Welcome to IWSG Day. The goal of this blog hop is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a haven for insecure writers of all kinds. IWSG is the brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh. To find posts from other contributors, click here. Thank you to the August co-hosts: Kate Larkinsdale, Diane Burton, Janet Alcorn, and Shannon Lawrence!
Since I have nothing writing related to share this month, I've decided to write about something whimsical instead.
Back during Covid lockdown FB announced a new business in our town. Deep in the woods on her property, a former local restauranter/chef/baker built a little shed she calls The Sugar Shack, where she stocks supply of delicious foods. Surrounded by trees, the building sits unmanned. All are welcome to visit. For the longest time I hesitated to, feeling funny about driving up someone’s private driveway. Finally, after being ordered to by my sister-in-law who knew what we were missing, my daughter and I made it there, creeping up an unpaved road a quarter of a mile into the forest.
Trespassing worries disappeared as we encountered the flags welcoming us to travel on. “Chocolate ahead!” “Can you smell it?” and “You are almost there now." By the time we arrived at the shed, we were giggling like kids. We opened the door to find shelved lined with freshly baked muffins, breads, pies, flavored iced tea kits and jars of handmade chocolates. We were the only humans there. Payment is via the honor system, cash, check or Venmo.
The two of us were in awe.
Last week we had visitors and during a scenic ride, without telling them where we were going, we drove them to the Sugar Shack. After looking at us askance as we trundled into the woods, they got it too. Tiny as it is, The Sugar Shack is one huge, quirky delight.
As writers, we appreciate imagination. I am inspired by the creativity it took build a darling shed (by hand, by herself), deep in the woods, stock it with handmade and curated sweets and then disappear, as if to say, no human had a hand in this. Beyond the shack, she has a successful online business selling most of the same yummy products as well as a food truck she takes to local fairs. But to my way of thinking there’s nothing like her magical “If you build it they will come” idea that brings joy to all who visit.
Outside of your writing, where have you encountered creativity recenty?
