Focus

I've spent more time than I should on my alternate history project. But it's that creative spark that keeps one going; when it's lit, you can't quit. There's something about building an entirely new history and basing it in as much reality as possible. Especially something that could have happened only twenty-five or so years ago.

Anyway, I posted a couple of pieces of this timeline here in earlier posts; the full thread, for those who are interested, is available here. It's a growing thing with plenty of people following it, which is a nice feeling. Someone even mentioned they'd be nominating me for a Turtledove award next year, which is one hell of an honor, particularly since the story is only a couple of weeks in at this point.

Focus doesn't apply to just writing, though; our business is really ready to ramp up now as we finally have our new oven. Which means I'll be making more bread, of course. Which is totally fine. More bread means we get more dough. And the new oven won't be an easy 'turn it on and bake' thing; it's a professional stone-bake oven with a learning curve. So, focus is the key.

And so, we move on, taking life to the next level. It's a journey, and it's always exciting. Make sure you pay attention to your own journey, because you don't want to miss any of the good stuff along the way.

Cracking the Whip

Yes, it's the weekend, which means more work for us. The Saturday market is the culmination of a week's efforts to bake a bunch of bread and baked goods in order to convince people that it's the most delicious stuff they've ever eaten, and they should buy as much as possible. Running a family business like this takes a lot of work, but I have to say, the rewards are pretty sweet.

First of all, we're working from home. No getting up to drive to a job. I get up in the morning, brush my teeth, get dressed, and head to the kitchen to make dough or bake loaves. Simple, easy. I can take breaks at any time and spend time with my boys or the dog, or just chill out and relax for a little while. Best of all, I get to spend time with my wife. We don't spend all of our time together, but we work as a team to make this a success. It's a full partnership, and it's the best thing we've done since our kids were born.

In this day and age, it's tough to find gainful employment, particularly for someone who has just started getting senior's discounts. Jobs are not quite scarce, but jobs that pay enough to support a family on a single income are as rare as hen's teeth. So, the only workable solution is to go into business for yourself. Is it easy? Hell, no. In the run-up to Christmas we were preparing about 30 Christmas boxes that required bread and baked goods, and I pulled three straight days of 16-hour shifts. In half a week I got overtime. I fell asleep on the stairs with my head leaning on the wall at one point. Dannielle and Ashton got a good laugh out of that.

But even though it's a lot of work, the rewards are more than worth it. We don't have to pay rent since we work from home, we get to claim nearly everything as deductions, and we are selling pretty much everything we bake. And we get free bread and treats. Sure, it's usually the stuff that doesn't pass quality control, but it still tastes great even if it doesn't look quite as beautiful as we would like.

So, all in all it's something I would recommend to anyone who is struggling to find their place in the rat race: find your niche and monetize it, turning it into a business. You'll be surprised at how much it can change your life. It's not easy, but it's worth it.

Merry Christmas to All!

I wrote this little ditty at my wife's request last night, and I thought I'd share it with my faithful readers on this blessed day.

Twas the night before Christmas in the sourdough bakery.

All the loaves were sold out, both the sweet and the savory.

The dough hook was hung by the chimney with care,

with hopes that a big oven soon would be there.

Customers settled all snug in their beds,

while visions of sourdough danced in their heads.

And I in my apron and he in his shirt

Were wondering how so many body parts hurt.

When up from the kitchen arose such a clatter

I went down the stairs to see what had just shattered.

I flew to the pantry to see for myself,

And found there an animate Elf on a Shelf!

He stood by the mixer, a spoon in his hand,

Then stared at me sternly and made his demand:

"More everything bagel! More apple! More cheddar!

Make plain loaves and minis with spicy hot peppers!

Give me chocolate chip cookies, and brownies so good,

So they can be shared by the whole neighbourhood!"

His eyes--how they twinkled with ravenous hunger

as he smiled and said, "I'm not getting any younger!"

He threw in some flour, some water, some starter,

Then grabbed all the spices right out of the larder.

"Get baking," he said with a waggling finger.

"There's more stuff to make, so don't you dare linger!"

But as he kept stirring the dough bowl to mix it,

I knew there was only one way I could fix it.

I took a deep breath, then I shook my poor head,

Then I woke from my dream in my warm, cozy bed.

Safe and sound, with no orders for bread in my sight,

I said "Merry Christmas, and to all a good night!"

Well, she liked it. Merry Christmas, everyone, and have a blessed New Year as well.