The catering company I'm part of has successfully finished our busy "wedding season." I have not been at all vocal about the real struggle for sanity that has been taking place here in my life or the seemingly endless work hours I've been putting into things here in this side of the universe, but I just want to go on the record and say that there have been some really remarkable things going on behind the scenes and I'm extremely grateful today for those who have been cheering us onward. I also have been taking a long break from blogging because of it.
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Though I've missed you here, I can't even count how many of you have come by Bistro A' la Mode during the last few months to show your support!! It has made me feel so honored and humbled. Given the struggle of last year and the lack of employment, this has been an awesome change!
No complaints!
I want to be clear also in saying that I'm not at all complaining about working long hours, though I'm exhausted most days of the week. Management is a lot of work. It is also remarkable to see a winning effort from our team and I love seeing the crew come together to get things done. I'm extremely thankful for a job that supports our family and for the ongoing sweethearts at the bistro and catering kitchen who have been my family away from home over the last few months. My apprentice Aubrey has been a God-send. Love her!!
The biggest strength has come from home and Faith.
Most days I've stumbled from my car at the end of a long day and been met at the door of my home by loving children who whip off my shoes and socks to rub my feet. They have given me courage. I'm away from a desk in the kitchen. It is a full marathon. It is loud. It is hot. It is awesome. I'm usually at it anywhere between 10-15 hours a day and I often receive messages from Ace letting me know he just said a prayer for me or that he just needs me to know he loves me. I've begged the Lord for strength and felt his unseen arm on my shoulder lifting the weighty challenges. Aren't those messages from far away the ones that keep us going?
Some have asked me if this has been a,"dream come true" since opening the Bistro?
Yes. Yes. Yes. It has been. I've also been incredibly aware of the fact that it was not going to be easy, nor will it ever be easy to have anything worthwhile become successful. So, I'm not even going to pretend that it has been an walk in the park the last few months balancing work and home life. I'm tired. My feet hurt. I miss a lot of stuff at home to to make things happen at work. It hurts on a deep level. I knew when I started that this would be part of the deal but the reality is still difficult to bare at times. Sometimes...I just want to sit on a beach. I'm incredibly thankful for a husband who takes care of the home front. I don't know how I could do it all. I don't want to even think about it. That being said, I'm not complaining. Not at all.
You know what else? I always get to the end of the day and smile. It is harder than I ever thought it would be, but I love it. You know what I love most? The sense that I'm deeply loved and needed where I work.
What now?
Now as we are at the end of the wedding season, we're gearing up to expand things in the restaurant, I'm excited! I'm ready for the next challenges. I'm getting really giddy about new menu items and changes. I'm back to a more normal schedule for the summer. I'll see my kids more. I am able to blog a lot more and I'll be adding a lot more here than you've seen. Thank you all for your continued love and support. I can't express how thankful I am for your cheers and words of encouragement.
Always My Very Best,
Your Friend Chef Tess
I had wondered why you had not had a post in a long time. I am sure you are very tired at the end of a LONG day. Restaurant work is by far the hardest I have ever done. My mom had 4 restaurants in her life. I hated it!!!
ReplyDeleteHope your health issues improve soon.
GOD BLESS!!!
Chef Tess Bakeresse,
ReplyDeleteYou have been my hero since I first found you here on the internet. Your meals in a jar, cookbooks, spices, the Bistro, & the blogging have come from a creative giving heart! As for size you are just the right size for such a generous soul. Do not take my next statement the wrong way because this is a great compliment to you - you remind me of my grandmother (a young version). My grandmother was always cooking and baking. She was the oldest (girl) child in her family and she took care of everyone. She had a generous soul, too. I wish you much success with the Bistro and whatever else you can come up with. I will be a fan forever because you are a unique person who is following her dream. There is much to admire about you Chef Tess Bakeresse!
Gosh, I just recently discovered your blog, and I'm so glad I did: women of strength encourage other women to be strong, and that's what you do. Thank you, and God bless!!
ReplyDeleteGosh, I just recently discovered your blog, and I'm so glad I did: women of strength encourage other women to be strong, and that's what you do. Thank you, and God bless!!
ReplyDeleteAll my best to you. You are such an inspiration and never quit. Best wishes as you continue and expand your work. I do miss you when I go to Honeyville when in Phoenix and think of you often.
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