Saturday, January 2, 2010

And a Happy New Year...

There's one thing that is certain--change. When people have said this to me in the past, it always made me uncomfortable. I think maybe the thought of change just made me feel not in "control". Not that I'm a control freak, or anything:). But this year I know things are changing--right away actually--and I welcome all the good things that these changes will bring.

Just a year ago, we opened our doors with $300 and prayers. It was "do" or "close" and everyday I prayed people would find us because we did not have money for advertising (you wouldn't believe how much that stuff costs!) I prayed people would like us and tell others because our source of advertising would have to be word-of-mouth. It still has to be that way, honestly. I'd rather pay better wages than advertise.

And after being closed since Christmas Day, I am praying once again--that people keep coming and new people find us and people enjoy our space, and that this year I pray more and believe my prayers will be answered and stop all the dag'on worrying because it has done nothing but age me. Seriously.

We're opening up at 7am-7pm Tuesday-Friday and 8am-6pm on Saturdays--change number one! We will have a small breakfast menu--change number two! We're staying open an hour later for those who want dinner--change number three! These changes will be well received--claimed changed number four!

I get these daily emails from a site (www.tut.com) which sends me inspirational tidbits to brighten my day. The last one I opened said how wonderful 2010 would be for me in every way, but that I needed to do one thing: Dream Bigger.

'Nough said.

I'm dreaming bigger and wish you all do the same (and please, make them sweet dreams, not "what-if-the-worst-possible-scenario-always-happens-to-me" ones). I am so grateful for all the people who wish us well, who come and support this dream of ours...my heart is full of love and hope and belief in my dreams.

That's change number five! The best one yet.

Happy New Year.

grace & peace,

reine

7 comments:

the jen said...

Hello, you two! I have two things to say:

-Reine, I have been meaning to come in to your shop and get a cupcake for the longest time, and I'm happy to say that the new hours should allow me to do so! I work at Cardinal Glennon on the night shift, and I often pass by Sweet Art when I'm cutting down 39th to avoid Grand at rush hour. :D So happy to see the passion!

-Cbabi, I think your art website has just restarted my desire to get back on the creative bandwagon and just paint like I used to do. You will find an audience if you do what you love, and your site reminded me of that. :D

Beautiful family. Much peace!

SweetArt said...

Hi Jen,

Glad to hear the new hours will bring you in. Can't wait to meet you...and thank you for such sweet words. Please do paint...pick up that brush or pencil, etc and just go for it. Stay tuned, Cbabi will be offering a painting night class in a couple of weeks.

take care.

grace & peace,

reine

Sallie Ann said...

Dream big, indeed! You have a gem, and I can tell you, I can't wait to get back to St. Louis! Best wishes for 2010!

PB and Jess said...

I just got back in town (I was gone for two weeks) and can't wait to stop by! Happy 2010! :)

My birthday is coming up on the 25th, and you already know where my cake is coming from!

Lynn Alpert said...

OMG! Art and baked goods all in one place??? I will be visiting your place soon - I have been a fan of Cbabi's art for some time. I just saw that he is a fellow member of SCBWI and that's where I found your site-I'm really excited about visiting your place!!

VegaDeli: Vegan|Certified Kosher Cafe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
VegaDeli: Vegan|Certified Kosher Cafe said...

We are sending you all much love from VegaDeli. We keep tons of great comments and good things about you guys (no surprise there). Reine, your positivity and energy is so so deep, it's crazy cool. Love it. You are so on point about "change" too. BTW...we are out of your biz cards, so next time we get together we'll need more. I know you guys are busy; we feel ya. Hopefully one of these days we can get together again soon. In the meantime...keep doing what you're doing. We can smell that good stuff coming outta your kitchen...all the way out here in Chesterfield. Peace, Love and much more Happiness in 2010!

Your friends at VegaDeli
Aj & Leah