There are times when the sound of the waves crashing on the shore is very comforting and peaceful... and there are times when that sound can be scary, like during a violent storm or hurricane. Life is similar to that. Things that bring beauty and joy can also wreak havoc and cause pain.
This summer I've been riding many different waves, the main one being suddenly unemployed and thus loosing my "business" of 12 years. Not only is the much-needed income gone, but part of my identity is gone too.
As the waves have peaked and crested - and crashed - I've explored ways to combine the things I love to do with earning a living. One of those options has been to start baking gluten-free goodies and selling them at the local farmer's market. While I haven't made a profit yet, I have made new friends with some local folks who cannot eat gluten and we've had some interesting talks. It's a comfort to discover there are more "like us", and it is very fulfilling to know I've made a positive impact on someone's life by giving them some helpful tips or selling them a delicious gluten-free baked good.
(Wondering what I'm talking about? Click here: Gluten-free Mimi )
I also attended two gluten-free expos this summer - one in Charlotte and one in Raleigh. At the expos, I've had the pleasure of meeting some of my gluten-free "heroes" like Jules Shephard and Lee Tobin, as well as many wonderful gluten-free bloggers that I admire!
I'm loving the peak of this wave - meeting so many people from the gluten-free community who are cookbook authors, bloggers, business owners, etc. There is a true sense of community among these folks! I've gotten lots of great feedback and advice from folks like Carrie at Ginger Lemon Girl, Liz at Gluten Free Galley and Noreen at The Celiac Cakery! (THANK YOU!)
I would not have had the pleasure of riding this wave had I not been diagnosed with a gluten allergy 14 months ago, so, as the Bible says in Genesis 50:20, "what man intended for evil, God meant it for good."
As I wait for this wave to arrive at the shore - with a pleasant splash or a violent crash, I do not know - I take comfort in knowing that God is directing the current of the wave, just as He is directing all things in my life... in the meantime, I'll try to remain calm - and have a cupcake -or a donut (gluten-free, of course!)
This summer I've been riding many different waves, the main one being suddenly unemployed and thus loosing my "business" of 12 years. Not only is the much-needed income gone, but part of my identity is gone too.
As the waves have peaked and crested - and crashed - I've explored ways to combine the things I love to do with earning a living. One of those options has been to start baking gluten-free goodies and selling them at the local farmer's market. While I haven't made a profit yet, I have made new friends with some local folks who cannot eat gluten and we've had some interesting talks. It's a comfort to discover there are more "like us", and it is very fulfilling to know I've made a positive impact on someone's life by giving them some helpful tips or selling them a delicious gluten-free baked good.
(Wondering what I'm talking about? Click here: Gluten-free Mimi )
I also attended two gluten-free expos this summer - one in Charlotte and one in Raleigh. At the expos, I've had the pleasure of meeting some of my gluten-free "heroes" like Jules Shephard and Lee Tobin, as well as many wonderful gluten-free bloggers that I admire!
I would not have had the pleasure of riding this wave had I not been diagnosed with a gluten allergy 14 months ago, so, as the Bible says in Genesis 50:20, "what man intended for evil, God meant it for good."
As I wait for this wave to arrive at the shore - with a pleasant splash or a violent crash, I do not know - I take comfort in knowing that God is directing the current of the wave, just as He is directing all things in my life... in the meantime, I'll try to remain calm - and have a cupcake -or a donut (gluten-free, of course!)
It was really great meeting you and talking with you at the Expo Mimi!! I wish you the very best of success! I have family who live in Statesville so we'll have to meet up sometime when we go to visit! Your story is truly inspiring and as a fellow Believer, I know God is with you and will continue to help you prosper! ((((((hugs))))))
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