#payingitforward

Yesterday we went with Grant to Jessie Jean's Cafe and Coffee (on 25th between Lincoln and Wall in Ogden, Utah) and I'm so thankful. Most places offer food for your body with maybe a little taste for your soul. Jessie Jean's filled both my body and my soul.

It starts with the sign over the entrance

Some of you who are grammarians may take offense at this phrase. It just doesn't feel right at first glance but if you think about it the right way it sets the tone for the place you're entering. All is welcome in this case doesn't refer to just people. It means that not only are "all people" welcome here but "all manner of human experience on the journey of life is welcome here." (Bob Patrick) Heavy stuff for a café right?

Turns out that there is a song (really a chant) titled "All is Welcome" written by a couple known as Miten and Premal. The lyrics are:

"Broken hearts and broken wings

Bring it all and everything

And bring the song you fear to sing

All is welcome here

Even if you broke your vow a thousand times

Come anyhow

We’re stepping into the power of now

And all is welcome here"

On the right side of the foyer (as you're looking at the welcome) are coat hooks with a sign that tells you to take one if you're cold. To the left are shelves for gloves and scarves free for the taking. All you have to have is the need. Above the shelves is a whiteboard. The most important thing on it is in the upper left.

I really didn't think much of this entrance until I started looking around the place. It's decorated in a real funky very comfortable home feeling style that I can't explain. Behind the register a hand written sign

asks you to be the good in this life. As you can see there are phone numbers for those in need just below it.

While at the register you can "pay it forward" by giving the staff money to pay for somebody who couldn't otherwise afford to eat. The above picture has one of many thank you cards and letters written by people who've had a day brightened by this program.

To top it all off the food and coffee are magnificent.

I can't say enough good things about this place and the people who've created it. They're all in with the concept of providing food for the body and soul. I only hope that the seed they've planted in Ogden takes off and grows into an invasive mindset of the community. If you're ever in town, hell if you're ever within a two hour drive of this place, you should visit. With the exception of a few family gatherings I've never felt so good after a meal.

One more picture.... This is in the men's room. Kinda sums it all up..

Here's a bit of my story: Feel free to reach out to me!

I've dealt with depression and anxiety since I could remember but never dealt with it. I was bullied as a kid and that had major affect on my life. As a grew up I dated a lot of girls but there was still this other part of me I hadn't explored and accepted. I had also became a diabetic and that was a whole other thing that was hard to adjust to. I kept it away from everyone just as I did my bisexuality. Guess I was used to keeping everything private.

Just a glimpse to keep this short, I came out to my girl of 3 years I was living with along with my step son I had basically raised, moved out with parents while still helping her pay rent so they had somewhere to live, fell in love with the first guy ever and was in a very toxic relationship, lost my job because of my depression, was hospitalized about 4 times within a less than 2 month period for health reasons and intoxication, I was drunk for months straight and many more things that for some, it would take a lifetime to experience I did in a few months. Everything was falling down and I was just keeping my nose on top of the water. But it gets better. Coming out was the key to everything, being myself and stop trying to please everyone was the key to everything. Being selfish was the key to everything. Accepting yourself no matter what and realizing no one's opinion matters is key to your happiness.

I believe in equal love. Labels like gay, straight, or bisexual should not be put on you if you don't want them. Technically, if we're labeling, I'm bi because I believe I can love who ever the fuck I want. I'm attracted to both and will fall in love with their mind and soul. At the end I guess what I'm trying to say is nothing matters at all, what you are who you are what you like or where you're from if you love and accept yourself you live a much better happy life.

#KnittersGonnaKnit @taylorswift ( @taylorswift13 ) #LWYMMD 💞😊

Hi @taylorswift, I’d like to share with you a project i’m working on. I call it #HopeFullHats.

Around Christmastime last year I watched a YouTube video on how to Loom Knit. It looked really fun, so I tried it & ended up making a hat for my mom & dad.

After that I still wanted to knit, so I decided to make hats for the children at St Jude. You know that my mom has cancer, so you know I know about hospitals and stuff….anyway, I just wanted to do something to help. I hope that when they wear their hat, they’ll feel full of hope, and know that someone is thinking of them and that they’re not alone. I hope it helps them feel better.

My dream is to make 425 #HopeFullHats because you made the dream my mom & I had of meeting you come true on 4/25.

So far I’ve knitted, washed, sorted & bagged about 70. My mom and a few friends have joined me. (I sent you a Loom Knit kit and some pretty yarn a couple months ago in case you & your mom want to knit with me, too! It’s super easy and fun!)

Just wanted you to know how thankful I am. I think of you every day. Thank you for being my friend. 💖, Page :)