Monday, March 9, 2009

Falling Pieces and Sugar Plum-Turned-Cookie Trees

The pieces of my life are falling into place. It's magical... breathtakingly spell-binding... to watch.

Henrybella's bakery is turning out to be exactly what it's supposed to be. It comes with an old Wurlitzer piano in the corner, promising a free cookie to anyone who will play a tune. (And also promising a chance for me to throw open the big glass doors and play Mozart while bread bakes.) It comes with tables, heavy and old, ready to hear new conversations and welcome new generations. It comes with tall ceilings and antique furniture and lazy, spinning ceiling fans. It, in a word, is perfect.

Of course, I'm adding my own things. Books, for one. (You know how I adore words.) And wooden checker boards from old U.S. Navy ships. And hand-hewn wooden bread bowls. And German water pitchers. And a cookie tree. Yes, a whole tree. Not a fake tree, mind you, but a real tree, fallen down and rescued and sealed and brought in. Close your eyes and think of the Sugar Plum tree, only with beribboned and wrapped cookies instead of plums. Um... maybe you'll have to see it. I'm thinking it's one of those things you have to see in person.

Put it this way: henrybella's is unlike any place you've ever been before. Or ever will be. Come once and you'll remember it forever. It's a dream. It's my dream.

I have so much to do before I open a week from today. So if I'm scarce about this place, my apologies. It's just that the pieces of my life are falling, supernaturally, into place, and it's breathtakingly spell-binding to watch. And I don't want to miss a second...

54 comments:

paisley penguin said...

The only word I can think of is Serendipity. I'm so glad for you. If I make it to Texas any time soon I will certainly make Henrybella's high on my places to see list. Save me a cookie!

Michelle said...

I can't wait to see it all happen! You should stop by my new blog www.thevintagesage.blogapot.com. Its all about thinking positive and believing magic exists! Now if only I can believe it for certain tough parts in my life. *sigh* I just must believe. Good luck, Brin!

Unknown said...

Wow. So exciting! Can't wait to see everything in place.

Terri Steffes said...

My heart is overflowing.

a woman who is said...

So happy for you Brin. It is amazing from hind sight to see the hand of God when all around us it looks like sinking sand. I pray and hope your story will inspire many out there hitting on tough times.

"God was making a way were there seemed to be no way" He does that parting of the Red Sea thing quite well!

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

I'm praying this all goes together well for you!

Diary From Africa said...

Congratulations, Brin ! You deserve it all (and more) ... I am so happy to see that your dreams are coming true ....
Lynda, Kilimanjaro, East Africa

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

I am so happy for you. Where are you located. I want to visit you.
You are an inspiration to someone who could be your mom.

cupcake studio said...

It sounds just heavenly!

Unknown said...

My heart is full of joy for you, I even blogged about you, just had to share your story. I know HenryBella's will be perfect and the hot spot in town, can't wait to hear more about the cookie tree!

Becky K. said...

Lovely!

Cannot wait for the whole dream to come to fruition for you!

I wish I weren't so far away...it would be so delightful to play for a cookie and see the cookie tree!

Amy said...

Sounds amazing congratulations!

Johanna said...

I am just so happy for you and excited to hear about the opening in your blog. Everything sounds divine and I wished I lived closer! I'd be one of your best customers! :)

You really have vision.

Vintage Girl said...

How exciting! I love the idea of playing for a cookie! I know with your dreams and creativity, Henrybella's is going to be the place to be. Blessings, Heather

welltraveled said...

I wish I lived near by so I could come give you a helping hand

Anonymous said...

God is so good. Isn't it amazing that when we are at our lowest points, He steps in and amazes us? Wow. I'm so happy for you, and will miss your blog when you leave.

~Kate~

Donna said...

I will see you next week!

Tammy said...

It sounds charming. I want to come!

Adrienne said...

Dear Brin - I sat here and smiled as I read your description of how things are 'falling' into place. I could almost visualize what a wonderful place you will have. Not only for sweetness to the lips but for sweetness to the soul. If I ever get close to your town I'll be there for moments to savor the sweetness of all things at Henrybella's. And I'll play a bit of something on the piano and enjoy a free cookie! ~Adrienne~

Becky Garrison said...

Oh Brin! How wonderful that your life is taking the path you've wanted for so long. And it's not luck, it's not magic, it's not by accident, either! I truly think it's because you let go of those heavy things that were holding you down, and while it was painful, God is pleased, and allowing you - no, enabling you to soar!!! Many blessings sweetie! Becky G.

Elenka said...

Opening next week!! Egads, woman, you don't mess around. I appreciated that despite being so very busy, you are still keeping us informed. Can't wait to see how you decorate it. I'm sure it will be something to remember. I'm happy for you.
You have a lot of ambition...you will do well.

Erin Southwell said...

May the presence of His peace abound in your beautiful space as it has in your life! Couldn't be happier for you.

Kelly said...

a week from today?? wow!! happy baking and preparing! so fun for you. can't wait for the updates and the photos!

Vee said...

Sail on, my dear, sail on!

estrelete said...

Look out Texas; here I come. Can't wait to meet you Brin and sample some Henrybella's!!!

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Any photos of all the lovely things????

Nina Diane said...

I am just so happy for you!!!

Essential Oil Premier University said...

Well, please get up and running by summer. My hubby is putting in a computer system in Austin, TX and when I visit this summer. . . I may just drive a little bit north and come check out Henrybellas!!!

Blessings,

Sher

Susan said...

You might want to check around and see if there is a business development organization in your parts. I've been the sole proprietor of my own tiny Design & Illustration business for the past 7+ years and my local Bus. Dev. organization has been, and continues to be extremely helpful and a constant wealth of resources - from low interest loans for equipment and start up costs to holding seminars & workshops on the many, many details & aspects of running a successful business". I know I wouldn't be in my 8th year of business without their ongoing help - financial & otherwise.

And these services are all FREE !!

Amy said...

We're so excited for you! A road trip is totally in the works!

tam said...

This is wonderful. You can't quit this blog now, we are all involved now and want to see how wonderful this all turns out:)

Gayle from Southern Thresholds said...

I just added, "Visit Brins Bakery" to my never-ending "Bucket List." I am so happy for you...wish I was there to lend a hand but know there are scores of us there in heart...

That Cookie Tree sounds positively magical! Brilliant concept!

Linnee said...

So happy for you! :)

Jenny said...

I can't wait to see what magical things happen for you. Simply amazing. Prayers Brin.

P.S. I'm still in awe of the $50 a month rent. What an angel.

tara said...

such a cool post to read and see how God is allowing all things to come together for you! rejoicing with you in this dream coming to fruition... I hope that one day my little one and hubby can travel that way and visit Henrybella's!!! :) the tree sounds really cool too! All that you have described sounds like my kinda place. I love little stops that are one of a kind. It sounds like you are definitely giving it your magical touch of much thought and love. blessings!

Harbor Hon said...

Congrats sweet girl! I hope you'll take some pictures of the 'grand opening' for those of us who can't make it there. You have been blessed and I hope you have big success with it all. xxoo

Jenn said...

I am so happy for you Brin!

Bethanie said...

I am SO excited for you about Henrybella's!! Where will it be, exactly? I live in Dallas, is that very very far to come for a cookie? (I play the piano :) I cannot wait. :) I have bee reading your blog for about a year and it is so inspiring and lovely. Thanks for sharing!

Linda Z said...

Sounds like a wonderful dream, Brin! It reminds me of Meg Ryan's character in You've Got Mail with her little "Shop Around the Corner." I'm sure it will be a magical place and people will be so blessed by you dream coming true. Praise God for his faithfulness to you! :)

Tara said...

Supernatural increase is headin your way!!!

diana said...

you go girl!

Betty said...

So very happy for you Brin! I love the cookie tree idea, the old tables, playing for a free cookie..oh just everything sounds wonderful!
Congratulations!! God is good!

Seawashed said...

Oh my...I lOvE, LoVe, lOvE how HE lOvEs us!!!!

I will sure miss reading how this dream *Henrybella's* unfolds.

Maybe you will consider starting a blog for Henrybella's so that we can.

Your garden is amazing. I wish I could begin planting our spring garden. We have to wait till April. But our winter garden still has lettuce, onions, and cabbage growing.

Kathi D said...

Ooooooooooh I want to come!

sherry said...

What an absolute delight seeing this come together. God sure has a way of blessing when it's absolutely needed, doesn't He? :o)

Kathleen Grace said...

Praise God! I am so excited to see this coming together for you Brin!

Sherry said...

I'm telling everyone in town about the new business...mentioned it at City Hall the other day.

Susan said...

are the comments closed ??

Amy said...

How can we get the address in order to come by?

Anonymous said...

The way you write just makes it all seem so...so...storybook-ish! I love it! It sounds like such a wonderful place! I can just see the sunlight streaming through the windows and smell the cookies....

You SO make me want to come visit it!! (I live too far away unfortunantely! :( )

Thanks for sharing! :)

Morgan

Unknown said...

Well, I am certainly too far away to visit for now, but just to hear you describe it makes me want to come see it. I find you to be quite an inspiration and only wish I could be as able and creative as you are, not to mention, as fantastic with putting words to the page. Perhaps someday I'll find myself in a little town in Texas, smelling fresh bread, listening to Mozart and picking cookies off a sugarplum tree, knowing that God does amazing things with/for the faithful.

Anonymous said...

Great blog. I'll be sad to see it go! How can I contact you via email?

SusieQ said...

Your blog could be a form of advertising for your bakery; maybe, there would be a value in blogging. Maybe not as often, but about your adventures in your business. And pictures of your goods.

Antonella said...

I'm sooo happy for you.

hugs