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Thursday, March 19, 2009

Sweet to the Soul

The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul...
-Proverbs 13:19


After two days, henrybella's is... here. It really happened. I looked up this morning while pouring coffee and realized: this is my dream. This is my place. These are my customers and I am a boss and all this is here because of a desire accomplished. It was so sweet to my soul.

Can't say for sure yet what my favorite part of owning my own bake shop is. (Sleep would not be one of them. I'm getting about 3.5 hours a night. Yipes.) I do know this: after two days our bestsellers are clearly the Strawberry Sugar Cupcakes, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Candy Bar Cheesecake (to wit):

My gosh is it good. Southern Banana Pecan Muffins and Farmhouse White Bread are close behind. Yum.

I was afraid the place would be too girly, you know, but men keep coming in. Heck, give the boys a sweet treat and a mug of coffee and they crowd the tables, talking, reading, sipping, watching the day go by....

We're all having a ball, meeting new friends, and making our little town a sweeter place, all as we look toward tomorrow...


Yeah, it's all so sweet to the soul.

55 comments:

  1. RosaThu Mar 19, 06:39:00 PM CDT

    What a wonderful blessing!
    Enjoy.

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  2. JennThu Mar 19, 06:40:00 PM CDT

    I am so happy for you. And I know all about so little sleep, but I know you will remedy that soon. Congrats again. Go home, put your feet up and enjoy Millie's company :)

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  3. VeeThu Mar 19, 06:54:00 PM CDT

    Such deliciousness all the way around.

    I'm still marveling how this was an overnight success with about two years of anguish in the making. God is so amazingly good. Now if you can just get some quality rest, Brin.

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  4. Life is 5 Minutes LongThu Mar 19, 06:55:00 PM CDT

    Wish I was closer so I could enjoy!

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  5. Becky GarrisonThu Mar 19, 07:02:00 PM CDT

    {sigh}

    So happy for you!

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  6. kaliThu Mar 19, 07:02:00 PM CDT

    So, I want to help.

    I have a great camera and a pretty good eye. I am getting ready to invest to much money in some good quality lenses. If you have any photography needs...(which, you very well may not, but if you do) just shoot me an email. I will drive to texas from my Kansas and I would be honored to do what I could. I plan to make the drive anyway, at some point. Me with my girlies in tow, just to experience henrybellas. Save a cupcake or two, okay? Yeah, how bout a cupcake and a cup of coffee in exchange for the photography needs? :o)
    kali.kerr@gmail.com

    I am so happy for you.

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  7. TheresaThu Mar 19, 07:05:00 PM CDT

    So very, very, very happy for you!!!!!

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  8. BarbThu Mar 19, 07:16:00 PM CDT

    congrats,I am so happy for you....Barb

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  9. Kathleen GraceThu Mar 19, 07:33:00 PM CDT

    Oh Brin, I am so happy for you! I wish you all the blessings and success in the world with your venture:>) I hope you will find time to keep us updated.

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  10. ElenkaThu Mar 19, 07:36:00 PM CDT

    Really, I think all your regular readers are so happy for you. It's uncanny how this all turned out.
    Question: Those cupcakes....same batter as for the Strawberry sugar bread you had posted a while back??
    Looks so yummy.
    How do you keep from putting on weight with all this goodies around??

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  11. Old Centennial FarmhouseThu Mar 19, 07:52:00 PM CDT

    All of your goodies look really wonderful, so well-presented, too! I think your little place looked so inviting, and the customers all look so happy! How satisfying for you! Thanks for letting us look in, since we cannot be there for you to support you in person! ((HUGS))
    XOXO
    Joni

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  12. SherryThu Mar 19, 07:57:00 PM CDT

    Yay!!! I've got to stop by...been busy. You are going to need a bigger place - like real soon!

    Are you going to be open Saturday? Call the library PLEASE!!

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  13. linda tThu Mar 19, 08:04:00 PM CDT

    SOOO happy for you Brin.
    You make us all believe in miracles again.
    He makes all things beautiful.

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  14. GayleThu Mar 19, 08:23:00 PM CDT

    Brin, I am so happy for you! Your treats look yummy. Wish I was closer so I could visit.

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  15. Becky K.Thu Mar 19, 08:37:00 PM CDT

    Yay! I am thrilled for you!!!!

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  16. CathyThu Mar 19, 09:01:00 PM CDT

    I want to come and have some of your yummy treats and a cup of java.

    I'll keep praying for you and Millie and Freeman House :)

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  17. nanatrishThu Mar 19, 09:21:00 PM CDT

    I am thrilled for you. The Lord is so good to have blessed you with this awesome dream being fulfilled. Your treats look sooooo yummy!!!! I wish you weren't so far away. I need desserts like a hole in the head, but that hasn't stopped me yet. This is so exciting!

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  18. Harbor HonThu Mar 19, 09:36:00 PM CDT

    I knew you would do well. I kept praying for it. Try to get a little more rest though so you won't get frazzled. I'm rooting for you to make it big. Hugs! xxoo

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  19. KellyThu Mar 19, 09:54:00 PM CDT

    so so so happy for you!! :)

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  20. UnknownThu Mar 19, 10:25:00 PM CDT

    Yay, yay, yay for you!!!!

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  21. a woman who isThu Mar 19, 10:47:00 PM CDT

    Wow...when it was time to get baking you were already to go. So impressive. Everything looks delicious and enticing. I love your fresh take on old time favorites.

    Even the old timers enjoying there cup of Jo.

    Wonderful, and good for you!

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  22. UnknownThu Mar 19, 11:30:00 PM CDT

    Wow, what a cool life story :) Been praying for ya, when I suddenly wake up in the middle of the night, and when other random things remind me to throughout the day.

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  23. TaraThu Mar 19, 11:32:00 PM CDT

    Oh, I am so excited for you. I knew you would be a hit. I promise I am coming to visit soon. May even bring you a present for your walls.
    HUGS!

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  24. BevFri Mar 20, 12:52:00 AM CDT

    Those cupcakes...wicked sweet! would love the recipe...better yet, mail order!

    Congratulations!...please keep posting, you are so good for the soul :)

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  25. Kathi DFri Mar 20, 12:55:00 AM CDT

    It boggles my mind how quickly you pulled this all together! What an accomplishment. You should be very proud.

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  26. MichelleFri Mar 20, 01:37:00 AM CDT

    It sounds wonderful!!

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  27. HelenFri Mar 20, 02:46:00 AM CDT

    Brin, I am so looking forward to hearing your Bakery stories. I know it is going to take off and you are going to do so well! I just can't wait to hear more....

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  28. FayeFri Mar 20, 04:22:00 AM CDT

    SO HAPPY FOR YOU.WHAT A BLESSING.HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

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  29. Shelley in SCFri Mar 20, 06:33:00 AM CDT

    Wow, wow, wow, your food looks absolutely fabulous! Are you doing all the baking yourself? Do you have a commercial kitchen right there on site? So many questions! So much excitement! So thrilled for you!

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  30. UnknownFri Mar 20, 07:02:00 AM CDT

    After my hard, tiring and stressful week here, this post made my day, my week! I can't tell you how happy I am for you, you are proof that all things are possible with faith! Sleep will come, enjoy this moment, you have earned it! Hugs!!

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  31. bee'nmeFri Mar 20, 07:20:00 AM CDT

    Brin, I just wanted to join in the chorus of congratulations on your wildly successful opening - what an incredible story of a dream come true...so very inspiring to all of us out here who are at various stages of realizing our dreams! With God, it's always about people, and it warms my heart to see so many sweet souls being nourished and delighted by the artistry of your baking and the quality of your company (meaning you)...God has made you a blessing to these fine folks and I'm sure He too is delighted.

    On my next trip to Canton, I am already planning a slight diversion up to Daingerfield because that cheesecake is calling me :o)

    Hugs and Blessings,
    Becky S.

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  32. RainFri Mar 20, 07:36:00 AM CDT

    Beautiful! God is so good!!!!!

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  33. DebFri Mar 20, 07:43:00 AM CDT

    So glad for you. Wish I was close enough to have some of that yummy stuff!

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  34. judy in kyFri Mar 20, 08:33:00 AM CDT

    No wonder people love it. Another bright spot in the world.

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  35. LarissaFri Mar 20, 08:44:00 AM CDT

    I really want one of those cupcakes, YUM :) Congrats on your dream coming true - God is so good!!

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  36. Terri SteffesFri Mar 20, 09:48:00 AM CDT

    You know, I think I am going to have to make a special trip out there to try those cupcakes. mmmmmm..

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  37. Evelyn in CanadaFri Mar 20, 10:40:00 AM CDT

    I want one of you in my neighbourhood. It all sounds so good and homey. I'm glad it's all working out so well for you.

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  38. Judy Fri Mar 20, 10:49:00 AM CDT

    Great story...of how God gives us the desires of our heart!

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  39. AmyFri Mar 20, 10:56:00 AM CDT

    YAY!!! That's so awesome I so want to go. Hopefully I can make a road trip down to texas and come eat some of the tasty treats it looks so delicous. Hey maybe you'll eventually get your own cooking show!!

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  40. shoegirlFri Mar 20, 11:07:00 AM CDT

    Soo...to ask the obvious question...does this mean you'll be keeping Freeman House and staying local? And possibly keeping the blog? :-)

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  41. BettyFri Mar 20, 11:59:00 AM CDT

    Ahh girl dream accomplished and now you can bask in it! God is good!!

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  42. BrambleberryFri Mar 20, 01:24:00 PM CDT

    Henrybella's looks FANTASTIC. Wish I was closer to you!

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  43. Leigh AnnFri Mar 20, 02:46:00 PM CDT

    The goodness of the Lord is beyond measure! I am so happy for you and the success of your dream! Let there be glory and honor and praises, glory and honor to Jesus. Glory and honor and praises, glory and honor to him!

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  44. EricaFri Mar 20, 03:20:00 PM CDT

    I want to make a trip to Texas just to visit your shop. It looks darling & so so yummy!

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  45. Shining WindowsFri Mar 20, 03:59:00 PM CDT

    Yay for you. couldn't have happened to a nicer girl...

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  46. JenFri Mar 20, 04:48:00 PM CDT

    SO, SO happy for you!!
    I'm glad it is going well, these first days of dream coming true. How I wish I could hop in my car and come try a cupcake!

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  47. AmyFri Mar 20, 06:05:00 PM CDT

    Even after a very filling dinner my stomach growled at the sight of those cupcakes! Jim's going to email you a recipe...

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  48. MichelleFri Mar 20, 07:13:00 PM CDT

    I almost can't believe it's happening and I'm so happy for you, Brin!!

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  49. One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods.Fri Mar 20, 07:26:00 PM CDT

    I am so far away. Please write a cook book. God is so good. You have me smiling. I am so happy for you!!!

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  50. SandiFri Mar 20, 08:27:00 PM CDT

    Oh Brin! Congrats on your opening success of henrybellas! Praying it will be so successful that it will bless your socks off!!
    Hugs !

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  51. Sandy @ The Scoop on BalanceFri Mar 20, 09:31:00 PM CDT

    Wow...I don't even know you and I'm so very happy for you. Wish I was near you. I'd come to your little bakery every day. I really would.

    Blessings upon blessing to you and your new venture.

    Love,
    Sandy

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  52. Lisa in Texas = )Fri Mar 20, 09:57:00 PM CDT

    I am so glad to hear that things are going good with your bakery. I am a little disappointed - I would really like to come and visit your bakery but you are like 5 hours away from me. But one of these days we will be taking a road trip to come and visit! = )
    Lisa in Texas = )
    I live south of the DFW area

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  53. SueSat Mar 21, 12:02:00 AM CDT

    Brin,
    I am so happy for you!! Blessings,
    Sue

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  54. mary marthaSat Mar 21, 07:41:00 AM CDT

    I am encouraged by your story. I am hoping you don't stop blogging, maybe just change your direction. I know you had posted you were shutting down the blog, but this is the beginning of such an exciting new chapter. And I want to follow along...
    However I may just have to let go and let God take you on your path. You have been an inspiration and I admire your faith. Your story has helped me through my own personal dark time and restored my faith. God has used you as a channel for his work in so many ways. You are touching lives, doing his work and changing the world. May the Lord bless and keep you. Peace be with you.
    Mary Martha

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  55. SissySat Mar 21, 10:29:00 AM CDT

    Brin, I have spent the morning copying down recipes from the site in preparation for your upcoming shut-down. As I was reading some back posts (all the way back to 2007) I saw that you mentioned a cookbook of your recipes. Did that ever get published...where can I get it?

    Oh, and that cheesecake looks marvelous. Congrats on the opening of Henrybella's. Wish I lived in Texas.

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