Still no call back from my Bakery friend, so I scoured the list for other Things To Do. In searching the Best B&B's in my area, I came across a couple in the Santa Barbara area (about 2 hours away which was certainly doable). I wrote each Innkeeper an email explaining what my aspirations were and asked if they might be game to help. In essence, I needed a mentor or two who would take me under their wing. To dust off any competitive fears, I made it clear my dream's destination would likely be thousands of miles away on the opposite coast.
A group called the PIA (Professional Innkeepers Association) caught my eye online, so I shot them an email as well asking what kind of guidance they could offer. The feelers were all out there now, eagerly awaiting a response.
In the meantime, my order was promptly placed on Amazon.com for three books on Starting a B&B and two on Opening a Bakery. They would arrive within days!
Despite feeling a bit tired - there'd be no rest for the weary. I managed to tear through more than a dozen catalogues - everything from Pottery Barn to Ballard Designs to Restoration Hardware and the like. With my designs in mind, I cut out the pages of decor that accented my taste and lit me up inside.
Seeing them all spread out on my table was like being there in spirit...right inside my Inn. I could see for myself how breathtakingly beautiful it would look. In the midst of my imaginary design session, came the idea to put it into a more practical form. I'd collect all the pictures in a binder and title it befittingly, Home Sweet Home.
Sweet Dreams,
Me
"A House is made of walls and beams, a Home is built with love and dreams."
The road to a thousand miles begins with a single step.
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