You've probably heard the saying "a square peg in a round hole." Have you ever felt like one? You know, that feeling that you just don't quite fit in - anywhere! You're too old to be young, too young to be old. You prefer small groups to large, so you're simply not invited to larger functions. Their kids are different ages than yours, so there are fewer opportunities to be in the same place at the same time. Or they're married, and you're not. Other friendships appear stronger so you often feel like the proverbial third wheel. They refer to or retell exclusive outings, not with the purposeful intention, I think, to hurt... but it still stings.
Lately, this is how I've been feeling: I just don't seem to belong, to fit in. There was a time in my life I was accepting of being alone but as I've gotten older and divorced (again), it's not so acceptable. Alone has become lonely.
I haven't been able to connect with any gentlemen on the singles site. What am I lacking? Is it because I am older with two young children? Many of them just want to have fun and travel; well, that leaves me out.
I have two friends I am close to, but the two of them seem closer. It's pretty clear when the three of us are together, they spend much more time together. Hey, what about me?
No, I can't do all they can and do, nor do I want to. And yet, despite it being my choice to abstain from doing more, I still feel like I'm living on the periphery.
I crave conversation, companionship, camaraderie with someone other than my children, my dog or my cat. I want to feel valued and important. I want to help someone else feel the same.
My cognitive abilities are not clouded by a glass of wine and I'm not hormonal. Maybe my perception is errantly skewed. Or maybe it is the holiday season, which is often to blame for blue moods. I could probably point an accusatory finger at any of a number of "maybe's." And perhaps if I could pinpoint the culprit causing my despondency, I could do something about it. Until then, I'm feeling like that square peg in a round hole.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Know Your Place
There is a heirarchical order to most relationships, but when someone on a lower rung of the ladder misappropriately self-appoints themself to a higher position, friction may very likely ensue. As a wife to a husband, a child to parent, an employee to a supervisor, a student to a teacher - these are easily recognizable relationships that demand a certain respect from the "subordinate" to the "superior." It is no less applicable in the relationship between a child and the Father; when the child supposes his/her intelligence, experience or solution rank in excess of the One who created them, they will be given the opportunity to stumble and learn. Although our Heavenly Father will always know the better - nay, the BEST - path to travel, we parents on Earth often struggle to know precisely what those in our stewardship will profit from most. I find myself in such a place.
Mind your own plate. Know your place. Who's the boss? Of late, I have been engaged in a power struggle with my nearly-6 year old son. My heart aches, absolutely aches, at our battles. I fear I am failing him. He is with me the majority of the time, so surely, I think, it is my fault for his angst. For his defensive attitude, for his accusation that I don't like him or think he is stupid. I love this child with all my heart and more. How could we have gotten to this confused place in our parent/child relationship?
I see it nearly daily in our home. It has made our home at times a place of dissension, of hurtful words, biting remarks, and poison-filled sideways glances aimed in my direction. But today, this day - his wounding words were launched in the classroom. As I sat in the seat of responsibility and authority of Mommy Helper, my precious child spoke to me with disrespect and disobedience. I was hurt and deeply saddened, to say the least.
He begged me to stay with him through their recess; why, for Heaven's sake, I do not know! I even asked him why? when he had just been so mean to me? But I stayed, and for the entire time, he clung to me and I to him. I cried and cried. Real tears that rolled painfully down my face. I do not want to lose any part of my son, but most especially not his heart.
He told me he didn't know why he was mean to me. That's legitimate. Sometimes we lash out at others and it is often a mystery as to why. The saying "You always hurt the ones you love" is sadly true. Too frequently, those in closest physical proximity receive the brunt of our emotional outbursts, regardless of whether or not they were the ones who prompted such a reaction.
All this to say, my heart was hurt deeply today but my son is my son and I love him crazy a lot. What I desire more than anything is not to find his sensitive spot so I can use it as a bargaining tool in my favor, but rather, to find that area of weakness so I can encourage him to grow strong and persevere in the most healthy way possible. I need him to know I'm not an enemy; I'm 100% PLUS on his side, in his corner, behind him all the way. I need him to know my place is forever as his Mom.
Mind your own plate. Know your place. Who's the boss? Of late, I have been engaged in a power struggle with my nearly-6 year old son. My heart aches, absolutely aches, at our battles. I fear I am failing him. He is with me the majority of the time, so surely, I think, it is my fault for his angst. For his defensive attitude, for his accusation that I don't like him or think he is stupid. I love this child with all my heart and more. How could we have gotten to this confused place in our parent/child relationship?
I see it nearly daily in our home. It has made our home at times a place of dissension, of hurtful words, biting remarks, and poison-filled sideways glances aimed in my direction. But today, this day - his wounding words were launched in the classroom. As I sat in the seat of responsibility and authority of Mommy Helper, my precious child spoke to me with disrespect and disobedience. I was hurt and deeply saddened, to say the least.
He begged me to stay with him through their recess; why, for Heaven's sake, I do not know! I even asked him why? when he had just been so mean to me? But I stayed, and for the entire time, he clung to me and I to him. I cried and cried. Real tears that rolled painfully down my face. I do not want to lose any part of my son, but most especially not his heart.
He told me he didn't know why he was mean to me. That's legitimate. Sometimes we lash out at others and it is often a mystery as to why. The saying "You always hurt the ones you love" is sadly true. Too frequently, those in closest physical proximity receive the brunt of our emotional outbursts, regardless of whether or not they were the ones who prompted such a reaction.
All this to say, my heart was hurt deeply today but my son is my son and I love him crazy a lot. What I desire more than anything is not to find his sensitive spot so I can use it as a bargaining tool in my favor, but rather, to find that area of weakness so I can encourage him to grow strong and persevere in the most healthy way possible. I need him to know I'm not an enemy; I'm 100% PLUS on his side, in his corner, behind him all the way. I need him to know my place is forever as his Mom.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Knock, Knock
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Love.
Love who?
Love you!
What do you do when love comes knocking and you're not sure you are ready, willing or wanting to open the door? What stops you? Is it fear? Fear of what?
Interestingly, but not coincidentally, I attended a gathering of other Big Creek ladies this morning to take in another episode of "Wednesdays with Beth (Moore)" and her topic was on being set free from the bondage of fear. She cited three areas of fear that can cripple our lives: the past, saying 'yes,' and saying 'no.' I have fears in all three areas, so it's easy to see how this love-come-calling situation has me upside-down. I have two failed marriages in my past. If I say 'yes,' I may fail (me, him, my children - or all three). If I say 'no,' I may miss out on a great and wonderful thing.
When I first became acquainted with my gentleman friend, there were some red flags fluttering in my peripheral field of vision. I recognized them and tried to proceed cautiously. As with many new relationships, however, it's natural to get caught up in the excitement, hope, and desire for things to, well, go well. I was certainly right there. So, what has happened? What has changed?
What has happened is some things haven't changed; the red flags are still waving. I have hoped they would stop, be still and even, perhaps, be taken down and retired. But they have not. There are circumstances - some unavoidable, some necessary - that have raised the flags in the first place; circumstances I have no control over. I have begun to wonder if a serious, permanent relationship is something I can do - or want to do - at all, ever, with anyone. Time, my location, and the demands of my young children are very real considerations for me; not mere excuses, I believe, but real life elements that can make any endeavor more challenging.
After the separation, I sincerely and deeply believed I would spend the remainder of my days without a partner. For the first time ever, perhaps, I accepted Jesus as the Lover of my soul, the Love of my life. But then I met this gentle man and discovered it is tough to walk away when someone right in front of me loves and cares for me.
Knock, knock. This is no joke.
Who's there?
Love.
Love who?
Love you!
What do you do when love comes knocking and you're not sure you are ready, willing or wanting to open the door? What stops you? Is it fear? Fear of what?
Interestingly, but not coincidentally, I attended a gathering of other Big Creek ladies this morning to take in another episode of "Wednesdays with Beth (Moore)" and her topic was on being set free from the bondage of fear. She cited three areas of fear that can cripple our lives: the past, saying 'yes,' and saying 'no.' I have fears in all three areas, so it's easy to see how this love-come-calling situation has me upside-down. I have two failed marriages in my past. If I say 'yes,' I may fail (me, him, my children - or all three). If I say 'no,' I may miss out on a great and wonderful thing.
When I first became acquainted with my gentleman friend, there were some red flags fluttering in my peripheral field of vision. I recognized them and tried to proceed cautiously. As with many new relationships, however, it's natural to get caught up in the excitement, hope, and desire for things to, well, go well. I was certainly right there. So, what has happened? What has changed?
What has happened is some things haven't changed; the red flags are still waving. I have hoped they would stop, be still and even, perhaps, be taken down and retired. But they have not. There are circumstances - some unavoidable, some necessary - that have raised the flags in the first place; circumstances I have no control over. I have begun to wonder if a serious, permanent relationship is something I can do - or want to do - at all, ever, with anyone. Time, my location, and the demands of my young children are very real considerations for me; not mere excuses, I believe, but real life elements that can make any endeavor more challenging.
After the separation, I sincerely and deeply believed I would spend the remainder of my days without a partner. For the first time ever, perhaps, I accepted Jesus as the Lover of my soul, the Love of my life. But then I met this gentle man and discovered it is tough to walk away when someone right in front of me loves and cares for me.
Knock, knock. This is no joke.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
A Weighty Cloak
It's Sunday afternoon. It's been a long week. The kids have been on mid-Winter break this past week. Being on the school board, I should know the reason for this break, but I do not. All I know is that only 1 1/2 years into the school process, I have joined the ranks of those parents who long for week-long breaks to come to an end. Yes, I am ready for school to resume.
Being a single parent means, perhaps, that I need more frequent breaks from my children. I have felt that to the inth degree this week. We have experienced some very fun firsts, the kids and I. We rode a passenger train together (Amtrak) for the first time. We visited Storyland and Playland - riding amusement park rides together - for the first time. Despite the usual bickering, arguing and disagreements, I have thoroughly enjoyed my two favorite little people, Benjamin and Elizabeth, during these "firsts." But this concentrated time together has left me drained. Spent. There are no reserves left at this point.
As I just attempted to explain to Ben, I consider Sundays to be family time (this in response to his inquiry why he cannot have a friend over or go to a friend's house). It is the one day a week I request all three of us take a nap after church. Often, Ben is compliant. Not today. On a day when I so needed some extra rest, he remained in his room for far too short a time.
I was lying on the couch, trying desperately to catch that much-needed rest, when he came out from his room, repeatedly calling "Mama." When I failed to answer, he quietly entered the living room where I was trying to rest. Again, he gently called out "Mama" and upon acknowledging him, handed me a bundle of alphabet cards. He systematically layed them out on the ground - but not before taking his stuffed gorilla and Trusty the dog and setting them at attention to his grid of lettered cards. He let each animal take a turn turning over the capital and matching lower case letter, while having quiet conversation with each 'player.' The tears of exhaustion and delight streamed down my face as I listened to his commentary. Why in the world did our Magnificent Father grant me stewardship of this precious child?
In the midst of my angst is one dear gentleman who desires my company. He is willing to let me sob on his shoulder, share my grievances, and take part in my joys. Yet another individual I feel undeserving of.
I am at enormous conflict these past many days. I feel completely inadequate as a parent or a partner. In a week, I will be starting a parenting class and (probably unrealistically) expect it to solve my poor parenting practices. I am lacking in my abilities to manage my home, my finances, my time, my energy. Where can I buy a few extra hours to supplement my allotted 24? Never mind; I don't have the finances to purchase them. I am falling further behind in my Bible study; God gets cheated again. I haven't done laundry or dusted, vacuumed, or attended to the multiplying piles of mail, books, papers and "stuff" accumulating around our home. The dog, car, dishes, clothes, and kids all need to be bathed.
How do I ever get caught up? I've heard countless times to let things go; your children are this age only once and we should enjoy and treasure these times. I have let things go and it ain't easy. "Letting go" is incredibly difficult for someone of my temperament. Productivity and order are of great importance to me; lack of same for any extended period of time can be of genuine trial for me.
At this point, I don't even know where to start addressing the disorder I sense. It is like a cloak weighing me down. The kids, of course, have absolutely no comprehension of my challenges. I alternately wish I could violently smash and destroy all in my path... and otherwise, curl up and vanish in my own misery and inadequacies.
Being a single parent means, perhaps, that I need more frequent breaks from my children. I have felt that to the inth degree this week. We have experienced some very fun firsts, the kids and I. We rode a passenger train together (Amtrak) for the first time. We visited Storyland and Playland - riding amusement park rides together - for the first time. Despite the usual bickering, arguing and disagreements, I have thoroughly enjoyed my two favorite little people, Benjamin and Elizabeth, during these "firsts." But this concentrated time together has left me drained. Spent. There are no reserves left at this point.
As I just attempted to explain to Ben, I consider Sundays to be family time (this in response to his inquiry why he cannot have a friend over or go to a friend's house). It is the one day a week I request all three of us take a nap after church. Often, Ben is compliant. Not today. On a day when I so needed some extra rest, he remained in his room for far too short a time.
I was lying on the couch, trying desperately to catch that much-needed rest, when he came out from his room, repeatedly calling "Mama." When I failed to answer, he quietly entered the living room where I was trying to rest. Again, he gently called out "Mama" and upon acknowledging him, handed me a bundle of alphabet cards. He systematically layed them out on the ground - but not before taking his stuffed gorilla and Trusty the dog and setting them at attention to his grid of lettered cards. He let each animal take a turn turning over the capital and matching lower case letter, while having quiet conversation with each 'player.' The tears of exhaustion and delight streamed down my face as I listened to his commentary. Why in the world did our Magnificent Father grant me stewardship of this precious child?
In the midst of my angst is one dear gentleman who desires my company. He is willing to let me sob on his shoulder, share my grievances, and take part in my joys. Yet another individual I feel undeserving of.
I am at enormous conflict these past many days. I feel completely inadequate as a parent or a partner. In a week, I will be starting a parenting class and (probably unrealistically) expect it to solve my poor parenting practices. I am lacking in my abilities to manage my home, my finances, my time, my energy. Where can I buy a few extra hours to supplement my allotted 24? Never mind; I don't have the finances to purchase them. I am falling further behind in my Bible study; God gets cheated again. I haven't done laundry or dusted, vacuumed, or attended to the multiplying piles of mail, books, papers and "stuff" accumulating around our home. The dog, car, dishes, clothes, and kids all need to be bathed.
How do I ever get caught up? I've heard countless times to let things go; your children are this age only once and we should enjoy and treasure these times. I have let things go and it ain't easy. "Letting go" is incredibly difficult for someone of my temperament. Productivity and order are of great importance to me; lack of same for any extended period of time can be of genuine trial for me.
At this point, I don't even know where to start addressing the disorder I sense. It is like a cloak weighing me down. The kids, of course, have absolutely no comprehension of my challenges. I alternately wish I could violently smash and destroy all in my path... and otherwise, curl up and vanish in my own misery and inadequacies.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
New Year Resolution
Ah, it's that time of year again. Time for 'out with the old, in with the new.' A time for cleansing, purging, rethinking habits and practices. A time for resolution.
Notice I didn't say 'resolutions.' I am not referring to those well-intended but rarely achieved monumental goals we set for ourselves. I don't mean a rigid, new exercise program, or a nutrition-depleted diet "guaranteed" to transform you into the wo(man) you've always wanted to be, or the no-fail organizational plan offered by any number of resources.
What I am talking about is resolution, as in clarity of detail. Not unlike the resolution factor of a conventional television set, wherein the greater the number the finer the image, the resolution in question follows the same pattern: The greater amount of quality time devoted to the important details in your life and surrounding environment will likely result in a life lived more fully with a finer, clearer "image."
I realize I may have you thoroughly baffled and in all frankness, I'm challenging myself in developing this thought process. What I am attempting to convey is the idea of narrowing our focus on what we know and deem to be of utter importance - and letting go of the rest. As a society in whole, we are so very easily distracted by the periphery: Work; play; volunteerism; television; computers and accessibility to information they provide; children, friends, family... The list, really, can be endless. And I would be surprised if some of you weren't vehemently protesting to the necessity of each of the subjects I listed. I don't disagree. But in the grand scheme of things, their necessity is marred by a foggy overlap that muddles our perception and distorts our priorities. Let's take a look at a few examples.
Work. Surely, I am not dismissing the necessity of work! No, I am not. And yet, what happens when work becomes an obsession, when the spouse/parent comes to love their job more than their family? What happens when elective overtime becomes routine? Or work becomes an indispensable resource to fund the purchase of extravagant toys and vacations? Family relationships suffer. Children, spouses, healthy commitments are neglected. Priorities are skewed. Time lost cannot be regained.
Computers. Yup, the seemingly requisite data processing systems are periphery to some degree. Undoubtedly, we have made them an integral component to certain everyday life functions. Beyond those simple and mundane functions, however, exists a whole other world we have chosen to create and abide in, a world that separates us from friends, family, neighbors. It allows us to isolate ourselves and lose the ability to intimately interact with others. It distances us from others. And that is not healthy. We have become a fat cow society, a phrase I'm sure I did not coin, but aptly depicts the lazy, lard-filled people dotting the landscape. Computers cause us to abandon our basic need to be in active fellowship and communion with one another. We are a people that need other people, whether we agree or not. Computers cannot fill that void.
Volunteerism. I must be jesting, right? What could possibly be wrong with lending a hand where a need is recognized? Volunteering can be wrong for a couple of reasons; one, if our heart is not sincere but rather hoping for praise, compensation of any sort, or glory. Two, if the degree of volunteerism takes valuable time away from your first priority, which should be your family. Volunteerism should be a willing sacrifice of time, talent, or financial resources, but not to such a level of putting your family needs on hold. Even good intentions can go awry without clear and prayerful consideration.
So, where is this post going?! What I would lovingly propose is for you to take stock of your past year; assess thoughtfully where you spent your time, your energy, your finances. Are the answers clear and easily found, or do you struggle pinpointing the relevant ventures? If you elect to make a New Year resolution, let it be for resolution - that attention to detail that will provide healthy highlights to your days.
May God be your guide as you ask Him to 'teach us to count the days and teach us to make the days count.' (Life Means So Much by Chris Rice)
Notice I didn't say 'resolutions.' I am not referring to those well-intended but rarely achieved monumental goals we set for ourselves. I don't mean a rigid, new exercise program, or a nutrition-depleted diet "guaranteed" to transform you into the wo(man) you've always wanted to be, or the no-fail organizational plan offered by any number of resources.
What I am talking about is resolution, as in clarity of detail. Not unlike the resolution factor of a conventional television set, wherein the greater the number the finer the image, the resolution in question follows the same pattern: The greater amount of quality time devoted to the important details in your life and surrounding environment will likely result in a life lived more fully with a finer, clearer "image."
I realize I may have you thoroughly baffled and in all frankness, I'm challenging myself in developing this thought process. What I am attempting to convey is the idea of narrowing our focus on what we know and deem to be of utter importance - and letting go of the rest. As a society in whole, we are so very easily distracted by the periphery: Work; play; volunteerism; television; computers and accessibility to information they provide; children, friends, family... The list, really, can be endless. And I would be surprised if some of you weren't vehemently protesting to the necessity of each of the subjects I listed. I don't disagree. But in the grand scheme of things, their necessity is marred by a foggy overlap that muddles our perception and distorts our priorities. Let's take a look at a few examples.
Work. Surely, I am not dismissing the necessity of work! No, I am not. And yet, what happens when work becomes an obsession, when the spouse/parent comes to love their job more than their family? What happens when elective overtime becomes routine? Or work becomes an indispensable resource to fund the purchase of extravagant toys and vacations? Family relationships suffer. Children, spouses, healthy commitments are neglected. Priorities are skewed. Time lost cannot be regained.
Computers. Yup, the seemingly requisite data processing systems are periphery to some degree. Undoubtedly, we have made them an integral component to certain everyday life functions. Beyond those simple and mundane functions, however, exists a whole other world we have chosen to create and abide in, a world that separates us from friends, family, neighbors. It allows us to isolate ourselves and lose the ability to intimately interact with others. It distances us from others. And that is not healthy. We have become a fat cow society, a phrase I'm sure I did not coin, but aptly depicts the lazy, lard-filled people dotting the landscape. Computers cause us to abandon our basic need to be in active fellowship and communion with one another. We are a people that need other people, whether we agree or not. Computers cannot fill that void.
Volunteerism. I must be jesting, right? What could possibly be wrong with lending a hand where a need is recognized? Volunteering can be wrong for a couple of reasons; one, if our heart is not sincere but rather hoping for praise, compensation of any sort, or glory. Two, if the degree of volunteerism takes valuable time away from your first priority, which should be your family. Volunteerism should be a willing sacrifice of time, talent, or financial resources, but not to such a level of putting your family needs on hold. Even good intentions can go awry without clear and prayerful consideration.
So, where is this post going?! What I would lovingly propose is for you to take stock of your past year; assess thoughtfully where you spent your time, your energy, your finances. Are the answers clear and easily found, or do you struggle pinpointing the relevant ventures? If you elect to make a New Year resolution, let it be for resolution - that attention to detail that will provide healthy highlights to your days.
May God be your guide as you ask Him to 'teach us to count the days and teach us to make the days count.' (Life Means So Much by Chris Rice)
Loving the Little Guys
True confession time: I have not always loved the little guys. Who are they, you ask? They are the mom-and-pop shops. The locals. The small, family-owned businesses who fight valiantly to stay in business.
I have historically been a mega-shopper. I frequent the nondescript warehouse stores because I buy into the "more for less" mentality. I'm all about saving a dime where possible. And when it comes to purchasing staples in bulk - you know, those items that make it onto every shopping list - warehouse operations certainly serve a purpose.
But what about the infrequent shopping excursions? What about the opportunities to treat yourself to something special? Is that really when you want a mass-produced, preservative-laden, cookie cutter bargain?
If you said Yes, you might want to re-think your decision. I mean, really, is Starbucks all that much of a treat? Yes, I admit I have enjoyed more than one pumpkin scone there. And their classic coffee cake is, well, classic. It's nothing special or outstanding, though.
What IS special is visiting one of the little guys. On a recent trip to Bishop, I enjoyed a couple genuine treats. My first experience was at the Village Cafe, where I had one of the best breakfasts ever. Let's get this out there right away - the place is not much to look at, but once you take your first bite of whatever you've ordered, made specially just for you, you won't give one hoot what the digs look like! My pancake sandwich breakfast had two of the fluffiest, tastiest pancakes, the over-medium egg was perfect and I could not have asked for better bacon and hashbrowns - both served to the exact degree of crispness that makes my tastebuds dance with joy!
My second memorable treat came from the Great Basin Bakery. I had both a lemon scone and a chocolate-chip scone . Scones can sometimes be a little on the dry side; not these. Not only were they deliciously moist, but they were chock full of flavor. As much as I love chocolate, I rarely have it for breakfast but this chocolate-chip scone was fabulous!
I saved a pecan sticky bun from the bakery for a mid-morning snack. Although it comes with a side pot of icing, I withheld that and found it was absolutely perfect (for me) without. Again, the roll was wonderfully moist and had just the right amount of mouth-watering 'goo' and pecans.
I was also given a loaf of their multi-grain bread. Only word necessary: YUM. I just ate two pieces, toasted, and they were wonderful. The bread is thick-sliced so you really get to taste the goodness of what's inside.
My experience with the GBB will certainly alter my former notion of sticking to the ordinary, unimaginative chain-store experience. My recommendation is to branch out. Check out the little guys, where the goods are made with a little more heart and a little less focus on mass production. It may give you the 'big' experience you were looking for.
I have historically been a mega-shopper. I frequent the nondescript warehouse stores because I buy into the "more for less" mentality. I'm all about saving a dime where possible. And when it comes to purchasing staples in bulk - you know, those items that make it onto every shopping list - warehouse operations certainly serve a purpose.
But what about the infrequent shopping excursions? What about the opportunities to treat yourself to something special? Is that really when you want a mass-produced, preservative-laden, cookie cutter bargain?
If you said Yes, you might want to re-think your decision. I mean, really, is Starbucks all that much of a treat? Yes, I admit I have enjoyed more than one pumpkin scone there. And their classic coffee cake is, well, classic. It's nothing special or outstanding, though.
What IS special is visiting one of the little guys. On a recent trip to Bishop, I enjoyed a couple genuine treats. My first experience was at the Village Cafe, where I had one of the best breakfasts ever. Let's get this out there right away - the place is not much to look at, but once you take your first bite of whatever you've ordered, made specially just for you, you won't give one hoot what the digs look like! My pancake sandwich breakfast had two of the fluffiest, tastiest pancakes, the over-medium egg was perfect and I could not have asked for better bacon and hashbrowns - both served to the exact degree of crispness that makes my tastebuds dance with joy!
My second memorable treat came from the Great Basin Bakery. I had both a lemon scone and a chocolate-chip scone . Scones can sometimes be a little on the dry side; not these. Not only were they deliciously moist, but they were chock full of flavor. As much as I love chocolate, I rarely have it for breakfast but this chocolate-chip scone was fabulous!
I saved a pecan sticky bun from the bakery for a mid-morning snack. Although it comes with a side pot of icing, I withheld that and found it was absolutely perfect (for me) without. Again, the roll was wonderfully moist and had just the right amount of mouth-watering 'goo' and pecans.
I was also given a loaf of their multi-grain bread. Only word necessary: YUM. I just ate two pieces, toasted, and they were wonderful. The bread is thick-sliced so you really get to taste the goodness of what's inside.
My experience with the GBB will certainly alter my former notion of sticking to the ordinary, unimaginative chain-store experience. My recommendation is to branch out. Check out the little guys, where the goods are made with a little more heart and a little less focus on mass production. It may give you the 'big' experience you were looking for.
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