Falling for Fall

Well, we're starting to have a real taste of fall weather, and I couldn't be happier!  Now, this is something NEW, because I've always been a spring/summer kind of girl.  But, this past summer's heat...and rain, tornado, hurricane, earthquake - just about did me in!  For the first time in a long time, I'm enjoying the crisp, clear air, and I'm looking forward to the fall colors and change in season.

I also tend to do a lot of public events once the summer is over, which is always a lot of fun.  Once again, I did the GNPAL event (to benefit the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League).  The Lower Gwynedd Countrie Picnic was cancelled due to the rain, but I had a table at a new (for me) event - The Junior League Taste of Fall - last Sunday.  Great venue, nice crowd, and good reviews for my baked goods. 

Next Sunday, I'll be participating in another new event - The Ultimate Birthday Bash, sponsored by Main Line Parent.  That event will include a competition between other bakers and my baking business, Kathy's Just Desserts - should be fun!  It's FREE to attendees, and you get cake!  What more could you ask for on a fall Sunday?!  :-D  I'll also be happy to tell folks about my kids' cooking parties.

I'm trying hard to get my Cupcake Capers event off the ground - a benefit for Mommy's Light Lives On.  Getting nervous because there aren't a lot of attendees as of yet - still 2 weeks left to respond.  Details are on my website.  In addition to having fun (kids AND adults) decorating cupcakes to take home, we'll also have lots of great raffle items.  And, Mommy's Light (www.mommyslight.org) is such a good cause!

In early December, I'll have a table at the LaSalle Mother's Club shopping event for the seventh year.  That's always a good event - and folks can pre-order cookie trays to be delivered closer to the holidays (for teacher/client/hostess gifts and home/office parties).  This year, I'm ready for any/all orders - two heavy-duty mixers and my new range with a double oven!

So, if you're out and about, please feel free to stop by these events for a sample...or two...or three!  I'll be the one NOT complaining about the cool weather - promise!

Ten Years Later...

As we remember the sadness of 9/11/2011, I think of how different my life was before that day.  I’d just begun thinking about starting my business – it was incorporated on October 5, 2001, despite the worry of the bad economy.  I was just shy of 45, which means that on 11/11/11, I’ll be celebrating my (lucky!) “double nickels” birthday.

With the retelling of stories of those everyday heroes of 9/11/2001, I’m reminded of some of the characteristics we, as Americans, strive to have, just like the citizens who helped their fellow Americans on that bleak day ten years ago. 

Growing up as an American, I’ve had many examples of the following qualities, and I’ve tried to be a person who tries to act this way every day.  It has helped me to grow my small business.

·         Optimism – It’s important to focus on the positives in life.  I’ve had my struggles, both personally and professionally, but I prefer to look on the bright side – which I’ve had in far greater abundance than any hurts/disappointments/failures I’ve sustained.

·         Persistence – I doubt that anyone starting a business can survive without persistence!  I love the business I’ve built, and I feel great pride in the minimal (so far) success I’ve attained.  I have never even thought of throwing my hands up in the air and quitting.  Kathy’s Just Desserts and Kitchen Wizards WILL be a success.  No other outcome is possible.

·         Patience – Knowing that good things come to those who wait, I feel certain I can wait.  I’m in no hurry.  I feel confident that everything will come together, and I trust that God will make that happen.

·         Resilience – My business has changed and grown in the past ten years – in part because of its failures.  If something doesn’t work out, it’s okay, because another facet of the business will.  It has helped me to be more creative, to think of new ideas, and to find new ways to appeal to customers.  I try not to dwell on failures and misfortunes – and I’ve had plenty.  It’s much better for my soul to think of all the positives I’ve experienced since I began the business.  Bouncing back from heartache and difficulties in my life helps me to never reach the feeling of despair.

·         Compassion – I’ve often said that, if I won the lottery, I’d still do the same things I do in my business – only I’d do them for free.  I’m a softy when it comes to pain experienced by others…especially children!  I always try to think of how I can help.  I know I can’t change the world, but if I can help in any small way, and if others help in their small way, too, we can make a difference.  I find such overwhelming joy when I am able to give.  THAT’s what it’s all about!

So, in honor of my 55^th birthday and the 10^th anniversary of Kathy’s Just Desserts, Inc., I’m organizing a fundraiser to benefit Mommy’s Light Lives On.  This is a great foundation that helps maternally grieving children to continue traditions they did with their mothers. 

On October 23, 2011 (halfway between my business anniversary and my birthday), I’m holding a fundraiser “Cupcake Capers” for Mommy’s Light.  This event will be held at The Fellowship House of Conshohocken at 2 PM.  I’ll be instructing attendees (children, adults, parents and children, whoever likes cupcake decorating and/or likes to eat cupcakes) in how to decorate cupcakes.  What fun!  I also plan to have auction items.

Want to attend?  More details will be posted soon on my blog and on my website (www.kathysjustdesserts.com) in the coming week.  Gather together your best girlfriends – and get a whole table!  It'll be a great activity for you and your kids, or your nieces/nephews, or your scout troop. No Eagles game?  What ELSE are you going to do on a fall Sunday afternoon?  Plan to celebrate your bachelorette party in a different way.  Suggest it as a corporate teambuilding activity.  Come on, it’ll be fun…and it’s for a GREAT cause!

Want to help?  We’re looking for auction items (own a local business? know a local business owner?), helpers on the day of the event, donations of beverages, cups, napkins, sponsorships, donations directly to Mommy’s Light, and more.  Check back for more details or call to offer your assistance (610 348-5284).

Looking forward to seeing you there!  But on this solemn day in the USA, I need to close this post with a sentiment I'm sure you all share - God Bless America!