Of Gypsies and Cowboys

Update:

Only minutes after my last post, the area health inspector called to inform us that we are required to undergo an inspection of our operation since we are working with food. Food? Hm. From the information we have so far, it sounds like we are required to have a seperate commercial level kitchen. We also need to prepare a sanitation plan, food safety plan, and full floor layout of our facility. Hm.
This was a fairly significant piece of informtion. Especially since we do not currently have a separate kitchen area. Hm.

You know, there's a lot going on in my heart and head these days. There was a mass of conflicting emotions and responses throughout the afternoon and evening as I tried to evaluate and make sense of where we are and where we have come from. We've come a long way. There are many new and blessed points of growth and change in our lives, but at the same time there is so little to really 'show' for what we've done and what we've accomplished. We've invested a significant amount of time, money, energy, and overall life into the past several months. I believe we have gained more than we have spent, but there has been a definite cost to it all.

We're not sure what's going to happen with the business part of this whole life venture. Something we are learning to embrace is that we can still make choices and steps to cultivate a simple life of that is truly good. We can raise our son together and teach him an appreciation of the earth and moral values and simple happiness. We can take time with our marriage and continue to grow towards each other. We can continue educating ourselves about Fair Trade practices and the ethical treatment of our global community. And, of course, we can keep roasting and drinking and trading really good coffee ;)

We're not sure what our next step is, but it's likely going to lean more towards 'slow and simple' instead of 'rash and risky'. I was about ready to plunge in, sign everything onto someone's dotted line, and put it all into lease and equipment and the whole deal. In response, J reminded me that he isn't willing to bring our family into danger. It's one thing to take a crazy risk but another to burn all the bridges and act without wisdom.
So, we're going to keep roasting and selling, at least privately (through our site, farmers markets, etc). Bit by bit, through drawing people into the conversation and educating ourselves and sharing our story and beans, we hope to get to a point where we can confidently open our own shop and share this good thing. J will likely begin some work to keep our cupboards healthy and such, and I might take a day or two with that other creative woman inside myself who has been silenced of late.

Hm. Nothing in the past year or 4 months or week or day has been what we expected or planned. I guess that's part of the beauty of the journey. Here's hoping to a sunny open road...around the bend.

The sky is clear, the sun is warm, the mountains are in view, and I'm caught in the space between thick-throated tears and a thousand questions.

May 1st marks our last month of open possibilities.

J and I spent the past hour with Jem in the garden, facing the fact that one month from now we'll need to start considering some other venues for income. Maternity and EI both end at that point and we'll be in a rather interesting position.
I'm struggling with frustration and exhaustion while still believing in what we're doing. It's a really wierd feeling.... I believe this can work, I believe we can actually make it. But how? How does a family get from here to there? I know the obvious answers of loans and investors and that jazz, but that seems to fly in the face of some of the main ideas and factors which have led us to where we are.
J stated that we need to start looking for work for him, that maybe if we get stuff set up enough we can get there on the side. But how? If we're going to do this then we have to just do this, right?

A significant part of me just wants our own location. That's crazy. And selfish? I mean, why should we get a shop for our sweet business when so many families (wait, including us!) don't even have a home. I just keep feeling that if we had a main location, a place to roast and brew and sell, then people would see us and enter into the whole conversation as well.
Yesterday we met with a great little market wanting to run our beans. They also want 40% of the profit. So...? If we had our own place then it's on our terms, right? Then again, that's a HUGE comittment.

Five minutes ago I wasn't discouraged. Now I'm feeling the weight of it again. It would be so helpful if we had sleep in our bodies as well.

Anyways. Too much time here and not enough 'working'.
I will not be discouraged.
I will not give up hope.
We have something good to offer our world.
Time...work...belief...time....

I'm considering wearing a placard that states,
"I am not trying to rip you off. I am not a franchise or corporation. My intentions are not as evil as you believe them to be."

It's a tough world out there for teeny family-based businesses. Wow.
I just completed another call to another church. (Note: Churches brew a ton of coffee, it's apparently a great way to keep people alert during the service and coming back for more. Ergo, sell coffee to churches and let them support something good with what they brew) Unfortunately, all the groups we have contacted seem either offended or terrified once they realize we're not looking for salvation or membership. (sigh). There are currently some fairly large groups paying Starbucks some fairly large coin, so why is it so crazy to think that they could purchase their beans from a local company instead? We're even offering the same services for a lesser price, just for these groups.
It just leaves a funny taste in my mouth when their tone changes and they shut us out as fast as they can. Should I change my placard to, "Your pew, my brew?" Hm.

We've been up since 5:00am today with Jem being one busy busy boy. We're getting some good work done though, and even had some nice family time in the garden. Jem appears to love the outdoors and her creatures, which is such a delight to me :) I'm hoping to host his first birthday in the yard so we can enjoy the air and sun and his first (homemade organic) cake.

The apple, pear, and cherry trees are in full bloom. I love it! We visited each tree this morning and enjoyed their silky petals. Jemah gave the sweetest little laughs when his cheeks were touched by them. How I love my son! It's hard to believe that this time last year he was still nestled deep in my body and I had not yet met him face to face. Hm, who would have thought that we'd be where we're at a year later?

Well, happy Tuesday friends. The next hours hold more phone calls and lots of searching for packaging options online. We want to find (affordable!) little boxes for the chocolate covered beans, as well as boxes for our May addition; GreenValley giftboxes.

Oh the coffee I would trade to sleep as long as I wanted in a huge soft bed!

Today was exhausting, encouraging, and challenging. I spent most of the day in the next city selling GreenValley and GreenHomes products at a little tradeshow thing. I didn't move a lot of beans, but I sold half of the GreenHomes things I brought! People were so incredibly receptive to affordable, quality, natural home products! They love my little body balm bars and bought all the peppermint sani-mists-- yay! But, I think I need to review my prices. One woman thought they were listed at 3x the price and was about to buy a bottle-- wow!
I've decided what the GreenHomes story is going to be (for now):
I'm going to approach 3 retails venues (a local natural baby store, a greenhouse, and an eco womens store) with the products. I'm also going to have them available for our farmers market runs and whoever calls/emails in the our city. I'll create the 4 cleaners as well as the 'balms', and that's that for this year. I could do more and go crazy with it, but this is manageable and allows it to be something that could grow someday but still maintains my focus within my family and with the coffee. So...yay?

Did I mention I make fantastic body bars? Yummers!

Wow....I am tired! I need to sleep but I'm dreading the air mattress; it just doesn't do a body good. But, Jem will be up before 6:00am so I need to get some crash time in. Man I love my son. He is the most beautiful gift God ever created for me.

Hello Monday!
Um, scratch that, ha, Hello TUESDAY! Wow, time is flying! The past few days have been filled with all kinds of experiences and conversations. As a family, we're finding a rhythm and contentment that is comforting and maintainable. As a business team, we're gaining momentum and wonder. As a mama, I'm lacking in sleep but remembering to take pause and celebrate this beautiful life I nurse and hold. As a woman, ha, I need a haircut!

GreenValley Update:
Two very significant things have taken place.
1. As of yesterday we officially 'exist'. Yup, the city approved our appeal and granted our license (with limits). So we can really move ahead!!! Hurray!!!
2. I just came home from a significant meeting with the city's economic planning committee.
In the course of the meeting I:
- Realized just what a country bumpkin I am.
- Thanked the Lord for the one sharp business-like dress he provided.
- Decided I need to deal with the hair on my head if I'm to interact professionally.
- Performed quite well given my entire lack of experience in actual 'business' relations.
- Was given an offer for a few months FREE LEASE on a building for our shop, once we're prepared to take that step.
(did you catch that one??? WOW)

In response I:
- Shoke hands, nodded my head, exchanged business cards.
- Pretended I wasn't wearing 10 year old pants under my adorable dress.
- Walked out nonchalantly.
- Sat outside the building in the sun and let it all just swirl and move around me for about 20 minutes.

So now I'm home, sitting in my dress and decade-pants, looking at cherry blossoms and wanting to brew some beans. This evening I'm stepping out to mingle with the Chamber of Commerce; network, connect, etc. (Like I know what that means). Maybe I'll wash my hair. Hm.

The blogger-mama from My Little Warriors!!! :)
(Please send your mailing address to greenvalleyroaster@gmail.com and we'll get those beans to you right away! Enjoy your fresh cup of GreenValley Ethiopian :) )

Thanks for interacting with this; how fun :) Watch for more bean draws in the future!
As mentioned previously, credit for the whole 'blog draw' type of thing goes to the incredible SouleMama @ http://soulemama.typepad.com/