A new beginning

[NoHoBar]

"I'm not an innkeeper, but I play one on TV"
We officially checked-out our last guests.
We've a lot on our plate and have great plans for this new beginning and next chapter, in the works. I just wanted to stop in and say hello as the new me.

I am here to say we made it out alive, it was doubtful for a while there, but here I am. Good tidings to each one of you in this new year of which we have just begun.

 

[Silverspoon]

Congratulations on your transition!!! I had no idea this was so imminent....but look forward to the NEW you! I am not too far behind you but will be limping along for another year.

 

[NoHoBar]

Thanks Silvers,
I want to start out the new me with an old story. Some have heard this story, but I didn't share it here on the forum, it is very personal. I hope it touches someone today.
Background: On the subject of solo guests and how important they are and should be treated with extra TLC. We tried to attract single female business travelers, some would stay with us and tell me where they were going for the day in case they didn't return, as an extra security measure.
We comp'd one stay who felt like the ugly stepchild as I was busy cooking and serving, and she was the only non-coupled guest at the table, from that day on I made sure single or solo travelers received MORE attention from the innkeeper. I was upset she felt that way, of course it wasn't my job to make her fit in, or was it?
Why Single Guests Matter
We had a single guest (she drove a jeep with military sticker we noticed was Pentagon). She was here alone, never said two words. Two nights. I gave her space, but smiled and treated her with warm hospitality. Sunday at check-out she asked me where we go to church, so I told her. We got there late, as we always did after other rooms left. We raced in and sat down midway, I happened to see her in the back row as I raced by.
The very next week we got a card from her.
She had been in Afghanistan and had seen and done things, she said, that were so horrific that she couldn't live with it any longer. She had come here to end her life. She was all alone and had her gun in her room, she wrote. She said she felt something here she couldn't pinpoint. She didn't end her life and instead decided to ask me where we went to church and went, she wrote. And was thanking us for saving her life.
I have the card she sent, saved.
True story
It was at that point that I realized this was no regular business, we touched lives we knew or didn't know about. What a responsibility. But in reality we all have this same one, we all touch lives wherever we are, and we never really know it.
Also, I mentioned this to people who go to church. Maybe consider a back-pew ministry, as people stumble in who are hurting, and you just never know. Not to go after them, but to maybe quietly pray for them.

 

[Lee2014]

Welcome to the new member! Grab a chair and stay awhile longer because we need you and want you! I'm glad you aren't disappearing….

 

[gillumhouse]

May peace and joy be with you, my Friend. I feel sorry for all who will not be able to meet you and experience your hospitality.

 

[user 26]

What an incredible story ... frightening and poignant .. how it could have gone another way. Bless you.
I wish you well on your new phase of life.

 

[Morticia]

Best wishes in the new adventure!
You are so right that we never know how one kind word can make all the difference.

 

[Arks]

Welcome to the new member! Grab a chair and stay awhile longer because we need you and want you! I'm glad you aren't disappearing….

.

Grab a chair and stay awhile longer because we need you and want you! I'm glad you aren't disappearing….

All those years of experience can continue to help people here. Not to mention exceptional talents in the creativity and promotion departments!

 

[EmptyNest]

All I can say is good luck and keep on truck' didn't know it was going to happen but it is time. All the best.

 

[Momma Smurf]

Thanks Silvers,
I want to start out the new me with an old story. Some have heard this story, but I didn't share it here on the forum, it is very personal. I hope it touches someone today.
Background: On the subject of solo guests and how important they are and should be treated with extra TLC. We tried to attract single female business travelers, some would stay with us and tell me where they were going for the day in case they didn't return, as an extra security measure.
We comp'd one stay who felt like the ugly stepchild as I was busy cooking and serving, and she was the only non-coupled guest at the table, from that day on I made sure single or solo travelers received MORE attention from the innkeeper. I was upset she felt that way, of course it wasn't my job to make her fit in, or was it?
Why Single Guests Matter
We had a single guest (she drove a jeep with military sticker we noticed was Pentagon). She was here alone, never said two words. Two nights. I gave her space, but smiled and treated her with warm hospitality. Sunday at check-out she asked me where we go to church, so I told her. We got there late, as we always did after other rooms left. We raced in and sat down midway, I happened to see her in the back row as I raced by.
The very next week we got a card from her.
She had been in Afghanistan and had seen and done things, she said, that were so horrific that she couldn't live with it any longer. She had come here to end her life. She was all alone and had her gun in her room, she wrote. She said she felt something here she couldn't pinpoint. She didn't end her life and instead decided to ask me where we went to church and went, she wrote. And was thanking us for saving her life.
I have the card she sent, saved.
True story
It was at that point that I realized this was no regular business, we touched lives we knew or didn't know about. What a responsibility. But in reality we all have this same one, we all touch lives wherever we are, and we never really know it.
Also, I mentioned this to people who go to church. Maybe consider a back-pew ministry, as people stumble in who are hurting, and you just never know. Not to go after them, but to maybe quietly pray for them..

Well, dang! Actually double dang....what a story and how brave are you to begin your own new chapters? Best wishes on your future adventures, and as always, I look forward to your tales of wisdom. (Keyword for the New Year: Forward)

 

[2cat_lady]

I couldn't imagine not being able to receive your words of wisdom. Thank you for staying

 

[Aspiring Martha]

Wow, what a story! It was no accident that she stayed at your B&B -- it was a divine mercy! You and your home were a living testimony that there is still good in this world.
I am glad you are staying as the new you. Having been away for awhile, I'm not sure who the old you was but I love a mystery. I'll "figger" it out!

 

[TheBeachHouse]

Thanks Silvers,
I want to start out the new me with an old story. Some have heard this story, but I didn't share it here on the forum, it is very personal. I hope it touches someone today.
Background: On the subject of solo guests and how important they are and should be treated with extra TLC. We tried to attract single female business travelers, some would stay with us and tell me where they were going for the day in case they didn't return, as an extra security measure.
We comp'd one stay who felt like the ugly stepchild as I was busy cooking and serving, and she was the only non-coupled guest at the table, from that day on I made sure single or solo travelers received MORE attention from the innkeeper. I was upset she felt that way, of course it wasn't my job to make her fit in, or was it?
Why Single Guests Matter
We had a single guest (she drove a jeep with military sticker we noticed was Pentagon). She was here alone, never said two words. Two nights. I gave her space, but smiled and treated her with warm hospitality. Sunday at check-out she asked me where we go to church, so I told her. We got there late, as we always did after other rooms left. We raced in and sat down midway, I happened to see her in the back row as I raced by.
The very next week we got a card from her.
She had been in Afghanistan and had seen and done things, she said, that were so horrific that she couldn't live with it any longer. She had come here to end her life. She was all alone and had her gun in her room, she wrote. She said she felt something here she couldn't pinpoint. She didn't end her life and instead decided to ask me where we went to church and went, she wrote. And was thanking us for saving her life.
I have the card she sent, saved.
True story
It was at that point that I realized this was no regular business, we touched lives we knew or didn't know about. What a responsibility. But in reality we all have this same one, we all touch lives wherever we are, and we never really know it.
Also, I mentioned this to people who go to church. Maybe consider a back-pew ministry, as people stumble in who are hurting, and you just never know. Not to go after them, but to maybe quietly pray for them..

amazing.
I try to live by the lesson that we don't know what burdens others carry. We can only treat them well.

 

[Arks]

All I can say is good luck and keep on truck' didn't know it was going to happen but it is time. All the best..

...didn't know it was going to happen but it is time. All the best.

I don't think they knew it was going to happen so fast either! Just an example of being totally ready to move on, after years of being ready, actually, and taking the steps to finally make it happen!

 

[JerseyBoy]

I'm new here but want to wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life. Thirteen years is a long time. I often tell people when I decide to retire I'm not sure I will know how to live like a normal person. Not saying we are not normal as innkeepers but we do lead a different life for sure.

 

[NoHoBar]

I'm new here but want to wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life. Thirteen years is a long time. I often tell people when I decide to retire I'm not sure I will know how to live like a normal person. Not saying we are not normal as innkeepers but we do lead a different life for sure..

I'm new here but want to wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life. Thirteen years is a long time. I often tell people when I decide to retire I'm not sure I will know how to live like a normal person. Not saying we are not normal as innkeepers but we do lead a different life for sure.

Thanks everyone.
You are right, there is nothing normal about me unable to have our foyer and dining room doors open or even ajar.
I have opened them and said out loud "There, I'll leave it that way" and then felt like I was walking around unclothed, and walked back over to close them. They are closed right now. Safe and secure now ahhhh
After 13 years of keeping the doors closed, and also locked when guests are checked in, it is unbearable to have them open. I thought to myself, this must be what a hoarder feels like when they clear out the hoard.
I wonder if there is innkeeper deprogramming therapy... it sits in your chest sort of like emptynest syndrome. Will take some time to get used to.

 

[Morticia]

I'm new here but want to wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life. Thirteen years is a long time. I often tell people when I decide to retire I'm not sure I will know how to live like a normal person. Not saying we are not normal as innkeepers but we do lead a different life for sure..

I'm new here but want to wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life. Thirteen years is a long time. I often tell people when I decide to retire I'm not sure I will know how to live like a normal person. Not saying we are not normal as innkeepers but we do lead a different life for sure.

Thanks everyone.
You are right, there is nothing normal about me unable to have our foyer and dining room doors open or even ajar.
I have opened them and said out loud "There, I'll leave it that way" and then felt like I was walking around unclothed, and walked back over to close them. They are closed right now. Safe and secure now ahhhh
After 13 years of keeping the doors closed, and also locked when guests are checked in, it is unbearable to have them open. I thought to myself, this must be what a hoarder feels like when they clear out the hoard.
I wonder if there is innkeeper deprogramming therapy... it sits in your chest sort of like emptynest syndrome. Will take some time to get used to.
.

I totally get that! I have a lovely fireplace in the inn. Do I enjoy it? Not a bit.
If I want to dash out to the 'spare' bathroom at 5am I have to stop and think - is anyone here?

 

[TheBeachHouse]

I'm new here but want to wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life. Thirteen years is a long time. I often tell people when I decide to retire I'm not sure I will know how to live like a normal person. Not saying we are not normal as innkeepers but we do lead a different life for sure..

I'm new here but want to wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life. Thirteen years is a long time. I often tell people when I decide to retire I'm not sure I will know how to live like a normal person. Not saying we are not normal as innkeepers but we do lead a different life for sure.

Thanks everyone.
You are right, there is nothing normal about me unable to have our foyer and dining room doors open or even ajar.
I have opened them and said out loud "There, I'll leave it that way" and then felt like I was walking around unclothed, and walked back over to close them. They are closed right now. Safe and secure now ahhhh
After 13 years of keeping the doors closed, and also locked when guests are checked in, it is unbearable to have them open. I thought to myself, this must be what a hoarder feels like when they clear out the hoard.
I wonder if there is innkeeper deprogramming therapy... it sits in your chest sort of like emptynest syndrome. Will take some time to get used to.
.

I totally get that! I have a lovely fireplace in the inn. Do I enjoy it? Not a bit.
If I want to dash out to the 'spare' bathroom at 5am I have to stop and think - is anyone here?
.

I get the feeling, too. We have no guest for the next two weeks, so we had dinner on OUR dining room table last night. Felt a little sneaky. Also, a lot nostalgic. We've had that dining set for 20 years and haven't used it at all for the past 3!

 

[Arks]

No Holds Barred wrote:
...felt like I was walking around unclothed...
Well you can do that now!
Had to say it before Generic beats me to it.

 

[Jcam]

No Holds Barred wrote:
...felt like I was walking around unclothed...
Well you can do that now!
Had to say it before Generic beats me to it..

I know its weird when we shut for xmas I still lock the flat and door to the top of the stairs when we go out!