What these women are hearing for the first time is what I’m hearing for the first time too. I want to know more about Dad’s past, since he never talks about his life before It’s Ok! But I realize now is not the time, so I suppress the urge to ask more questions.
Annabel brings a kettle of water with chamomile tea and honey. She hands us mugs with crocheted cozies on them and explains to Dad that they’re handmade by Hal and sold at the farmer’s market as well. Dad’s cozy has a heart on his, and mine is yellow with a smiley face, like an emoji. I can’t believe the guy I assumed was a convict is the same guy who crocheted this. I laugh at myself for having made such an error in judgment. Guess even I’m susceptible to making mistakes when it comes to reading people.
“What’s so funny?” Dad asks.
“I’ll tell you later,” I say when I realize the table is quieting down. One by one the women turn their attention to my dad.
“Although we’re happy to just be in your company, we’re also excited to hear about an idea of yours.” Annabel smiles.
“Especially one that could benefit the town,” Dr.Blaire adds.
“Yes, we’re all ears,” Jean says.
Dad clears his throat. “Thank you for having me—for havingustoday,” he corrects himself, looking at me. My smile stretches wide. “My family and I are starting a small farm that I think could contribute to the products of this group of talented entrepreneurs.” He goes on to explain that we could grow enough to produce more than what our family needs. He could sell the surplus to the cafe and even contribute to the sales at the farmer’s market. Using research on the town’s demographics, he has the crop rotations planned out to suit the needs of the people. Before he can pass out the spreadsheet, they stop him.
“This all sounds great, and as our main priority is to provide the food for our town’s needs, adding you to our co-op aligns perfectly with our mission. But…potatoes and corn?” Dr.Blaire looks to the others, and they share the same skeptical expression.
“What’s wrong with potatoes and corn?” Dad’s head cocks to the side.
“Nothing. It’s just that we’re looking for something new. As you’ve probably noticed by now, we have all the basics. But people here are craving something different from what we’re used to. And we’re used to potatoes and corn.” Dr.Blaire shakes her head.
“Not sure how they’ll draw in more interest at the farmer’s market either. They’ll hardly stand out in the crowded market,” Annabel points out.
“Annabel’s right,” Jean says. “The farmer’s market only happens once a month. People have to wait for it. Some plan their meals around it. They’re not waiting for things they can easily get at their local grocery stores.”
“Then how about kale and little gem lettuce?” Dad tries again. “Those are very popular where we used to live.”
“Those have also been done to death here. We like healthy foods, but it doesn’t mean we want to eat the same supergreens all year round. We want variety,” Dr.Blaire says. “We have to start thinking beyond our basic needs. We have to think about what else we can provide to increase the quality of life for the people of this town.”
It’s clear by the way Dad is quietly taking in this information that he didn’t prepare a plan B. So I take this opportunity to speak up.
“This might be off topic,” I say, “but something you said reminded me of when I first got here. Not having Wi-Fi and the things I was used to having was a real shock to my system, and I wasn’t exactlyhappy to be here.” The three women, along with my dad, stare at me intently.
“And at the time, all I had were my lavender bath salts. They were a gift from the Hotel George Cinq, which I went to in Pari— Never mind. It’s not important. My point is that the bath salts gave me a break from my anxiety, helping me to see that things were not as bad as I perceived them to be. All because of a tiny moment of relaxation.” I pause to gauge their reactions before I go on. When I see that I’m still holding their attention, I continue. “And while the convenience store has a lot to offer, as you said earlier, it doesn’t have the items that meet people’s needs beyond the basics. Care is essential, and that includes self-care. I couldn’t find anything that offered the same effects as lavender bath salts, and there was no self-care section to speak of.” The three women murmur in agreement.
“I couldn’t agree with you more. There is a demand for products we don’t carry, but the convenience store simply can’t maintain that type of overhead.” Dr.Blaire shakes her head solemnly.
“What ideas do you have?” Jean asks.
“I’ve been getting to know more about all of you, and there’s a unique story behind each of your products. Honey has been a way for you to engage with young learners. The nutrient-rich dairy is a product of your love for animals. The garden is a tribute to Gerry. Even the cozies are a way for Hal to cope with the changes in his life. And the care that this town needs is something you have.” I turn to Jean. “Everyone knows your lavender is not only the prettiest; it’s the most fragrant. You could create a whole brand of products that promote relaxation. Lavender salts, teas, oils. In fact, this could be an opportunity for business synergy. You could partner with Dr.Blaire and make a milk bath.”
“I like what I’m hearing,” Jean says. Annabel and Dr.Blaire nod,agreeing with her. Their encouragement is fuel for my brain. The wheels begin cranking.
“When I was at the farmer’s market, I noticed a parent who couldn’t finish her shopping because her toddler was restless. If we had lavender honey ice cream or honeycomb ice cream, parents could shop while their kids got a handcrafted, artisanal treat. We could consider that proactive self-care.” They laugh.
When I finish my impromptu presentation, Jean, Dr.Blaire, and Annabel clamor with excitement over my suggestions.
“This town has everything it needs, but it definitely could use a little TLC. And while we’re working to improve the outside of it, we should think about how we can use our resources to help the people who make up this town,” Dr.Blaire says.
By the time we leave, the three women are talking animatedly with one another. Jean and Dr.Blaire are discussing how to make the lavender milk bath, and Annabel is looking up recipes for honeycomb ice cream. All because of my suggestions.
I’m still in a daze when Dad and I walk down Jean’s driveway. As soon as he gets into the tractor and shuts the door, Dad turns to me.
“How’d you do that? How did you know that this is what the town would need?” Dad asks me on our way back home.
“Because I got to know them, Dad,” I say. “Sometimes doing isn’t enough. You have to listen to people too.”
“Today…you made me proud,” he says with a fondness I’ve only seen in him when he addresses Gavin.
