Are you hanging on in there??
I’m sorry. The world went a bit mad and I went and hid for a bit. I didn’t think you would notice.
I met with Laura this week. She’s my social media guru. She helps me make sense of the constantly changing, often confusing, online world. She helps me to understand where the restaurant and, to an extent, I sit within that world. I’m afraid to say that lately I’d been feeling less certain of my place here. If I even had a place here. Laura was adamant that I did. She told me that people were aware I’d gone. She even told me they missed me. I remembered that a few weeks ago Vicky, our PR, had said people liked to see me talking on instagram. I didn’t quite believe either of them. Couldn’t quite believe “the algorithm” wanted to see a woman in her fifties with a penchant for loud prints.
So I’ve got to admit that for a while there I let myself disappear from view. Which is madness. Me! The person who bangs on about representation and diversity. I allowed myself to almost disappear from the face of my own business.
And then last week I sat on the wall outside the swine chatting to Jack. An old Greedy Pig customer, he quite often passes the new(ish) swine with his dog, Sal. Mostly we gesture at each other through the windows, like mad people who’ve known each other for years, but occasionally I go out for a chat. And to pet the totally disinterested Sal. “People want to see you Jo. You’re the heart of the business. You and Stu. It is you”
So, a little doubtful still, I decided to try and write another post. There have been several false starts and much time staring at a blank screen. And many deleted paragraphs.
Stu and I with our son at his graduation.
Laura suggested posting pictures of our son’s graduation, if he was comfortable with it. I wasn’t sure about that. Who wanted to see our family events?
But here’s the thing. I talk a lot about how The Pig and The Swine have been part of peoples lives over the past fifteen years. We’ve seen first dates and anniversaries. We’ve catered weddings and birthdays. I made coffee for people who’ve told me things they hadn’t yet told their nearest and dearest. Ive sat and cried with people who got the all clear on cancer diagnosis. I celebrated engagements and divorces. And weddings again. I’ve seen babies born and listened to those who are grieving. I’ve been a little part of so many peoples lives.
But it wasn’t until I had a few of my own life events that I realised that actually you have all been a part of my life.
You’ve seen our son grow up, saw me struggle with my mothers death. Watched me loose weight, put on weight, and loose it again. Some of you know what I read, what I watch and what I listen too. You’ve politely listened as I talk excitedly about whatever current hobby I’m choosing to spend my time on. You know the holidays I’ve been on and the ones I haven’t.
Stu & I. Not on holiday but at Meanwood – wearing my holiday hat though!!
I don’t think we’re unique, you and I. You probably have this relationship with a lot of small business owners. Because our businesses, and our customers, are such a huge part of our lives. I do wonder if you knew though?
So anyway. I’m sorry that I disappeared.
I’m back now.
I won’t let myself disappear again.
Me, in my restaurant, wearing a loud print.
