Good Morning from Warren Grove, Prince Edward Island
For the last few blogs, I’ve been sharing a bit of my life’s journey.
Peter, a friend suggests I am writing a book one chapter at a time.
There have been lots of comments encouraging me to continue. And Kathryn Zaengle left a comment on the blog with a number of questions. It was a good exercise to consider the answers. I will respond to them here next week.
It seems I have pulled on a thread called life. Writing about it is unravelling and revealing.
You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. ~ C.S. Lewis
~ Part Four ~
Chef Klaus taught me working in a kitchen is all about the team and food is to treated with reverence.
To this day, of all the ‘professionals’ I have met, doctors, lawyers, etc., he still stands out as one of the most impressive.
He started his apprenticeship in Germany at twelve years old. Moved to Canada, married a girl from Newfoundland and in his late 20’s became our chef. He was pleasant, supportive, knowledgeable of all things food. He could talk about seeds and the life cycle of plants. He could keep you engaged discussing terroir. He taught that good flavour comes from good soil.
Passion is the difference between having a job and having a career and he showed me that.
On a side note, I also remember he had to walk away from his new home when the interest rates went to 21% in the early 1980s. It was heartbreaking for them.
He was open to any question I had to ask, and I asked a lot of questions. I may have crossed a line when I asked how much money he made as head chef. When I did ask, he thought for a moment and responded graciously. I hid my shock at how low it was. And thought to myself, wow, here is one of the most professional people I have ever met, and this is all that a chef earns.
I knew for sure then, the kitchen was not a profession I would pursue.
Preserve-making was still what I wanted to do.
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. - Marcel Proust
I used to go to the Toronto Public Library and take out as many books on preserving and pickling as they would allow at one time. Many librarians would engage in conversations about the lost art of preserving with me. They spoke how their mothers or grandmothers used to bottle the summer and fall harvests.
People in the line behind the kid from Prince Edward Island would join in the conversation as well.
Nostalgia was all around. I think we all ended up smiling on the inside and out. I felt I was on the right track.
I found part-time work making preserves for a Polish woman in her home. She would sell them to stores around Toronto. After a few months of doing this, I knew that this was exactly what I wanted to do.
The world of food was calling me.
The phone rang and it was another restauranteur from Prince Edward Island. He called to ask if I was interested in taking ownership of a restaurant on the Island.
I said, “I have no money.” He said, “we can figure something out.”
He sent return airline tickets so I could look at the restaurant and decide.
Life is full of surprises and serendipity. Being open to unexpected turns in the road is an important part of success. If you try and plan every step, you may miss those wonderful twists and turns. Just find your next adventure - do it well, enjoy it - and then, not now, think about comes next.
~ Condoleezza Rice
I managed to get a weekend off of work to fly home.
I looked at the restaurant. Oh, how I ached to be home. I had zero experience of running a business. With a desire to start my entrepreneurial journey, I said yes.
Six months later, the inexperience broke me. Exhausted with my first business bust. I owed 27,000 dollars with no prospect of paying it. After selling what I could to pay some bills, I kept my mattress, my stereo, record albums and strawberries.
I thought, ok, no problem, Dad will lend me the money to settle my debts.
I went home to explain all that went wrong, what I learned and asked if would he lend me the money. “Sorry son, that is a lot of money for me and I can’t."
I got upset with him. To which he said, “All I can say is if you have problems, you best face them.”
I left the house hurt and angry.
I drove back to my apartment only to discover that someone had broken in and stole my stereo and all my records.
So I am down to a lamp on an orange crate, a mattress and frozen strawberries.
That night lying in my bed filled with brokenness, the phone rings, asks for John, I said, "wrong number."
He proceeded to tell me he was going to commit suicide.
I spent the next two hours talking with the person about the reasons he shouldn’t end his life.
Over the course of the conversation, he explained John is an ex-convict helping him and others get straightened out.
The next night, I get another call from another person who was struggling with one thing or another.
After speaking with him for a while, I thought this crazy, I can't keep dealing with other people problems, I have enough of my own.
The next day, I called the phone company about my ‘new’ phone number.
Discovering I had John's, the ex-convict's old phone number, I requested to exchange his old number for another. They agreed and changed their policy.
Retired numbers would wait a year before being reactivated.
After a few days of self-pity, my Dad’s words started to percolate, ‘if you have problems, face them.”
Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world. ~ Helen Keller
What was the problem?
Shame, guilt, and money.
The problem was I could not walk down the street with my head up.
So thought, I will start with the money problem.
I made a list of the 19 companies I owed money to.
Starting with the highest to the lowest, I started calling and asking for a face-to-face.
To start, I went to the man I owed the most.
Upon entering his space, the orderliness of the office and him sitting at the big desk was intimidating.
We chatted for a wee bit. Then got to the place where I apologized for the situation. I told him I didn’t have the money nor any idea how I could pay it. I told him I was not leaving town and I will get it figured out at some point.
He stared at me and blinked.
Reaching to the shelves behind his desk he pulled out a large 3 inch red binder and dropped it on his desk with a thud.
He looked at me again and said,
“Do you know what this is, young man?”
“This is a list of the people who owe me money.”
I thought oh no, he doesn’t forget or forgive.
Then he said, “stand up.”
He stood up and came around his desk and said, “I want to shake your hand. You are the first person in the twenty-nine years of me being in business to ever come here and speak to me face to face.” He put his hand on my shoulder, and while shaking my hand, said, “you will do fine, get back out there, keep trying and don’t give up.”
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes can be truly endless. ~ Mother Theresa
I called my restaurant friend and asked for a job as a waiter. And is there any way I could use his kitchen after they closed for the night to cook some strawberries.
I needed to start making PRESERVES.
Have a wonderful weekend may joy be more than just an acquaintance.
With love from Prince Edward Island
Bruce + Millie
ps. Your Morning Smile
A small boy was at the zoo with his father. They were looking at the tigers, and his father was telling him how ferocious they were.
“Daddy, if the tigers got out and ate you up…”
“Yes, son?” the father asked, ready to console him.
“…Which bus would I take home?”
Comments
Carol McKnight said:
Really enjoying this. What a wonderful sfory. I read it my husband every week. We had a great life over the joke this week.
July 09, 2021
Margaret Horvat said:
I am thoroughly enjoying your story of the path to becoming you – I hope you will continue and I also think you are writing a book – I suspect there are lots of micro-stories within the telling that many people would enjoy reading.
Looking forward to the next instalment!
July 09, 2021
Debbie Wynne said:
Loving your life story Bruce and can tell how much you’re enjoying reliving it in the writing of the tale. Your ability to meet life head on, problems and all, never ceases to amaze me. You certainly have always lived in the moment it seems, and isn’t that what life is all about?
May we never lose our desire to learn….that I believe is the secret to a happy life! Deb
July 05, 2021
Alejandro Gonzalez said:
I dare to make the following comment, not being disrespectful, but because I enjoy your writing and respect you, greatly, for your talent and graciousness and obvious joie de vivre….but before I do, I want to remind you of that special elementary school teacher in your life to whom you were perfect and would cringe at some faux pas you would commit in your every day conversation or other activity ( mine was Mrs. Maloney, over sixty-seven years ago, my Mesita School sixth grade teacher, in El Paso, TX ), who would, upon reading of the chef and his wife would remark that " It was heartbreaking for he and his wife", would, probably, read much better as " It was heartbreaking for him and his wife"…of course, I would probably paint a wider grin on the Mona Lisa….what do I know?….As always, please, receive my best regards and say “hello” to your wife…Alex
July 04, 2021
E.A. Morgan - author and editor. said:
I have begun to read your Blogs, now that I have magically figured out that you open them by clicking on them. You are never too old to learn. I can now rest assured that you will know I only have your best interests at heart and don’t need to compliment you all the time. I do thank you and that should be enough.
Part 4 – Line 8
“he and his wife”
Would you say “It would be heartbreaking for he”?
On guard….
July 04, 2021
murdock morrison said:
Another segment of your life’s journey and I am amazed at how resilient you were as a young man to be able to deal with all of the difficult times that you had to face. But keeping your focus on the art of preserving and learning how to make the jams that you now have created is a testament to your determination to be successful and you have done that Bruce. Murdock
July 04, 2021
Irene O'Leary said:
I look forward to your blog every Sat. This one was so very interesting. I always enjoy looking at your wonderful pictures. The Preserve Company is located in such a wonderful spot and being from a gardening family I truly love it. I wish you and your family lots of success.
July 04, 2021
Julie MacKenzie said:
Loved this week’s blog! I enjoy reading about your journey & how it lead you back to the island. Everyone has *rap in their lives at any given time. What really matters is how you react to the *rap. Just speaking from my own experience. You can either lie in a fetal position with your thumb in your mouth or you can rise to the occasion & do something about it. I choose to rise to the occasion. I am looking forward to the next chapter. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
July 03, 2021
Georgie Ann Wilkins said:
WOW!! What a wonderful story! You & Millie are the reasons we love your place so much!! Your love of what you do shows in your product. ❤️❤️
July 03, 2021
althea said:
A need to tell and hear stories is essential to the homo sapiens. – Joseph Campbell
Thank you for filling this need so beautifully and fully especially during this difficult time.
July 03, 2021
Kay Schuld said:
Can’t wait to read the next chapter! Your story of courage, compassion & fortitude is inspiring.
July 03, 2021
Hildegard Schmidt said:
What wonderful stories Bruce.
I recall the story about the Strawberries you told when I was on a Bus Tour to your Restaurant and Preserve Company.
Also that you added some kind of liquor to the Strawberries………..as you were drinking with a buddy.
It is so encouraging to read the hardships and successes of other people.
Keep up the blogs they are so appreciated.
July 03, 2021
Bunny said:
The story of your early path in the world of food is fascinating, and it speaks to a resilience that has allowed you to create the wonderful Island Preserve Company. I can’t wait to get “home” in August and indulge in a wonderful meal at the restaurant, as well as selecting favourite preserves.
July 03, 2021
Tania Kennific said:
Keep writing! There is a book here…“Preserved!” Can’t wait for chapter 4. Throw in some photos and recipies from your early days to now your gorgeous photos…we are travelling with you!
Love it!
July 03, 2021
Jane said:
Thanks so much for being so open, revealing observations and lessons you have learned thus far in life. Learning from others can bring wisdom to each one of us.
July 03, 2021
Tony Rizzuto said:
Love your story Bruce – you’re a natural storyteller! I actually went back and re-read the first 2 “chapters” – it would definitely make a good book. Your story also reminds me about how happy we’ll be when we can get back to Island to enjoy your hospitality. I’ve ordered boxes of Preserve Company goodies for Christmas, birthdays and other special occasions – and they are received with great joy – but nothing takes the place of actually being there! Hope to see you soon and definitely KEEP WRITING!
July 03, 2021
Cathy Hammond said:
Loving your personal history.
July 03, 2021
Brenda Carvey-Cristall said:
Hi Bruce
I have enjoyed your life story immensely. You are such an amazing writer. I hope that you will use your amazing gift to write a book. I have heard that a good writer knows how to draw their audience in. If this is true then you are a true craftsman. Take care and write on Bruce.
July 03, 2021
Valarie LaBore said:
This is getting to be a cliff-hanger. I can’t wait to read what happened next.
July 03, 2021
Carol said:
Your Saturday blogs brighten every weekend. Thanks!
July 03, 2021
Bev Shapiro MI, USA said:
Jeez Bruce, your life has been so interesting. I have been enjoying your writing, your quotes, your life story, and will now have more respect, in addition to the love, for your preserves. Who knew there was such passion around them? Now I do.
Thank you so much.
Bev
July 03, 2021
Wendy Jackson said:
Bruce your story telling is absolutely captivating! You most definitely have a gift for writing and your life story clearly shows how God has brought you into people’s lives and they into yours. Nothing is by coincidence and everything happens for a reason. Listening to you telling your life story just proves it! By the way I have been to PEI Preserves many many times over the years and I just love your store and all the jams! May God Bless you and your family.
July 03, 2021
Lori said:
I’m left with gratitude you had the ex-convict John’s phone number for a few days. You may have saved a life and certainly changed a few. That seems to be something you just naturally do….. change people’s life for the better.
July 03, 2021
June Erlandson said:
Keep writing “ your story”!
July 03, 2021
Sandra Lavoie said:
Love your shared wisdom and recollections, Bruce! The blog only further enhances the PEI Preserve Company reputation as it feeds the soul in addition to the body. Can’t wait to return to PEI to refuel my soul. Will be bringing my 83 year-old Dad at the end of August for 2 weeks; with his failing health after suffering numerous cancers over the past 20 years, it may well be his last opportunity to “come home” to PEI and Montague area. He has so loved the gifts I have been able to bring him as a Tour Manager with visits to the Preserve Co. Tastes of home! The Christmas box this year plus other tastes over the course of the pandemic when I have been unable to come by in person to collect his jams and jellies have fed him body and soul. As his major caregiver since Mom passed Jan 2020 it has been gratifying to get more time with him since the last 8 months we have been separated because of the pandemic, I will visit him twice in the next month now that we are both double vaccinated!! Then we fly into Charlottetown on Aug 30 & we will get to spend 2 wonderful weeks catching up on the Island he (and I) so love. We will definitely plan a drive up to New Glasgow for a visit and a piece of your fabulous potato pie + a dessert pie!! Will touch base and hope to meet up so I can introduce you to him. You should see his smiles when he gets something from the shop!! <3
July 03, 2021