So, this weekend Peter and I were talking about fun things like, oh -Bills. And Debt. And Work. And Insurance. And Loans. And Vehicle Costs. And... well, all the things that are really not fun. And you know what? We had a shared Walden moment. We both, as soon as is financially feasible, want to get the heck out of the city and live a smaller, simpler life.
His vision involves going into the deep bush with a satellite dish (Must. Have. Warcraft.). Mine is more of the bucolic, leaning towards a hobby farm (alpacas anyone?) or a small-town scenario. Actually, to be 100% truthful, here's my absolute dream:
A books-and-yarn-store with coffeshop. I have a name, I have a concept, I have a possible location (assuming someone in that location doesn't scoop my idea in the next two years). Imagine it - one side of the room, wall o' bookshelves (probably used, with some new). Other side, wall o' yarn (and "yarn accessories", a la Hank Hill). In the bright sunny window? Comfy chairs with tables. In the fireplace nook? Comfy chairs with tables and good task lighting. Along the back wall? An old-fashioned diner counter setup, with espresso machines and a pastry case busting with home-baked goodies. (Oh, yeah - all the tables? They have Purell bottles on them so you can enjoy your pastries and then clean your hands before you pick up your knitting/book again). In the center of the room, a circle of comfy chairs for the book clubs and knitting groups and classes to meet in. (Hey, that's kind of "Friendly Giant", isn't it?)
Is it crazy? Possibly. But it has all my favourite things in one place, with me in the middle, earning my living in a happy atmosphere. Now all I need is to research all the "how to make it happen" stuff REALLY thoroughly, beg tons of advice from friends in the yarn store/bookstore/coffeeshop business, get completely out of personal debt, write an amazing business plan, secure generous funding, get the ideal location, and then - voila. A whole new set of things to worry about. :) But doesn't it sound LOVELY?
In all seriousness, we are probably (over the next two years) going to try and make this work. Peter has his own business plans, but there's no reason two entrepreneurs can't exist in the same family, is there? (no, really - is there? Am I crazy?) Maybe I'm having my midlife crisis early, but I want to make this happen before I'm 40. Then I can have 20 years to enjoy it in before I even think of retiring, if I even do then.
What do you think?
10 comments:
I think it sounds like a wonderful place! I hope you are able to make your dream a reality.
Will there be cats? I imagine there will be cats.
Kit - Everything is possible if you want it bad enough.
I can appreciate so much the must.have.warcraft.
--K
I would so come to a place like that. It all sounds very plausible. Let us know how the plan grows.
You and I are so similar in some ways, it's eerie.
I would love to live a simpler life. I've also been thinking alot about my dream of a store/tea shop. The concept changes and morphs depending on my mood, but I do know I want local art on the walls, local wares for sale and a great atmosphere. I want it so bad.
So, coming from one dreamer to another: You can do it, my dear. No one else has the coffee shop/book/knitting thing here in Ottawa, and I can defintely see it being a popular place for all ages. Coffee/Tea shops are really hip these days, so are book stores and crafting stores. It's a great mix. :) Good luck! Let me know if ever you need help with it. I'll do what I can.
Thanks for the encouragement all... betsey, there will be one cat at least (I'm afraid by the time we start making this happen old Moosh will be gone, but Squeeky's still a baby).
Heather, I love the idea of you as my minion (er... scratch that - very valued associate person!) but we're not going to do it here - we're looking at up Northern Ontario way where real estate is cheap cheap cheap and things like yarn stores and bookstores practically don't exist, but there's a good tourist trade.
It's a long way off but there's lots to think about and do in the meantime.
Oh, and Kristine? Hubby and I made a deal last night - he will spend time learning to knit if I will spend equal time learning to play Warcraft. Hee hee hee.
Sounds like a place I'd love to hang out. :)
Maybe you should call that real estate agent! There's the perfect place for sale right now! Sounds lovely and dreams can become reality you know.
I think it's great considering I've also come up with the same concept (what self respecting knitter hasn't?). There's no such thing as scooping ideas here. My plan is for 5 years since I've just opened a daycare business (yes, I quit my job - last day is this Friday), I have to see that through for 5 years, but it's financing my Yarn Shoppe dream - same thing - lots of comfy couches, chairs, library of knitting books, high end yarn (not too high end), needles and accessories as well as the teas, coffees, finger sandwiches and pastries. I have a great design in mind and I have my location picked out already. You just want to make sure you're in an area where people knit and have time to sit down - like The Glebe. It's a great idea - there's a place that's the same in Toronto called Lettuce Knit.
Maybe we should go into business together?
Sounds like my dream except it is by water. My husband is going to tie flies, sell bait and do the baking. Kids are servers. I sit and knit. No one under 18 allowed. Husband plays the new Martin guitar he just bought at a cost that could have purchased me a car so I do not have to walk to work every day. Oh the joys of country living.
Thanks for the comment you left on my blog.
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