Some of you may have wondered where I've been. Actually, I doubt any of you have wondered that. The last couple of months have kind of sucked. I'm not one to bitch about my own problems, it's much more fun bitching about other peoples problems. So, I'm not going to bitch. I'm just gonna tell ya what happened and where I've been.
Sometime at the end of April uncontrollable events forced me to close my restaurant. We were only open two years. We did some good things and failed at others. Bottom line, between our own mistakes and the the economy taking a dump we couldn't continue to take losses. It's a shame. We built a beautiful space in an unorthodox location and just couldn't keep it going until the economy and public awareness turned around.
It's been hard. Closing took a lot out of me. I'm facing a mountain of debt that even God couldn't pay off. I owe vendors and most importantly I owe my staff. That part hurts the most. I'll live and deal with my personal debt but owing the people I work with is hard to deal with.
Closing a business has been similar to going through a divorce. There's a sense of loss and helplessness that compares to divorce. Anyone who's been through a divorce can tell you that it's sometimes hard to be in the same small town as their ex. That's been my feeling concerning the restaurant. So, I've decided a change of scenery is what's needed for me right now. For the last week or so, I've set up camp in Detroit, to lick my wounds. I know that sounds nuts, trading Traverse City for the D but it's what I need right now. I need the familiarity of the streets, restaurants and the negativity which is uniquely Detroit. I also need friends and family. The people that go back to your childhood who know how to pick you up or knock you down when the time is right.
I feel good. Really. I'm regaining my optimism and my confidence and I'm looking forward.
So that being said, I'm ready to continue writing. You can look forward to rants about politics, life's absurdities and my life in Detroit. One of the things I'm most excited about is writing about food. Detroit is filled with great food joints which deserve a word or two from a master eater.
In short, I'm back! Republicans flee in terror. Hypocrites cower with fear. Food lovers drool or be disgusted by what will surely be my best writing yet.
I for one was curious... you went oddly silent - I assumed summer was keeping you busy. Whatever the case it's nice to see you back. Sorry for your loss, but TC's loss is surely Detroit's gain. And Shayne, Detroit isn't all about only negativity. In my mind there is no where to go but up (maybe in that, you have much in common w/ the D right now). There are some of us out there choosing to see the positive - you waking again is one of those. Welcome home. :)
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorites. It applies to you here and now. I don't believe in luck so I will wish you peace and prosperity.
ReplyDeleteHere's the favorite:
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
- Teddy Roosevelt
Chris
I was very curious as to where you were. sorry about the business. I agree with what Nancy said there no where else but up to go. Miss seeing you on here, glad your back.
ReplyDeleteYou'll land on your feet and a stronger person for it, Shayne. I know this is very trivious, but I sure miss your fish tacos...those were the best. You could just open a fish taco stand and be wildly successful! As previously noted, no where to go but up!
ReplyDeleteI've missed your rants about politics, and reading about all the great food you where cooking at your restaurant. I'm sorry you had to close it. I was looking forward to taking my kids there when I came to visit MI next week. I know my business is one of my babies and I'd feel at a complete loss if I ever have to close it. ((((HUGS))))
ReplyDeleteYou never know what your life can be until you venture out and live it, and even when things don’t turn out the way you had hoped, each adventure in your life builds character for the next adventure waiting round the bend.
ReplyDeleteLick your wounds briefly, then hold your head high and stand tall knowing that your experience has left you with, not only the debt you mentioned, but also with wisdom from lessons learned, a strength in your character from having tried, and memories of good times with friends. Every person you interact with- every kindness that you extend to someone, or they extend to you, leaves a light in your spirit. I’m sure you wouldn’t have traded your experience, even now, knowing the outcome because you surely met some wonderful people and had some great times.. So shine brightly my friend. Welcome home.