Coffee n' Gruel

I debated a small bit about writing about the behind the scenes look at opening a small business. If for nothing else, to vent a little and have a little fun. So I’ll give it a shot.

It seems that I have come to a point in my life where I’ve noticed things becoming stagnant, and more alarming, that I have started to become comfortable with the daily doldrums of absolute gray.

What remnants are left of my family, I have come to realize, mean a lot to me, and, frankly (I can’t believe I’m saying this because those of the Darkgarden need no one!) I like the fact that I need them. As whacked out as a bunch we all are individually, when we join together, … we become... umm... well... a GROUP of whacked out people.

I realize now that I could actually lapse into a completely different blog entry here… on (GAK!) family and … oh… no… fogetaboutit!... Mushy shit. Stuff that those of the Darkgarden do not speak of because we’re dark, messed up people who dwell in the darkness within.

Right.

I thought it might be a good time to start up a small business (something I’ve been wanting to do for years), and what is better, I now have the opportunity to have it family operated. Sis and Dirt will be coming on board. The Snowboyz will be joining in some, as well as one of the Heirs. (I don’t know which number. I can’t keep ‘em straight!) There were rumors of Johnboy making appearances, however, I believe, if you’re lucky, on some lonely night, you may see him daintily sipping a glass of fine wine through the large bistro window; sitting by himself…scooping spoonfuls of gruel into a wet, sopping mouth, occasionally looking up slightly from side to side, only to return to his steaming bowl (and we don’t even serve gruel). “Where did you get that gruel, Art?!” we would ask. “Go away!” he would reply gruffly… (Wow! That vision changed drastically in the scope of one sentence.)

I digress.

The plan is to open a café on the corner of the main street in the quaint county seat where I reside: The Courthouse Corner Café. Specialized coffees and affordable eats. Consistent hours and quality food in a comfortable atmosphere or for take-out.

It all sounds great, and it IS great. What I didn’t realize was the administrational aspect of getting such a project underway. I researched such an endeavor many times through the years, but until you actually take the plunge you never appreciate the weight of everything involved.

I ran a sole proprietorship business once, and did my own finances, but at this level I need the assistance of an attorney and accountant. Applications, licenses and forms abound. Forming a corporation and setting up accounts comprises the daunting part of it all. You get a real clear idea where and how the various levels of government want their share.

At this point in time, we are about to close the deal on purchasing the establishment. So tension is high.

This evening, however, I’m taking a break from everything and allowing myself to be happy and dream about the moment that will soon come, when we all gather quietly after some hard hours of our first day of preparation, and open a bottle of champagne to toast the successful future we are about to embark on.

This simple event will signify a lot (to me at least). It’s a turn-around point in life where we will finally take some control, together, and produce something positive. You know, I think it’s even ok now to wonder where all this may lead us, and actually believe it will be forward and upward.
So from here, I’ll try to drop in and give whatever reader(s) may also still be dropping by a status report.

I guess the big question is: What would Billy Zane charge to conduct the ribbon cutting and grand opening?