I am so blessed to have people like Diane in my corner. With a angel like that spurring me on, how could I do anything else but succeed. Diane I thank you for your energy, for your passion and  life energy.

I say this because the past week has been most interesting as far as my dreams go. Believe it or not I have been able to partner with two wonderful souls to begin a new venture that we hope to kick off in the very, very near future. Hobnobbin' Catering Company will be appearing at an event near you so be on the look out. I am so very, very excited at the possibilities and for having such wonderful partners.

Then I had met a gentleman who is going to allow me to use his Nibblenook Diner kitchen a night or two a week to launch the reincarnation of Country Comfort Foods to local farmers markets and businesses. Basically, the name Country Comfort Foods belongs to a national food chain and they are none too happy that I have used it although it did not appear in the name databases that I researched. That said, I have to come up with a new name and am open to suggestions. But isn't it great that this gentleman has agreed to let me use his kitchen? Is this great or what!!!

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It was a Herculean effort to get together yesterday to head out to Vaux-le-Vicomte chateau for a day of leisurely lunch and scenic strolling on the grounds of a beautiful castle in France. Sometimes you just need to take a day to recharge your batteries and enjoy doing nothing but enjoying! Easier said than done!

I spent the day with Alice, her sister and niece, starting with a delicious lunch to celebrate her mother-in-law's birthday and followed up with a long afternoon at the chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte.  

No deep thoughts or points to ponder... just a smile and gratitude to have shared a wonderful day with Alice's family. XO

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I decided not to move forward with the insurance position. I have decided to rebuild my online sales efforts. I will be increasing my efforts on eBay starting immediately. I will also be working with this webpage soon. I will put Amazon on hold for now, but I will work on Amazon next year. I will tweet daily updates on Twitter id @forsalebykurt

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Today was a rather interesting day on the path to dream land. Seems that one can never quite anticipate what is coming around the corner and simply has to enjoy and embrace the experience as it approaches. For me, this means being open to new and unexpected twists and turns along the way. Basically, through active listening and being willing to hear what was being said to me without judgment, I was able to find a way to support myself while still pursuing my dream. If I was not open to this counsel, both in source and in message, I would have cut myself off from this possibility thereby setting back, at the least, or seriously deferring progress.

What a learning experience this was for me. And they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Hah!!!

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The events of the past weekend, both personal and observed, have convinced me that it is time for each of us to take a deep breath, slow the heck down and start fresh. From earthquakes, mine disasters, an unexpected loss of a loved one to the loss of a job that we identified too strongly with, it is time to slow down and take stock in who we are, where we were and what we are going to do in the minutes, days, months and years ahead.

Nothing is guaranteed to us except for choice. We are guaranteed our right to choose. Be it a course of action, a way of being, to be happy or not, everyday we have an opportunity to "choose" what our future will hold. My request and my pledge is to choose friends, family and balance over trappings, stress and the emptiness of strangers. I choose to do all I can to create a life that I will be proud of, secure in and will benefit those around me. I choose to move away from those who wallow, complain and conspire. I choose to make the world around me, both near and far, a better place and I choose to embrace my children and appreciate each one for who they are. I choose forgiveness over a grudge. I choose to forgive myself from my past, accept my present and embrace my role in creating my future.

This is my choice. What's yours?

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I'm working on a project and decided to pull out the Crayolas to try a few things. There is something gratifying about that old, used box of 64 featuring "The Built-In Sharpener"... the smell, the bright colors, the endless possibilities... even shooting the photo you see here was fun! Inspiration in a box! 

We've recently had a few discussions in "The Water Cooler" group about how to get your 'self' back following a set-back or rejection... lots of wise advice given by wise LBBers! 

Our Recipe Round-Up discussion has elicited some great photos and recipes. I'm going to head to the market and get some bright orange carrots to try the Carrot Curry soup!

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