I’ve had a photograph of this quote on my fridge since 2013.

The words were written onto the bathroom mirror at SweetArt Bakeshop & Cafe and memory fails me as to whether or not they were scribbled with eye pencil or lipstick or cupcake icing.

Nonetheless, that cafe embodied art, imagination, nourishment. All guests were invited to relish not only the creatively designed and showcased cupcakes, but even more so in the joyful, creative process in which owner Reine Keis was engaged when making those delicious, one-of-a-kind sweets. When browsing the glass case to make my selection, I’d often see her in the kitchen just beyond, delightfully icing a cake or artistically placing a dozen red velvet cupcakes in a pastry box.

Having that firsthand view of her process was central to the enjoyment of my visits there. I don’t remember the tables. I can’t even remember the interesting names and flavors of the cupcakes. I barely remember the intersection on which the cafe was located, despite how well I knew every street in St. Louis.

What do I remember?

Reine doing her thing. Seeing her lost in process in the most wonderful and artistic ways nearly every single time I walked into that corner shop. Her work was embedded in a process fueled by time, practice, and love.

Having this quote in photograph form, from that particular time in my life is meaningful and reminds me that in some form or another, we are always seeking growth and change in our lives or in our communities.

There’s been a lot of time and a lot of practice and a lot of love since I snapped that photograph.