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?
15 comments:
That's a really cool idea. I'm guessing everyone who ventures there knows the Sugar Shack is ahead. My thought when I saw the sign - Can you smell it yet - was a rotting body. Boy! I think I'm watching too many crime series on Netflix.
What a creative idea. In a smaller town, it works!
That is really cool. Not far from us is a house where 2 sisters bake pies to support the school across the street. The pies are in the garage. Honor system, suggested prices on a posted list. My hair stylist mentioned it, but I've never had the nerve to put into the driveway and buy a pie. I'll bet you're glad you did.
I love the cute shed in the woods and that you can go there to get yummy baked goods. What a great idea!
That is such a lovely, inspiring idea, and so good that she trusts people to be honourable.
That is adorable. What a wonderful idea. Now, can we do that with books?
Love this ingenious and deeply dear idea! And riffing off of L. Diane's idea maybe we could do it with books. I'm going to think on it!
Oh my gosh, Liza! What a beautiful place--and area. I can smell it already. Handmade is the key word here. Chocolates, teas, pies and breads. I'm in! Thanks for sharing this with your followers. All best to you!
I love it! It reminds me a little of Hansel and Gretel. Without the scary witch!
Hi Liza - what a fascinating idea - and obviously very clever - it works. We all need chocolate while we write our books or stories ... fun to read up about - cheers Hilary
That sounds so lovely and just cool. It's so nice to hear about something so generous that spreads good feelings and joy.
What an amazing idea! I love it. It's exactly the kind of thing I'd love to do if I had the time and a property big enough to hide a shack on. How lucky you are to have experienced it!
The Sugar Shack is a delightful place, Liza! Thanks for sharing it!
And that's a wow post and I'm already wishing I could drive to a Sugar Shack. Kudos to these folks. How nifty and I truly hope folks honor the system and pay well for their treats. Thanks for this post. I am in a total summer lack of creativity, but enjoying vacation and also working hard to get Ray's folks moved. The super seniors agree they need a bit more care. Wish us luck! Moving in August in TX - what is wrong with this family???
How fun! There's a horror author who makes his own spice rubs, hot honey, and such, and he has a stand in front of his house that is self-serve. It seems to pretty well. I hope the Sugar Shack does, too.
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