Paint Splatters and Paperwork: Gratitude in the Mess
There’s something poetic about launching a new chapter while covered in paint, full of cold medicine, and wearing the same paint-covered shirt two days in a row. If this is glamour, we’re redefining it.
This week we took possession of the retail space for Jonquies, and at the same time, my husband and I both came down with truly glorious colds - the kind that makes you sound like a chain-smoking cartoon character and wonder if Sudafed can be legally consumed as a meal replacement. We powered through, because apparently nothing says "small business ownership" like trying to interpret municipal rules and CAM clauses while coughing up a lung.
As a self-identified rule follower, navigating this journey has been an Olympic sport. But we’re learning. And highlighting leases. And rereading contracts. And maybe lightly sweating while doing it.
Speaking of sweat - this week, dozens of kind, curious people stopped by the shop to say hello… while we were in full-on DIY mode. Imagine: paint-smeared, sniffly, slightly feral versions of ourselves trying to explain what Jonquies will be, while simultaneously hoping we don’t sneeze on anyone. Charming!
Through all of this, the support has been unreal. My in-laws threw us a sweet lunch (complete with an adorable cake that I only got to taste once it was back home, where I had been waiting with tissues) to celebrate both Jonquies and more importantly the upcoming arrival of our second niece or nephew in August. And a special thank you to my parents, who lovingly painted an entire accent wall the wrong shade of yellow - because apparently “Gently Aged Parchment” and “Sunshine on Steroids” look exactly the same until the whole wall is done. (Don’t worry. We fixed it. And no one cried. Much.)
Amid the mess, the missteps, and the sneezing - there’s been so much gratitude. For the people who show up, even when it’s messy. For the moments that aren’t perfect, but are real. For the reminder that building something meaningful doesn’t always look like the vision board.
We’re getting there. And it’s going to be so worth it.
–The Jonquies Team
Still sniffling. Still grateful. Still going.