Answers to my questions.
A student/reader responded in depth to my questions about the opening of a neighborhood grocery store in the text….
“I opened a grocery store.” By Alison Roman.
I am sharing with everyone her responses.

Why did I post this story?

I think you posted this story because you are inspired by First Bloom (name of the grocery store) & all of its offerings and curated selections which showcases what the owner loves. Also, it’s a teaching about inspiration & acting on that inspiration.

What came to mind when you read this story?

Her aspiration, confidence and her ability to create a store filled with only the things she loves. She was also meeting a need in the village. “Everyone needs groceries to cook a meal.”

What are your thoughts, feelings about the story?

I loved reading the story. I loved sensing her confidence in her selection. She said, “I’m drunk on power”. I loved knowing she loved what she was doing & the freedom she had to choose within her values & not accommodating to standard stores. Her confidence gave me confidence that I could do something like this too. I came away asking myself….what do I love, what would I want to put out into the world, what are my gifts, talents & passions?

What stood out for you?

Her aspiration. Her confidence. Her ability to adapt to the small cellar area, and the artistic creativity she infused with the staff she hired and their creative gifts as well. The beauty over all of the little grocery store.

What thoughts, ideas, words were important to you?

She created a small neighborhood grocery store based on her passions, interests, love of food and values. She curated the items based on what she (the author) loves. Practical, yet not totally limited to practicality. Things of beauty offered too. It’s an ongoing process. It’s open ended, she adds things as the little store grows. She uses fresh produce from the neighborhood’s local people. She wants citrus in the winter so she orders it from California.

This is HER story. Like an art piece. Everything in it is beautiful. It’s like an art gallery.

What is the story about?

It’s a story about creativity and discovering what one loves & is inspired by. And moving one more step into creating for others what one loves. Creating something substantial out in the world. And sharing it. Meeting a need. Both personal & for the local people in the village.

What message did the story offer us?
It’s a story about creativity, desire, aspiration, interests, values, love, and nourishment, the food one loves, share, prepares & offers to others.

Why did I post this story?
Because I think you are inspired by Allison’s story, actions & the store and you’d like to open a store.** When we share what we love others are inspired & they too ponder upon what they love….

**(from Risa who wants to open a cafe, bookstore, neighborhood grocery store, garden center, flower shop, theatre, art gallery, with a bike repair shop in the back of the cafe.