Friday, Noonish

This is random.  I am sitting in the shop, reading my Oprah magazine.  A young, African American, guy walks in the door.  Super polite, soft spoken.  He says, "excuse me ma'am, sorry to bother you."  He goes on to tell me a story about he and his girlfriend recently moved here.  He does not have a job yet.  They want to get their kids in the school.  They need to ride the train up to Chicago to get the kids.  Some of what he said I could not hear.  He asked for $5.00.  I did not even hesitate.  I went and got him $10.00 out of my purse.  He shook my hand and thanked me.  He said he would be back around and repay me when he could.  I did not believe his story for a minute.  I have no idea what he wanted the money for.  He was dressed nicely, not shabby in anyway.  Drug addict or drunk did not jump out at me.  I am not sure how he randomly walked in my shop.  I am not on the main drag.  I am the only retail shop on my side of the street.  I watched him walk away.  He had a spring in his step.  He headed away from the train station.  That did not surprise me.  I never believed he was getting on a train.  There is not a train due for hours.  If I had to guess, I would say he went across the street for some food.  I really am not a sucker for everyone with a sob story.  People come in asking for donations for random causes quite often.  I do not automatically give them donations or money.  I have compassion, I just cannot help everyone. What I am saying is there is not a sign outside of my shop that says, Sucker.  I do not think I have been marked by hobos as a safe place for a free meal.  At least, I do not think I have been marked.
In cities people come across people asking for money frequently.  In my little town, that does not happen.  It felt like a test.  I knew it was the right thing to do.  At least today when I gave away money, I have made more than I gave away!

What Am I Doing

Summer just sucked my blogging out of me.  It was a disappointing summer.  I hoped the shop would have more business.  I keep making changes.  Trying to find unique things to draw people in the door.  It is shocking how many people in this little village have never been through the doors.  I will never understand it.  We do not have very many shops in town.  Any time a new one opens, I am thrilled.  Of course I am going to go and see what it has to offer.  Just crazy to me.  But, there is nothing I can do about it. 
I am at a cross road.  Do I stay with this and continue to make change?  Hope eventually more people come through the door.  Do I make a major change and sink even more money into this place?  That would be turning into a fancy coffee place or getting ice cream equipment.  Each would be fairly expensive.  Biggest decision, do I walk away.  Do I admit I cannot make money doing this and end it? 
This is what is on my mind right now.  All tough decisions.  I have put way too much money into Coco's in the 14 months it has been open.  I have learned so much.  I have met so many amazing people.  It has allowed me to become more involved in my community.  It has allowed me to interact more with kids.  I love that.  So many positive.
There are negatives besides the huge one of not making money.  I get super bored.  I am not stimulated intellectually.  When business is slow, I start feeling down.  I refuse to let myself look at this as a failure.  No matter what I decide, this has been one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life.
So people, there it is.  This is what consumes me right now.  I have a booth out of town this week-end.  Two weeks it is our Harvest Celebration in town.  After that, I look at making a serious decision. 
More to come.......