2026, Here We Come!

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed. For His compassions they fail not. They are new every morning, Great is Thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 22-23

Thanks for a great 2026!

2025 was an incredible year with automation and growth. We still have some tasks to work out and streamlining to work on. I am grateful for the challenges as it means we have products you love! That means we have a lot of purpose ahead. Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement on this journey of small business life.

A Look at the Year Ahead

• 3/27 Flavor of Georgia Food Product contest Athens, GA

• 3/27-29 Diamond in the Rust Spring show Jacksonville, FL

• 6/27-28 Highlands Mountain Top Show Highlands, NC

• 8/29-30 Highlands Mountain Top Show Highlands, NC

• 10/8-18 Georgia National Fair Perry, GA

• 10/17 Deep Roots Festival Milledgeville, GA

• 11/6-8 Christmas Made in The South Macon, GA

• 11/20-22 Diamond in the Rust Fall Show Jacksonville, FL

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces?

Dickey Farms in Musella, GA has been growing peaches in Musella since 1897 and is known for being Georgia’s oldest continuously operating peach packing house. Dickey Farms is run by 5th generation Lee Dickey and his wife, Cynde. Dickey Farms offers a year-round experience full of fresh fruits, gourmet snacks, pantry items in an outdoor market setting complete with homemade ice cream and lots of rocking chairs. Favorite activities are the corn maze in the Fall and educational tours. Dickey Farms is the perfect place to get out of the city and enjoy a day on the farm. The farm provides our products in the outdoor market, online, and at The Mistletoe Market in Perry, GA. We have enjoyed working with this historic family farm so close to us. We look forward to our partnership in the future. If you are traveling through middle Georgia, make Dickey Farms a stop! You will not be disappointed.

Sharing the Joy of Giving!

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Psalm 119:36

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces? Steward Chapel AME Church

ur products are often found at Steward Chapel AME Church, Macon, GA. Steward Chapel provides an inner city, outside self-serve food pantry complete with refrigeration. This way of hands-on giving is one of my favorites and was sparked by my paternal grandmother as a child. As her sidekick, we made secret missions to someone who needed their day brightened. With my small treat in hand, banana bread or cookie, I was to put the package at the door, knock, and rush to the getaway car before the recipient had time to discover their treasure. In this way, she instilled the fun and joy of giving!! Sometimes, we would witness the delight of someone discovering the small treasure that had just arrived.

I am a giver to this day! The half-truth/joke my husband tells is that if I didn’t give it all away, we could make some money. I confess that I have not always given with the purest of motives. In my journey, I gravitated a more altruistic approach, often anonymous giving. As I have matured, I have learned that if I have the inkling or feeling to give, I quickly do so and just as quickly turn the page, almost forgetting what and that I gave. I have come to understand that I am not always going to see what God does with the little I gave Him. This isn’t important to me anymore. The fun was giving and glorifying Him. My mentor friend says, “You can’t outgive God”. I am reminded of that every day!

We’ve been given a brand-new year! My plan is to give a little more time and share more of what I have with others. I hope you will join me! Thank you for following the day in and day out of the entrepreneurial journey!

Rearview Mirror

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces?: Diamond D Ranch

Have you ever looked back and watched how God had been orchestrating something all along for you? We are closing out the year with a story and place that is like that. In 2018, I was still working as a hygienist and weekend warrior with Bits and Pieces. I tried to get into a prominent November Show in Middle Georgia close to where I live. Much to my disappointment, I was waitlisted. In the meantime, I received an invitation for a brand-new event in Jacksonville, FL. After searching for a helper /friend to go with me became a flop, I still felt like God was leading me to go. Now maybe for some of you, it would not seem that far, but for a geographically challenged person, it was a big deal. All the following years, my husband has gone with me and every year he scratches his head in amazement that I found the off the beaten path location. After all, it is a 600-acre horse and cattle ranch outside Jacksonville.

The main thing I remember about that first event in 2019, was that during the vendor meeting, the silver headed cowboy with the big smile took off his hat and said, “lets pray”. I knew at that moment, I was in the right place. In my naivety, I didn’t realize that by going to Jacksonville God was opening up a whole new market where our specialty products could spread. Our Jacksonville friends have been good to us via online orders as well as sharing our products with others. If I had stayed in Middle Georgia, I would have missed the chance to open up this area of the Southeast but also, I would have missed what this place has to offer. If you like wide open beautiful spaces as I do, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Diamond D Ranch! It is a fifth- generation ranch providing horseback riding and educational experiences. It also serves as a venue for events including the 2 markets we attend each year called Diamond in the Rust Market. Most of all, this family finds no greater joy than sharing God’s love in all they do. It is evident in the way they take care of their vendors, their smiles each day and the church services by the fire pit they provide just for weary vendors.

Michael and Galynna Griffin and their family have spoiled us throughout our years there! Looking in the review mirror, I can see the many ways God used this experience for my good and His glory. I am glad I didn’t miss out. Merry Christmas to you, our followers! We will see you in the new year!

For the Lord is good and his mercy endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations Psalm 100:5

New Arrivals

Be Early Birds/Baby on the Way

Our busiest season is from September till the end of December! We love that you entrust us with your Christmas gifts for others! I love being an entrepreneur! This year we have even bigger things going on in our lives. We have a NEW GRANDDUAGHTER DUE MID DECEMBER. Please order by December 15 for Christmas delivery. If you order a basket and do not see the combination you’d prefer, we can customize! Thank you for continuing to follow our small business!

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces?

This article usually takes you to an awesome store and owner. Today I am telling the story of a different kind of entrepreneur that sent our Spicy Cheese out to 38 different cities across the US.

I had the privilege of meeting Hannah Raskin. She is a food journalist and founder of The Food Section, an award-winning daily newsletter for readers who want to better understand the South and its people through food and drink. She has recently relocated her business from Charleston, SC to Macon, GA (20 minutes from our area) for a slower pace and less expense. Our connection was by way of our Cheese Wafers. Her new venture of curating gift boxes with some of her favorite things particular to a region. She said our cheese wafers were some of the bests she has ever eaten. We were very honored to be in her first edition boxes! We welcome Hannah and her husband to middle Georgia! Please check out thefoodsection.com . Perhaps she will be in your city soon! Until next time.

Fall Vibes

Find us at Christmas Made in the South and Diamond in the Rust this month!

New Bite Size Blue Cheese Bites

With the help of a little automation, we can now produce the blue cheese just like our other products, allowing more value to our customers on this unique premium product!

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces: Farm to Family

My husband and I moved to St. Marys, GA from Atlanta in 2023. We were looking for a slower paced lifestyle and boy did we find it! The Farm To Family that exists today isn’t what it was originally intended. My vision for this small coastal town was to work with “local” farms and deliver fresh produce boxes with additional “add-on” specialty items to our locals. Well….I did NOT do my homework, little did I know, there are very few “ local” farms around here. The sandy soil quality, saltwater intrusion, etc make Georgia coast farming a tad bit difficult. So… I said to myself, I’ll just open a market! Just like that, ha! What in the world was I thinking! In July of 2023 Farm To Family opened its doors. We are located on Osborne Street, the main road leading down to the waterfront of the St. Marys River, very accessible to walkers, golf cart riders, boaters and the rest. We offer local seasonal produce, “local” to the southeast, raw milk, chicken and duck eggs, meats, cheeses, pies, casseroles, flowers and specialty small-batch food items, many of which are Georgia Grown. Cindy’s Bits & Pieces, of course, is a real customer favorite. And… since St. Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, we have several local artists who sell various hand crafted items that reflect the island and our coastal vibe. This little market has become a favorite of locals as well as travelers and have welcomed this big city turned small town girl with open arms. I’m forever grateful for the support! - Kim Harris, Owner

Summertime Fun

With a little automation, we were able to do something special thissummer. Each grandchild had their own grandma and grandpa camp week with us. This time with each of them individually was a treasure. We were able to get to know them better, watch them spread their wings and try new things and excel in their own gifts. There were countless hours of puzzles, swimming, shopping, picking blueberries and of course, experience work at the Little House. They were all eager to give Flossie (our cookie dropper) a try. Making cookies is fun but hard work! Our hope and prayer is that we continue to carve out more of the time to do what is really important! Hope you will too!

Where in the world is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces? Cloverdale Farm Preserve

Wide open spaces await in Greenville, Delaware. This is where you will find The Coverdale Farm Preserve. It is a 377 acre farm comprised of both natural and working lands. The market displays all kinds of goodies. From April to November, you can find our spicy cheese wafers in the market. We enjoyed working with them for the past few years and hope to visit one day! Until next time!

The Fence Post

I recently heard an old adage about a turtle on a fence post “If you see a turtle on top of a fence post, you know that he didn’t get there by himself.” I think this adage is humorous, but very true as we celebrate 11 years in business at the time of this writing. I do not pretend to understand all that is happening in our world today. I choose to hold on to what I know is true, God is good! His mercy and grace have included each of you and many more to propel me each step of this journey. Thank you to those that have followed me from the early days of markets, those who continue to purchase and gift our products, those who like and share our social media, friends who pitched in along the way, those who have written about our business, told others about us, prayed and encouraged us, and took a chance on our products in your stores. I am humbled to have you on the journey! Blessings to you!

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces?

Village Marketplace

Join me in Macon Ga’s historic Ingleside Village this month. The owner at VMP is Brenden Rowley. After being a part of a Community Supported Agriculture subscription service providing seasonal produce, Brenden wanted more regular products and more shopping hours. On April 12, 2016, VMP opened to the public doing just that. More specifically, Brenden wanted to offer small batch, hand crafted specialty products not found in Big Box stores to go along with the produce from small to mid-size farmers. Brenden is often asked, “When’s the truck coming?” There is no magic truck. He is either picking up or a vendor is bringing products to the store. The community loves VMP for the simplicity, personal touch, the community connection, and great products! Benden is admired for keeping his family first and helping keep small business networks alive in today’s “Get Bigger or Go Home” culture. VMP is the closest retailer to our Little House Kitchen. It is the only shop to carry our large spicy and regular cheese wafers and a wide variety of our products. It has been an honor to be a part of what Brenden keeps unique so close to home sweet home! Until next time.

Expect the Unexpected

Friends have asked if the machine “Flossie” (for more see blog June 25) has been all we thought it would be. With anything new, there is a learning curve and new challenges. We are now running out of oven space. However, the answer is, “yes”. The best advantage is the ability to take some personal time to catch our breath, take walks and be away or with family. My hands are happy to be relieved of cutting cookies and wafers. Flossie helps us do in one day what took 3 previously. What I didn’t expect was the creativity she would bring. If you have followed our newsletter for long, you know that creativity is my favorite part of being an entrepreneur. New products are here! I can only imagine what lies ahead! I asked God to provide the finances for the machine to give me quality of life. He gave me even more, my greatest joy of work, creativity. He never fails to amaze me! Thanks for following the journey!

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces?

Uncle Don’s Local Market

Come with me to Saint Simons, Georgia where the story began in 2012 with Don Maxey. Don had a vision to serve an area that was underserved with fresh produce and local products. According to Don, he didn’t know a cucumber from a zucchini when he began. Since then, the store has expanded and even added a second location on east beach. This store has a feel of a mini grocery store with lots of local charm! Not only can you find fresh produce, but you can also find prepackaged salads, pies, wines, breads, casseroles, boiled peanuts and many snacks made mostly by small Georgia businesses. Uncle Don’s is a business that not only provides to the community but for the community as well. With a heart for children, Uncle Don’s competed with other local leaders to fundraise for Safe Harbor Center to support at risk children and families in coastal Georgia. With an enormous amount of work, they claimed 3rd place providing tremendous funds for the organization.

Uncle Don’s is one of the few places I have called on with our products. With a growing following in the SSI area, I wanted our specialty products to be readily available for quick on the go snacks for the locals and tourist alike. Be sure to stop by while enjoying the beautiful coast! We are sure you will be pleased! We are honored to work with such wonderful partners!!! Until next time.

Meet Flossie

Meet Flossie, my awesome helper. She cuts cookies and cheese wafers with more precision than I ever could. My hands, neck and shoulders are grateful for her arrival!! I can’t wait to see what adventures lie ahead with her help! She is named Flossie in honor of a great X2 aunt ,who first inspired me to bake. Although she had no children, she was a mother to many, especially me. She was very much ahead of her time in many ways, being the first nurse anesthetist in Macon in 1942. By the early 1970s, when I was a young girl, she was retired. In my time visiting her we baked to entertain ourselves and because she had a sweet tooth. In her kitchen, I was allowed much freedom. There was no need of perfection, just love and laughter. The baking project I remember most was the cake that fell in the middle. We turned that cake into a masterpiece by filling the hole with enough lemon glaze icing that plastic ducks could swim in it. My time with her was simply two ordinary people sharing ordinary moments in God’s perfect timing and plan for each of us. Thank you for following the journey.

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces?

The Enchanted Forest

Come with me to Dunwoody Georgia to an extraordinary gift shop called The Enchanted Forest. This gift shop lives up to its name! It’s a high-end store filled with reasonable prices on any gift you could imagine for anyone. The vibe is modern and upbeat with focus on personal care for their customers. Visit them when you are in their area!

The Enchanter Forest is owned by Elizabeth Morris and her mom, Kay Underwood. Both are former educators who have a heart for serving people. The business began in 2005 and has been at its current location 2009. Elizabeth and Kay carry their love for serving people beyond their customers by being involved with Cure Childhood Cancer. They partner on their annual Quiet Heros Luncheon that honors moms who have lost children to cancer or are currently undergoing cancer treatments. Elizabeth and Kay are part of creating gift bags for the sweet moms. Elizabeth found our GA Grown specialty products online. Once she had our products in her store, she knew they would be an addition to the gift bags. We were thrilled to be selected by Elizabeth as a tiny part of this ministry! We’ve enjoyed meeting and partnering with The Enchanted Forest! Thank you for traveling on this journey with us as God leads us to just the right places at just the right time. Until next time

From Italy to the Little House

Sometimes we find ourselves holding on too long to a person, a place or even the same old way of doing something. Sometimes, I hold onto security for the fear of the unknown or because I am trying to please people. When I let go and listen to the nudge in my heart from God, I can see in part His bigger plans for me unfold. I am in one of those letting go seasons once more. With a leap of faith, I am embarking on something I never dreamed I would be. Our cookie cutter machine has finally arrived from Italy. I am excited to be relieved from hand cutting. I look forward to bringing you the same small batch taste with a slightly different look. Thank you for following the journey! Stay tuned for more!

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces? Osage Farms

You will find Osage Farms in the heart of the beautiful Rabun Gap Valley in Northeast Georgia. There is no place like Osage from May till Frost. It is a destination rather than a roadside produce stand. In a world where back yard gardens have all but vanished, this is the place to find your bountiful treasures of freshness. This rich black soil produces strawberries, cabbage, tomatoes, peaches, and sweet corn all cultivated with 40 years of experience by Ricky and Quint James.

Our story began 4 years ago with Osage when Pam Bell, manager, took a road trip to find other GA Grown products to add to the market. She stumbled across our peanut brittle. Today, you can find our peanut and pecan brittle and cheese wafers and shortbread cookies there. There is a feeling of excitement when you visit Osage. Perhaps it is a mixture of happiness, hard work and an awe of the natural gifts God -provides. We love our visits to Osage and you will too! Get there early. Freeze some for all year! It is just that good.

Until next time!

We Made the News!

Thank you to Conne Ward- Cameron for the beautiful article in The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces?

Reid’s Fine Foods

While the majority of our partners are retailers that you can physically pick up our products at their location, Reid’s of Charlotte NC is a little different. Currently, Reid’s uses one of our specialty shortbread cookies, rosemary sea salt in their gift baskets. We were recommended to Reid’s by one of our customers. Thank you all for supporting us on our journey. Take a look at their beautiful baskets in the link below.

Reid’s was founded by Arthur Reid in1928 and known for its butcher, gourmet foods and grocery delivery. The current owners expanded to 5 locations in Charlotte while staying true to the committed service and fine foods that Reid’s customers have enjoyed since 1928. Reid’s is a gourmet market featuring specialty foods, including house made products plus deli and wine bar. We have enjoyed working with Reid’s and look forward to what is next. Be sure to visit their locations and consider their baskets for your personal and corporate gifts. Until next time.

Champagne Gift Basket | Reid's Fine Foods

Special Occasion Gift Basket | Reid's Fine Foods

Where in the World is Cindy's Bits and Pieces?

Mountain Fresh Grocery Store

Come with me to the beautiful and charming city of Highlands, North Carolina where we spotlight Mountain Fresh Grocery Store. This Grocery Store is the heartbeat of Highlands in any season. It’s a lively specialty shop complete with pizzeria, bakery, and restaurant. The owners are Jennifer and Steve Smith-Snead, a delightful couple with complimentary skill sets reminding me much of David and I. They too do not come from a food background. With their talents, they team up and tackle one of the busiest places in Highlands. You will find yourself drawn to the comfort foods of Mountain Fresh Grocery while visiting the captivating mountain city.

I can count on one hand how many cold calls I have made to inquire if a store wanted to carry our products. But as I shopped in their store, I felt led to ask if they would be interested. I left a bag of goodies with a clerk who promised to get them to the owner. By the time I returned home, I got a call from Steve. I love to hear him tell the story of how, at home, he and Jennifer raced to the bottom of the sample bag! They have been extremely great partners to work with in all seasons.

Mountain Fresh Grocery is the exclusive carrier of our hand cut petite square version of lavender shortbread. With a texture all their own, they are little pops of delight! You can always count on a great variety of our products at Mountain Fresh Grocery with our spicy cheese dominating the display!

When I asked If I could spotlight the store, Jennifer shared the following verse and message:

Romans 8:28 New Living Translation “And we know that God causes everything to work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” 828 is the area code for Highlands (WNC). So many things we have encountered that seemed so daunting in the moment sent me to this scripture over and over again.

There was no serendipity to this connection between us and Mountain Fresh Grocery. I knew it was God’s favor and now it has been confirmed! Thanks be to GOD! Stop by Mountain Fresh Grocery; you will not regret it! Until next time.

The Legacy

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

My love for stories has always made me wish I had some handwritten insight of my grandparents, greats and beyond. Perhaps a journal in their handwriting to shed light on their perseverance, their faith, their day-to-day life and personalities in addition to what I have heard or have known about them as a child. So, I write for my grandchildren, Luke, Julie, Arlo, Jack, and beyond. In sharing the journey of a small business, I want them to know the following: It is never too late to start, keep

following YOUR dream no matter what others say, persistence and hard work overshadow many weaknesses and imperfections. Above all else, keep your eyes on Jesus, for nothing else matters. Thanks for sharing the journey with me.

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces?

Golden Isle Olive Oil Gourmet Market and Restaurant

Golden Isle Olive Oil Gourmet Market and Restaurant is owned by photographer and entrepreneur, Donna Macpherson, one of our longstanding retail partners on the island of Saint Simons, Georgia. Saint Simon’s Island is a foodie’s paradise. While many seafood offerings can be found on the charming island, Golden Isles offers health-conscious comfort food, charcuterie, and provides a unique look into the world of olive oil. Enjoy generous inside and outside seating with live music. This location offers locals, groups and tourist room to find something to soothe the soul. You can find a good variety of our products in the gift shop. Donna and I were connected by Leigh Court, founder of the Women’s Food Alliance, which we are both a member of. It is a great privilege to be among the many outstanding women in hospitality I have come to know along the journey. When on the island, do as the islanders do, go dine at Golden Isle! Until next time

Why I Write

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here. 2 Corinthians 5:17

There are a few reasons that I write or blog besides the obvious of connecting with you, our followers about the day to day journey of our small business. The first reason is to be able to unleash a little creativity! In 2014, there were so many things to create. The business was my blank space. The creation of recipes, labels, business models, designs of set and the kitchen, the list was endless.

Today, the business is approximately 90% productivity and 10% creativity. I allow myself one recipe a year to create. I thank God for blank lines and fresh pages to stir up something that didn’t exist before.

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces? Botanica

Perhaps the most unique place that you can find us is in Opelika, Alabama. Botanic is a hidden secret for the foodie and the plant lover. From the moment you walk through the doors, it becomes a magical place. It is a botanical paradise with a surprising restaurant tucked inside. This fairy tale like world includes a nursery to purchase plants, a gift shop, and live music.

Botanic’s founders are King and Stacy. Stacy is the founder of Chicken Salad Chick. A friend of hers brought her some of our products and the rest is history. You can find our cheese wafers in their gift shop! Do not miss this spot if you are anywhere near or better yet, plan a trip. Until next time!

Finishing Strong

Therefore, comfort yourselves together and edify one another, even as also ye do. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

t is easy to start out strong on a task or adventure. Finishing is a different story. The 4th quarter of the year is always our busiest! It is more than I can accomplish on my own. There is a lyric in the song, Beyond Me, by Toby Mac that resonates and comforts me. The line says, “In over my head keeps me counting on you.” I am thankful for my prayer warriors and cheerleaders this time of year! Prayers for you that no matter what your “4th quarter” in life looks like that you will press on and finish strong.

Where in the World is Cindy’s Bits and Pieces?

Petals of Macon

We have been blessed to meet incredible retailers and be a part of some unique and charming stores. Our first stop is the store where we began our brick-and- mortar experience, Petals of Macon, formerly 7th St Salvage. We restock each week and test the market with various sizes and new products here. The staff is amazing as well as the consistent local supporters. Petals is owned by Lynn Stevens and is a florist and gift store that also houses 20 creative artist/vendors. The charm of this local store is its history and the preservation of it. It was originally a Sinclair Gas Station built in 1916. Brent and Catherine Meyer revitalized the old building keeping much of her old glory in 2019. The store is now a vital part of the heartbeat of Macon. Stay tuned to find out where else we are next month.

Gingerbread Shortbread and Holiday Prep!

Gingerbread Shortbread Cookies are here!

While I have found my niche with cheese wafers, shortbread cookies, and brittles, I have missed some of the flavors of my big cookies. This new shortbread flavor was a quest to find a shortbread that I could combine the rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Enjoy the benefits of the ginger in this crunchy spiced cookie now available on our website!

Christmas Packaging is now available to order in our shop. See our Holiday preview video below!!

Pecan Salty Sweet Potato Souffle

For the holidays, try this recipe or your own sweet potato dish by adding pecan salty shortbread cookies instead of marshmallow toppings

• 3 lbs of sweet potatoes

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2/3 cup of butter

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• Pecan salty shortbread cookies on top

Mission Impossible: Blueberries and Shortbread Cookies

What do blueberries and shortbread cookies have to do with each other, you might ask? One of the resources we use on our Georgia Grown products is blueberries. They are sourced very local from our own blueberry patch. The patch is more like a garden 80 bushes deep. The Blueberry Blessing is the shortbread cookies created as a result of these heavenly blue jewels that grow in our neck of the woods in May through July. For more on the original blueberry story scroll down on the blog page to Blueberry blessing, March 23.

Our story begins in April of this year when I first realized we were going to have an enormous crop. I recall telling a custom about the crop and how I did not know how we could possibly harvest it this year given the growth of the business. The sweet customer responded politely by pointing to the sign I always have placed on my booth which reads “All things are possible with God” Matthew 19:26. In that moment it was as if I had been gently busted by God. For you see, that sign has been on the front of my booth since the beginning of my business. A sweet lady gave it to me not knowing my need for it. It came as a small voice to say “take the leap, I have got you on this one”. For at that time, I was about to jump out the boat and into the water and start a business. And so it is, that God begins at the impossible. It’s late July and we have harvested 150 gallons with that many more on the ground or left unpicked. It is the most we have ever picked. God showed out with those beautiful shades of greens, pinks and blues. They looked like clusters of grapes with their branches wearily dragging the ground.

No, we were not able to pick the entire crop, but we picked much more than we ever dreamed we could. We were gratefully blessed with dozens of friends who came to pick at just the right time. God’s ways are not our ways but He begins at the impossible. Blueberry Blessings {shortbread cookies} will fade from our website at the end of August but will return next spring. Get yours while you can. Thank you for following our journey!

Blueberry Pie Recipe

• Graham or Shortbread Crust

• 1 tub of Cool Whip

• 1 block of Cream Cheese

• 1 cup of Powdered Sugar

• 1 cup of fresh Blueberries

Fold blueberries into the mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar and cool whip. Pour into crust and refrigerate. Enjoy!

A Milestone Birthday

Do you know where you were a decade ago this month? I do. I was at a local Saturday morning market with 50 bags of peanut brittle to sell. It was a sell out! This was not the first time I had peddled products. As a child of about 8 years old, I sold catalpa worms to fishermen. I picked blueberries by the millions to sell and helped my husband split and stack firewood to sell. But on this first market, I was hooked on the dream of entrepreneurship.

Today, we still sell approximately 50 bags of brittle per month. But what has become our niche is cheese wafers and shortbread cookies. We sell an average of 1600 boxes of cheese wafers per month making this one product over fifty percent of our business. We recently hit 500 online orders thanks to you, our followers. We still enjoy going to a few shows a year. The shows give us a chance to be with “our people”. It is the best part of the job! You encourage me! God continues to show us His carriers of Jesus are a mighty multitude among us.

20 Percent of businesses fail in the first year. 50 percent fail in the first five years. Our business survival credit goes to God’s favor, slow growth, and failures. The failures paved the way to our version of success. Even though this business was started ten years ago in 2014, our exponential grow did not occur until 2020 with the coming of covid. I began full time with the business that year and David joined me in 2021. We continue to grow and enjoy this adventure step by step one failure at a time. God continues to shower His blessings on us. Thank you for following the journey!

What is your “Why?”

What is your why behind what you do? Sometimes knowing why you are doing something whether it be a career or a business or many other pursuits, encourages us when we are knee deep in and overwhelmed. Sometimes your why challenges you to hit the Reset Button in our lives as we change and grow.

When I began Bits and Pieces almost a decade ago, my why was to fill the empty nest void and to have money to get my hair done. Just writing this makes me smile. It was a pretty simple why but important for that phase of life I was in. A little further down the line, as I began to have more faith than fear, my why changed. The business was growing enough that I began to believe I could get out of the dental field all together and be my own boss. Also, I began to realize that I could share my faith simply by telling others my story. Today my why is to know Him and to make Him known. Financially, it is to save some, give beyond my tithe, and spend

some on grandbabies. It is a pretty simple why and yet so vast at the same time. I can see how God is shaping, correcting, guiding and refining me. I cannot always see how He uses what I do to make Him known, but I am convinced that He does.

I hope sharing my journey makes you pause and question your why. Maybe you are like me and need to hit your own reset button and ask the question, “What is your why?” Thank you for following our journey!

Is There Anyone Else Out There Like Me?

My latest journey through the Bible has been in Exodus. I can get frustrated with the Israelites as they quickly forgot God’s deliverance and miracles and begin to complain and grumble. For you see, the entire nation had been released from the Egyptian Pharaoh. It took 10 plagues to convince Pharaoh but he finally relented and allowed the people to go. God’s children had also just crossed on dry ground through the Red Sea. Now they were discontented in the wilderness. It was not the promised land. There was nothing happening.

After a quick read of disgust, I realize that I behave in the same way. It seems that no matter how blessed I am, I am always looking for the next great thing. It isn’t because of a lack of gratitude, I developed a robust daily practice of gratitude years ago. This was my healing balm for anxiety. The practice begins each morning by thinking of 5 mundane things I am thankful for. The idea is that they should be different each day. My list looks something like this… hot bath, electricity, indoor plumbing, coffee and clean sheets. This practice turned into a daily rapport with God. What does your list look like?

Still, no matter how gracious God is to me, I continue to seek the next underserved reward. I find that I am a lot like the Israelites. I can’t see the promised land nor all the gifts along the way. Perhaps if I could see clearly, I would not be able to handle it. I am not prepared yet. Looking backwards on my past blessings is another practice I cherish. To this, I list milestones that I know could not have appeared but by the grace and favor of God. My list looks like this: my education, perfect partner for me, 2 healthy successful daughters, homeschool journey, building a home, restored relationships and starting a business. What does your list look like? My life and business tend to mirror each other. I am going to add a looking backwards exercise to the business also. For I know who and where the business successes come from. Perhaps desiring more out of life is a natural thing. God is able to give us more than we ever dreamed.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4