My Gilmore Girls Obsession & How it Helped Guide Me Here

I remember seeing the trailers for the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls and knowing I was going to enjoy the show before I even saw the first episode.  I was living with my Gram in the Shores at the time, and every Tuesday I picked up my sister Shannon from my parents.  We got chicken salads and ice cream from Dairy Queen, and we watched our show and we talked about how fun it would be to run our own inn together some day. 

I loved everything about Gilmore Girls--the idyllic small-town life, the quirky characters, the strong female leads, the quick and witty dialogue.  And even though the town of Stars Hollow is (alas) fictional, it's inspired by real places.  Something restless stirred in me and I knew that someday I must go to Connecticut and see it for myself.  But I never imagined moving here.

If I had time I could explain how my love of Gilmore Girls led to many good things in my life: getting a job at a B&B, a total revision of my first novel (which improved it at least 90%), a job at a B&B in Virginia which made it possible for me to finally get my degree and led to some of the best writing I've ever done, the invention of a board game I'm still trying to get off the ground, a "Really Big Idea" which is in the works, and that nagging desire to explore New England--which definitely influenced my decision to apply to my current job and a couple months later, to move here (which is probably the best decision I've ever made).

And I'll admit, Gilmore Girls was in the back of my mind the whole time.  When I met the owners and their names were Dean and Jess, I took that as I sign.  (What Gilmore fan wouldn't?)  I explored as much as I could those first few months, and I searched for any signs of the show I loved so much.

So how does my current reality measure up to my Gilmore Girls ideal?  I decided to start the show from the beginning (again) to find out.

One thing that strikes me watching these early episodes is how "adult" Lorelai seems, even when she's pretty immature and casual in her private life.  At work she wears these tailored suits and red lipstick and heels, and I can't help but notice that I still dress pretty much like I did in college--comfy.  I am trying to "adultify" my wardrobe a little, but in truth, I'd rather be this version of Lorelai:

It's also important to note that Lorelai is the manager of a busy Inn, not the Innkeeper of a small B&B.  So while she spends her days telling people want to do and keeping the crazy under control, I'm cleaning rooms, doing laundry, cooking, taking out the trash, feeding the goat, and now... stuffing the boiler with logs every few hours.  You get my drift, a suit would not be practical.  

Next, East Hampton doesn't look anything like Stars Hollow, but we do have a gazebo and now we have a cool little coffee shop.  We also have Eggs Up (a little diner) close by, though it's technically in Portland.  Also, Stars Hollow has a quaint little pond, but we have a lake.

  

Next, the Independence Inn is nothing like the Bevin House (and I'm glad).  The Independence Inn is way more formal and stuffy than the Bevin House, and they have a crew of at least a dozen people running it. 

 

A formal environment means a totally different kind of guest and a lot more stress.  Not that we don't have stressful moments here, but for the most part our guests are much more easy-going and having them is like having family.  In fact, check out usually involves hugs.  The one thing I do envy about the Independence Inn is Sookie--because who wouldn't want to hang out with Melissa McCarthy every day?

My biggest challenge here is trying to find balance between my work-life as an Innkeeper and my private life as a creative individual.  I suppose it's natural to seek "boundaries" in our lives, but lately I am thinking that the more I merge the two, the better--for me and for the business.

So I am about to embark on a new creative project--creating a sketch journal of life here at the Bevin House (because apparently a blog isn't enough).  I'll also be writing our own Murder Mystery dinner, inspired by East Hampton History, the Bevin House, and the Victorian Era in general.  

I never realized how influential this show would be in shaping my life.  When I cook meals, I often think of Sookie.  When I'm cleaning rooms I think of Lorelai's early days as a maid and those "bouncing quarters."  When I'm writing or studying, I think of Rory and her dedication to her goals.  I can't help but feel that if it weren't for this show, my life would be very different right now.  If the show never existed, would I have found my way to this time and place, where I feel so happy and inspired and at home?  Luckily, I never have to find out.

And now, to work!  "Super cool party people bid you super cool adieu!"

More Christmas-y Goodness :)

So we've already had several little snowfalls and I so far I still love it.

We've also had some super nice people come for our Christmas Brunches, and it's been a fun way to spread a little extra cheer and show people what we do.

I haven't been exploring as much lately, but I have taken a few small fieldtrips, like this one to Comstock Covered Bridge, which was quite charming in the snow.

Then last week I went with Jess & Patti to Hartford to have an amazing dinner at V's Trattoria and see a show at the Hartford Stage.

It was an incredible show, and everything--the performers, the effects, the costumes, the stunts, were all top-notch.  I'm definitely going to keep an eye on their future productions.

Then it was back to the Bevin House and more brunches.  This one was a particular favorite of mine--Blueberry-Lemon Baked French Toast & Sausage, Cheddar, and Herb Quiche.  Yum :)

Before or after each brunch, we give the guests a tour of the house, which is particularly beautiful right now with all of the Christmas decorations.  

We have 3 more Christmas breakfasts this weekend, and I'm hoping to have dinner and a movie with my friend Maureen on Christmas Eve and skype with my familly on Christmas.  I already got their presents, and I'm so excited to visit them in January!  Time is flying by up here, I can't believe it's already been 4 months...

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

Woke up this morning to the first snowfall of the season, and I LOVE IT.  I started the day by cleaning my room while "White Christmas" played in the background.  And then I spent the morning doing chores and every time I passed by a window I just had to smile.  

Later on our guests arrived, and after checking them in I prepped for breakfast/brunch tomorrow--baked french toast, quiche lorraine, and parfaits.  Jess helped me set the table and it looks so pretty :) Also I made sugar cookies and decorated them with whipped vanilla frosting and crushed peppermint, because why not? 

It snowed pretty much all day, and everything is frosted and beautiful.  I had to go for another quick little walk, and I got some great shots of the house.  Every now and then it still hits me--I live here.  I live in Connecticut.  What is my life?

Most of all though, I feel so blessed to have Jess & Dean as housemates.  They are such wonderful people, and such a big part of my life now.  It's so strange to think that a few months ago we didn't even know each other, and now they feel like family.

Next time on the Belle of Bevin House... a Christmas Parade & tree lighting!

The Santa Experience at the Bevin House

Hello, everyone!  I hope you are having a magical December so far.  Things here at the Bevin House have been pretty magical, and very busy.  First of all, my mom came to visit, and I am sooo glad, because we definitely needed her special touch.  We had a couple fun but exhausting days of decorating and shopping and more decorating, and I'm pretty happy with the results...

Afterward we went outside to see the lights from the street, and the full moon was breathtaking.

Sunday was the Santa Experience, which went absolutely beautifully!  Walt (our photographer) came with his helper, Santa came with his helper, and I had my mom :)  While I finished cleaning up from breakfast, she set up the whole waiting room--crafts for the kids to make their own ornaments, and my tv & dvd player so we could play Christmas movies.  I made sugar cookies and frosting so the kids could decorate their own cookies too. 

We had some really sweet families come through, and the kids were all so cute and so excited to meet Santa.  Mom totally rocked craft time, and I know the families made some great memories and had a nice time together.  I'm so glad we hosted, and I hope we'll do it up even bigger next year...

That night I made dinner and we watched another Christmas movie and cuddled :)  The next day, we needed a break from the Inn, so after my morning chores we drove up to Massachusetts to visit Yankee Candle Village.  I knew mom would love it, but I didn't realize how much she would love it...

We were there for about two hours, and every once in a while I just had to tug on her sleeve and say "come on, Mom, there's still too much to see."  Then we'd go to another room and she'd see another beyond it and she'd say, "Geez, it just goes on and on."  And I'm like, "Exactly."  But it was such a fun field-trip.  And even thought she's too early for "real" snow, she got to enjoy a minute of the fake stuff...

It was such a fun visit, but it was over way too quickly, as usual.  Luckily, the next month is going to be busy, and then I'll be visiting the family in St. Augustine!  Coming soon at the Bevin House... 5 Christmas Brunches, 2 Writers Guild Meetings, 1 crazy Christmas party... 

and a partridge in a pear treeeeeee :)