it started with a collage...

Purpose

As many of you know, my daughter and I have been trying to start a business with the hope we can be up and running by late summer or early fall. I have posted information many times on Twitter and Facebook and given info about our Indiegogo campaign. We plan to donate 20% of our profits to Alzheimer's research a cause close to our hearts. We have lost many relatives to this dreadful disease.

I am not sure if many of you are confused, concerned, indifferent or in disbelief that we are starting a business in this economy. Small business still lives in this country. That is why they have small business Saturdays sponsored by American Express. That is why we have "Cash Mobs" all over the country. People are tired of big business and big corporations eating the little guy alive. 

So, to the naysayers, I say fine. Think I/we are crazy. Think I will someday eat my words or hat. I may. I may not. All I know is that if you have something you believe in you should go for it. If there is a greater cause than "trying to get rich" that is even a better reason to go for it. Our cause is Alzheimer's!!

As of the first Indiegogo posting, several people have become different towards me. A change of attitude has been noticed and I fear it is because they believe I am asking them for or will ask them for large sums of money to start my business. The Indiegogo "goal" of $50,000 is a big, huge dream. We know that, we knew it when we went live with that amount. But they say if you are going to dream, dream big! I have never asked anyone to their face (except loan officers) for any money and I never will.

What I will do, is continue the campaign and post repeatedly for the rest of our campaign letting anyone and everyone know about it. If anyone needs more information I will be happy to explain.  If you don't want to contribute and sign up for your "perks" of free brownies, coffee, t-shirts, etc. that is fine.  I understand-the economy is bad, you have no money, you hate coffee and brownies, you won't wear t-shirts, you don't contribute to things online--I get it. Even reposting our posts can help by spreading the word to friends and relatives who may be affected by this disease and want to contribute or repost.

But, please-don't treat me differently when you see me, don't change the subject or walk away when you see me coming. If I talk about the startup, it is because I am proud to be working toward this goal. I am not any different than I was before this started, but now I have a bigger purpose in life. Thanks.

Thanks to T.K., E.W., L.T., J.R., J.E., B.M., J.M., J.Z., S.W., D.W., C.Z., L.N., D.T., J.G.,A.C.,M.J. for your kindness. Hugs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               This is why we do it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a change of attitude

floor plan done-check!

One more step closer to starting the build on the shop. Next step do some more fundraising and PR!! Get that logo ready. So much going on..hard to keep it all in my brain.Will update you every chance I get.

Here is our youtube video. Wow. Youtube. I never thought I would be on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbZioXN9PA4

Do you know anyone with Alzheimer's? Please watch and contribute today to receive your perks.

thank you thank you thank you.

campaign trail

I feel SO important saying that I am on a campaign trail. indiegogo.com campaign trail

Actually, this isn't about politics, but it is about raising funds for our bakery "Brownies to Remember" which will then raise money for Alzheimer's Research. Kind of a win-win situation. You can (pleaeeease) back my daughter and I in this venture, then you will receive some good and yummy perks and when our doors are open, we will send 20% of our profits to Alzheimer's research. 

For those of you who know me well, you know my Mom recently passed away after a 12 year battle with Alzheimer's. Three of her sisters also had the disease and passed away from it. It is a horrendous disease that is a slow, agonizing, depressing sight to live through and/or watch. More research is needed.

The research center we are contributing to, Alzheimer's Research Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, has recently been given a patent for an intranasal spray that helps with memory without side effects of the previous meds.

Until I get another blog up and running for Brownies to Remember, I will post updates on this blog with pictures and thanks for all of your support and kind words. Thanks.

Flatlined

Things have been so hectic around here trying to get this "brownies to remember" bakery off the ground I haven't had time to blog. My blog stats have flatlined for about two weeks now. Soon there will be more to say and I hope time to say it. 

I may have to go off and start another blog about baking and such- as this one began about art and getting back to it. Then I veered off to more personal things, then quit, then started again. Geez. Make. up. My. Mind.

For those of you who don't know, my daughter and I are in the process of starting a coffeeshop/bakery which will specialize in yummy brownies of all varieties and other luscious treats. When we have a place ready for you all to sit down and have a treat, I will give you a holler through this blog, Facebook, Twitter or maybe even an email.

There will be contests, free brownies, BOGO offers, frequent shopper perks, brownie of the month club and whatever else we can do to convince you to try our goodies. Heck, we may even have a mascot standing out at the corner passing out coupons!! 

Until then....

in a holding pattern

I think the hacking business is over. No more trouble since last post.

Been trying to get important things done but feel I am hovering above a situation that I have little control over. Watching from above and wondering what will happen next. Guess I figure what should happen WILL, but still is uncomfortable hanging and waiting. More on that soon. 

Art shows go on and I don't enter. Competitions are not my thing I guess. Pay to get let down and I don't really love the crowds anyway. Never been a big fan of crowds. Even less fond of rejection. Ha.

Many ask how I am since Mom passed. I am breathing easier. I try not to think of her last days, months and the look on her face. One or two times since she's been gone I started driving to my destination and then made the turn to go to the nursing home. Habit for six years, hard to break. I catch myself and get back toward my original destination. Wonder how long this will go on?

try again!!

This is a test. I posted earlier but it didn't post to Facebook because someone apparently hacked my account. So after multiple changes to all accounts, I am going to post this and see if it comes through this time.

Damn. Hackers.

chocolate

My mind is elsewhere today. Mostly on chocolate and what to do about it. I am scheming but can't say why quite yet, so in the meantime just think chocolate. I will get back to you on what's next.

Can anyone say, mmmmmm..brownies?

 

Today's pet peeve

Taxes.

Paperwork, receipts, confusion and the overwhelming dread of it all. All of it is almost enough to make me want to have nothing, do nothing, own nothing. Just be a homeless woman drawing pictures on sidewalks with chalk. Or a stone. 

Could I beg enough money to buy chalk?

**SIGH**

Tomorrow is the day we place Mom's ashes next to Dad's. Then life goes on and we keep memories of who she was and how we loved her through her failings and goodness. RIP Mom.

One comment on finalizing a life, a death....people really need to learn to be competent at their jobs. The last thing anyone needs at a time of death and closure is to make multiple phone calls and appointments to take care of the same EXACT business. Once should do it people. ONCE. That's all.

Thanks again to all of you who posted caring thoughts, sent cards and flowers and prayers. XOXO

Next post will be more cheerful and have a new direction....you will see.

Friday quote

"You grow up the day you have your first real laugh--at yourself."

                                                                                Ethel Barrymore