So this past Sunday morning, I had a foreboding and frazzled start that opened up into a perfect day - one of those magical moments that you have as much control over as the weather. You just ... watch and listen.
I had been up until the wee hours, prepping and dressing and baking and preening my little experiment for the town of Timnath. I was completely exhausted, and excited. I had kitted and packed up every last fine detail, and was ready to get some sleep, if only four hours of it. And then I remembered the Welsh Cakes. They would have to wait until morning. I put the kettle on at 6:00am, and began the Welsh Cakes, knowing I'd undoubtedly not be ready to leave at 7:30. I decided to take my chances with getting to Timnath two hours in advance for set up as planned - the Welsh Cakes were too important. No one else makes these things. Colorado needs Welsh Cakes, and I have a job to do. I finally left Loveland at 8:30. The market began at 10:00. Thank God for Becca Bay, the wonderful artisan vendor guardian angel that stewards the Colorado Feed & Grain - she seemed to understand that the Welsh Cakes must be. I arrived at the market and I was the last to setup. Small tinge of panic. I unpacked my bursting Grand Cherokee, and setup the party tent in a record short time - one hour. Open for business at 10:15. Not bad. Won't let it happen again. My three helpers showed up and followed me around diligently whilst I sorted out how to lead, demonstrate serving a cream tea on china, finish setting up the dish washing station, finish loading in the china cabinet, finish filling the creamer and sugar bowl, heat up the kettles, reset the tripped power strip, reset it again, go inside and ask Becca to check the breaker panel, return to the first guests who were patiently waiting for the first seating, heat up the kettles again, reset the tripped power strip again, reattach my head, etc. And then, by noon, no one. Not good. Shoppers came in, now and again, and sampled scones. Many scanned the tent, asked me a few questions, and left to check out the rest of the market. Nearly everyone loved the look and feel of the room, and were delighted with the idea. I got the sense most didn't know what to do with the space. I have my work cut out for me. I spent a good couple of hours ruminating on why I started this venture, enjoying cream scones and Mr. Earl Grey by Free Leaf Tea. I took in the market vibe, the gorgeous day, the peace of sitting in that space. I felt that I could be there, sharing the soulful, simple peace of conversation, tea, and the light treat of a cream scone, forever. No matter how slow the market may be. I connected with my "why." How often does one get to do that? Breathe. Love. Take Tea.
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