The Big Picture

I have this fantasy.
It goes something like this:

I picture returning to my home town of Schomberg.
There was a store called the Ravens Roost that sold nick knacks.
I picture buying it.

I have it all planned out:

The two large picture windows will have floral drapery pulled back to expose vignettes. One window will have a table dressed for an elaborate dinner. The other window will showcase jewellery and other accessories we make. The walls will have a variety of shelves to hold all our designs. Towards the back is a half-wall. Behind the wall is an open work area with sewing machines, cutting areas and jewellery stations. Customers will be able to watch us work and know that everything they purchase is handmade.

I've shared this vision with my cousin Alex. So when she called to ask if I wanted to go to the Schomberg Spring Fair, I said sure. And, of course, we'd stop by the old Raven's Roost and check it out. Just for fun.

So we went.
Only to discover that the Raven's Roost is now an Irish Bakery.
...sigh ...
Oh well.
Instead, we bought some pastries and tea and took our goodies outside to the front porch to enjoy the weather. As we were sitting there, sipping and nibbling, we started reminiscing.

As we sat on the porch, we looked across the street and moved our way from right to left, reminiscing about each store.

Remember Handy Food Mart? All those candies we bought! And King's Restaurant? They made the best fries and gravy!

Then we got to what used to be Armstrong's Garage. And saw this.


We both stared. Looked at each other. Then practically ran across the street!

And to add to the goosebump factor, this is what was inside:




Do you see that?
The half wall?
And the shelving?
The absolute perfectness of it all??!

And as perfect as it was, it just wasn't going to work.
We simply don't have the money for that right now.
Besides, the building is now sold.

But I am not deterred.

I read recently:

God never says no to prayers. He has only one of three answers:
1. Yes.
2. Not right now.
3. I have something better planned for you.

I'm going with 2 or 3 on this one.