The Cowboys

There are two brothers (The Cowboys) that are brought to the store every Wednesday by their sitter.  They love having this set thing they do.  Their Mom told me they do not like that she has a late class on Wednesday.  She bribed them with the candy store.  Now it is their thing.  Remember how when Norm would throw open the bar door on Cheers?  That is what it is like when The Cowboys come in.  They throw open the door like they own the place.  They chat with me.  This is their thing.  Their place.  I love that.
Last night the boys came in.  They were reminded by their sitter Halloween was the next day so no reason to buy tons of candy.  These boys like candy!!  I told the boys to come into Coco's to Trick or Treat.  They said, we will.  The older Cowboy said, "you aren't going to charge us for the candy are you?"  Really?   I said no.  They were excited to tell their Mom that they were coming to Coco's to Trick or Treat and did not have to pay for the candy.  They are going to get a bag full of candy tonight.  The fact they can get some for free from me is awesome.  Too funny!
Looking forward to having some kids come in tonight.  I will try to have my camera ready.

The Next Day

My mind was preoccupied by Jay last night.  I worried about where he went.  Hubby thought I should have tried to get him help.  I disagree because there was nothing about Jay that made it necessary to get him immediate help.  Most people would not have picked up there was something wrong with him.  He never admitted to being homeless.  He did not ask for help.  I think I did all I could do.  I let him have a rest and get warm.  I gave him coffee.  I gave him money and directions to get food.  If he did not buy the food, nothing I can do about it.  He did not come off as a druggie or drinker.  His appearance was well kept.  He mentioned that is important to him.  That he did not want to be perceived as sloppy.  Now it is a story without an ending.  I guess all of my encounters are that way.  His story is one that is too close to home and a bit haunting.
I can tell time by the trains now.  I don't hear every train.  Not because I can't.  The tracks are across the street from my shop.  I am able to block out sounds.  There have been four trains today.  I only noticed two. 
It is a sunny day.  I love sitting at the table by the window on days like this.  The sun is so warm.  There is not always things to keep me busy.  That is when I read and play on the computer.  Not good for the body.  I sit too much.  Starting today, I am periodically getting up and walking laps in my shop.  Sure, it will look crazy.  Has to be done!
Hope Jay made it to Bloomington.  Hope his cousin took him in.  Wish he really would get to attend culinary school.  Sigh!

He Said His Name Was Jay

Earlier a guy came in carrying a duffel bag and backpack.  Young, 26 years old.  He started talking to me about the train.  He wants the train to Bloomington.  He has a 6 hour wait.  He sits down and starts talking.  Talking and talking.  I gave him a cup of coffee.  He told me many stories.  One thing he was consistent about was that he is going to Bloomington to stay with his cousin.  He rambled quite a bit.  He said he spent last night in this town 20 miles north of here.  Mainly he walks.  My impression is that he is homeless, maybe mentally ill.  He sounds schizophrenic.  Not dangerous.  Friendly as can be.  The average person might not think he was mentally ill.  I picked up on a few things while he was talking.  He is exhausted.  He asked if he could put his head down.  I told him yes.  He wants to own a restaurant.  He loves food.  He showed me a food magazine.  He wants to go to culinary school.  I tried to find out if he worked.  Does not sound like it.  He says he has $10:00 for the train.  He dozed for a little while.  I would let him sleep her all day but not a great look for my shop.  He asked if people in my town are friendly.  I said not really but they would not hurt him.  He is an African American stranger in a mainly white town. 
Coach stopped by for an afternoon snack while Jay had his head down resting.  Coach motioned to me, what's going on.  I wrote him a note.  Several customers came in while Jay was here.  He spoke to them too.  He is very personable.
I asked him when was the last time he had food.  He said he thinks two days.  I told him I would give him money to go get a good meal but he would have to walk.  He said he would.  I gave him directions to a family style restaurant.  I told him he would pass Dairy Queen but I hope he would walk an additional block to get a good meal.  He said he would.  He was appreciative.  He asked if there was work he could do to pay me back.  I said no.  Just make sure he ate. 
I wish there was a place I could send him to sleep.  He said he was distracted and his phone was stolen.  Who knows if he really had a phone.  That happened in Chicago.  He still has a few hours until the train.  I'm sure I will see him back here before I close.  I told him if I do not see him that when he gets to Bloomington if he does not have a place to go there are some shelters.  The shelters will at least get him a warm meal. 
I know he was sent to me.  I wish I could say, do you have an illness.  I'm sure he would deny it.  I hope there is a cousin in the city.  I hope the cousin lets him stay.  He mentioned that family gets tired of him and sends him along his way.  Glad I was able to offer him money for a meal before I sent him off.  I thought about having food delivered so I knew he really ate.  But, I can't have people feeling uncomfortable when they come in the shop.  There was nothing about him that screamed, I want money for drugs or booze.  I really think he is just hungry and tired.  Now he will only be tired.

Ellen Was Her Name

This morning a lady came into my shop that was waiting for a train.  She had the times confused and had over an hour to wait.  By now you have probably figured out I can have conversations with anyone.  I sat down and we started chatting.  First about my business, how I got started.  She told me about the business her husband and she started.  Sad story, ending with a fire.  The topic comes up that her son has a benign brain tumor.  She tells me about how it is twisted around his brain stem.  It cannot be removed.  He had chemo to see if it would shrink it, it did not.  Radiation could cause brain damage.  She told me about the trials her son faces.  Daily headaches.  His fight to stay healthy.  Depression can set in.  I know about living with a child with an illness.  I talk about my son.  We discuss how life does not always go by our plan.  We connected on a few subjects.  She said she could talk to me because I was a stranger.  Her son does not want her talking to people about his illness.  Old Lady, I told her about your phrase, "It is not my story to tell."  She loved that phrase.  Said she would be using it.  God came into the discussion.  About if we have anger, do we feel punished.  I said, I do not.  I always have it in my mind that so many people are so much worse off than we are.  She agreed. 
When her son came off the train, I was thrilled to see him.  I'm looking at him feeling awed by the challenges he faces and fights to overcome.  She went to greet her son and they both returned.  He got a bag of candy.  His Mom handed me a religious pamphlet and told me her name was Ellen.  Odd that we never exchanged names during our long, personal conversation.  I will probably never see her again.  I will think of her.  It is another reminder that everyone has a story.  Many people are facing challenges that we cannot see.  I am sure there was a reason that Ellen and I met today.  The thing is our conversation was not tragic and woe is me.  It was about strength and parenthood.  Not about this how hard and terrible our children have it.  It felt like a positive encounter.
The first line that jumped out at me on the pamphlet was:  God has a plan for your life.  I feel that so much now.  Her visit reminded me of that.  I need to do my best and know that I am on a path.  Very positive meeting.

Fall Open House

I am planning to have a Fall Open House at the shop.  It will probably be in November.  This is what I know.  I want to have something special for kids.  Maybe story hour or a craft time.  Something to draw people with kids into the shop.  I will have a drawing for a door prize.  Thinking of inviting one or two people that have home based businesses to display their items for sale. 
Any other ideas?  Let your creative juices flow.

Check Up

Yesterday I had to close my shop early so I could go out of town for my physical.  I had not seen my doctor since she made the comment:  This is your one time on Earth, you need to find something that makes you happy.  Huge statement.  I think she has said it a few times.  I told her about how her statement set all of this in motion.  Her statement is the reason I finally made the decision to take a chance and open the sweet shop.  She was so excited about my adventure.  She had goose bumps when I told her the story.  She could not wait to tell the nurses about it.  She loved the name.  She is going to try to come visit the shop very soon.
There is a lesson to be learned here.  Words are so powerful.  Being supportive when someone needs help can move mountains.  We need to remember to use our words wisely.  So much easier to use our energy to be positive.  I try to have positive exchanges with all the people that come in my shop.  I want kids to come in my shop knowing they are welcome. 
I was drowning in negativity for a long time.  It was a hard pit to drag myself out of.  Years ago I read the book, Simple Abundance.  It is based on how being positive can turn lives around.  Keep a Gratitude Journal.  Write three things a day that you are grateful to have.  That makes people spend their day looking for good things.  I need to read the book again.  Great way to live life.
I am so grateful for my doctor.  She has helped me through some tough things.  She always takes the time to talk books with me.  Ask me what I am reading.  Makes suggestions on what she thinks I should read.  Hugs me when she thinks I need a hug.  That is why I will continue to travel out of town to see her.  She is an amazing person and doctor!
Be brave.  Jump off the diving board.  Ride the roller coaster.  Do the things you are most afraid of doing.  Live life.

International Conversation

It has been so long since interesting people have stopped by the shop.  Today I had a couple and their son from England.  They live in a village just outside of London.  I have a confession to make here.  I am fascinated by Little People.  I don't know why.  I guess it could be because growing up in a little town I never saw Little People.  Add to it that I watch two reality TV shows about Little People and my obsession has only intensified.  The couple's son was a Little Person.  He was an adult.  I tried to engage him in conversation, he did not have much to say. 
The man is a train engineer in England.  He said they are talking about a high speed train there.  I was telling him about our high speed train.  He said most people in England do not want it.  It will not save much time.  He was very excited when two trains went by while he was in my shop.  We chatted about nothing in particular.  They were headed back to Chicago.  He was able to cross two things off his bucket list when they came into town.  He saw Route 66 and a Frank Lloyd Wright Building.  The bank next to my shop is a Frank Lloyd Wright building. 
They are headed up to the big city to fly back tonight.  I gave him some detour directions to miss traffic.  He does not like all the traffic.  He said they rarely go to London because of the traffic.  Something I never heard before is in order to go into the center of London, you have to pay.  He said it would be approximately $15.00.  When you get there you have to find a coffee place or somewhere to pay.  If you don't, you will receive a fine.  They are tracked by their license plates.
They purchased a couple of items in my shop.  One is a Route 66 wood plaque my niece made.  The other was an upcycled Chicago Bears tunic top.  The lady said everyone will be talking about the shirt because it is so interesting.  She said every time she wears it she will think of me.  She did not mind spending money they have lots of money left from vacation because everything here is so cheap.  I said, does not feel like it from here.
They were in Louisville to visit a friend.  Linda said they have been friends since they were 5.  He moved away and they have stayed Pen Pals.  Easy Rider you would love that.
Once again, my favorite thing about the shop is meeting the interesting people.  They signed my guest book, Ed, Linda, and Chris. 

The Kid

Today, after school, two junior high girls came in.  They have been in a few times.  After hello, one of the first things they said was, "Is The Kid still dating (insert girl name)?"  I said, I don't know.  I am his grandma.  One of them told me she thought he was cute.  Which he is.  Super cute!  Really, more handsome than cute.  The one girl told me she would go out with him if he asked.  She giggled, don't tell him I said that.  Translate, please tell him I said so.  Which I did not do.  I do not care how much money girls spend in my shop hoping to get a glimpse of The Kid, I will not ask him out for someone. 
I might try to get him to spend more time at the shop if it attracts more girls.  They had a huge bag of change and were not afraid to spend it.
What happened to our sweet baby boy?  Sigh!!

Slow

Things have been soooo sloooow at the Sweet Shop.  I am very bored.  Being doing some reading.  Hard to write about interesting people when people are not coming in.
This morning an elderly man came in.  He was waiting for a friend who had their dog at the vet.  He bought a coffee.  Complained about the cost.  I guess if you compare it to some places it is more expensive.  I am charging for a good cup of coffee.  I have a reverse osmosis water system to purify the water.  I have a commercial grade coffee machine.  I have three flavors of syrup that people can put in their coffee.  He was excited about that.  He did say it was a good cup of coffee after he took a drink. 
What people consider expensive coffee is relative.  My brother goes to the bakery and pays .90 for a tiny cup.  It is horrible coffee.  It is a Mr. Coffee machine and I bet they use the water right out of the faucet.  Big YUCK!  Many people that have lived here forever are used to the terrible water.  Because I moved away, I recognize that yellow water is not going to be good.  I had such delicious water for years.  It is rare I drink water out of the faucet.  I have paid the outrageous price of coffee at Starbucks.  I never understood how people could pay so much for coffee until I had my first cup.  Cupadelicious!!  I love fancy coffee drinks.  If I thought it would be worth it, I would invest in fancy coffee machines for my shop. 
Back to the elderly man.  He sat down and chatted for a bit.  He lived in Cicero.  Over time most of his family came and settled in our little town.  Not sure how it started.  His mother is going to be 95.  She is in the nursing home here.  He has a sister in town, a daughter, and a niece.  He lives in an apartment.  He was telling all about snotty neighbors.  People that do not take care of their pets.  He talked about many subjects in a short time.  My impression is that he does not have many people to talk to. 
I enjoy having people stop by the shop to chat.  It is interesting to have conversations with strangers.  In my conversation with him, I did not have to say much.  Just listen.  I enjoyed that too.  Wish I had more travelers coming through.  Those are my favorite people to meet.  I enjoy hearing about their journey.  Remember when we were taught not to talk to strangers?  Sometimes strangers are the most interesting!!!

Shop Lifter

The two above are consistent shop lifters and beggars.  Always wanting candy.  Always hoping to get it free.  The one on the left is the biggest offender.  The other day she ran into my shop, before I knew what was happening she was scarfing on her favorite candy.  I said, did you pay for that?  No, I don't have to, you are my Grammy.  I said, I could call the police and tell them you took that candy without paying.  That is stealing.  She laughed and said, you are my Grammy, it is not stealing.  I said, it is if you do not ask before you take.
The little thieves have yoga class right next door.  The one on the left runs in during the middle of yoga.  We need water.  She opens the refrigerator and says, just one.  So.....she takes two bottles and turns to head out the door.  I say, do you have money to pay.  She said, Grammy it is your store, we don't have to pay.  Here is the funny part.  During the yoga class, her mother says, I forgot to get your water.  Mom goes to the refrigerator to get water, Coco is already out the door to take them from me.  Guess I should be happy she did not take water for the entire class.
This morning they came to visit again.  I watched the dog while they walked to the bakery.  They come back.  Coco has finished her donut and is drinking her milk.  I say, how was the bakery.  She says we never went to the bakery.  Trying to cover so I don't shut her down from entering my shop.  Don't worry she managed to get some candy before she left.  Her Mom did leave a few dollars.  Once again I asked Coco for money.  She said, you are Grammy.  I don't give you money.  At least the jelly bean bandit pays.
Going to be hard to make money at this shop.  Maybe I should have gone with something like a spice shop.

What Rain Means

It is raining today.  Off and on, rain.  What does this mean to my shop?  If you were at home, would you leave home in the rain to buy candy?  What kind of candy emergency would send you out into the rain?  Even if the candy were a gift to a friend, you would keep waiting for the rain to stop.  If you had to go to work and were going to be out anyway, you still would not stop.  Why add an extra stop to increase the frizz on your head.  If you did not have to work, you would take a nap in your recliner and hope the rain stops later. 
That said, the rain is making me want to nap.  I wish I had a recliner in my backroom.  (I know, there is not enough room for candy let alone a recliner.)  If there was a recliner in my backroom, I would be napping in it right now.  Seriously, napping.  Remember there is a bell on my door.  It would probably wake me.  I would come out with drool on my face and a look of, "you just woke me from a nap."  Coffee is not helping.  I have dozed off a couple of times in a very hard chair.  I have considered laying on the floor behind the counter to nap.  If people come in, I could pretend I was picking something up.  Like myself off the floor! 
I am reading a very, very funny book.  Unfortunately, reading is making me want to doze off today.  I just tried leaning on my hands looking at the computer screen.  If someone came in, they would think I was intently reading about how to get people into my store when it rains.  They would never guess behind the screen, I am sleeping.
There is the booth.  The high back faces the door.  I could nap and hope the door opening wakes me up.  The seat is very hard but I am very tired.  I am putting that at the top of my list.  Would it look odd if I bring a blankie and pillow to my shop? 
I should just close the shop.  Put a sign on the door, Went To Take A Nap.  People would understand.  Doubt it would look unprofessional.  People would cheer that I was being spontaneous.  Living the life.  Finding ways to destroy my business.  OK, that is probably not a good idea.
I really think leaning over my keyboard, hands on cheekbones, reading something very interesting is the way to go.  Well, I better get to work.  Lots of things to do today.  Really, not going to nap at all.  Busy, busy.  Probably going to dust.  Not nap at all.

Today

This is what I had to do this morning.  Pay bills.  No fun.  It is done.  I received a shipment of some toys.  Stocking up for........., not going to say it.  Too early.  I am stocking up for Fall.

 While I paid my bills, I looked out the window at this view.  So beautiful.  Tops of the trees are starting to change color.  Yesterday I pulled my petunias.  Planted mums.  I hated to pull the petunias.  They were so beautiful all summer.  Sigh......

I am attending an open house party on October 20th.  I will be setting up a couple of tables.  Selling candy, some gift items, making Halloween gift bags.  Should be fun.  Hoping it is successful.  It is in a town not too far away from here.  Hope I get some good exposure.  Meet new people.  Should be fun.  Something new to try.  The lady came in that is hosting it today.  She gave me details.  I am excited to see how it works for me.  If it is worth it, I will go to two more.  I think it will be worth it.

Now back to work.  The last two days I have remembered to pack a lunch.  Only takes a few minutes.  Makes me feel better all day!  I need to do it regularly. 
In case you were wondering, I did have one of my best Mondays the other day.  Still going to start closing on Monday.  New a day off.  At least until the holidays.