One year ago I purchased a Town of Fountain Hills business license and began Pizzelle Pastries.

Late into the night I’d bake traditional and custom-flavored pizzelles, pack them in bins, then load up my car with two tables, a banner, and a shade canopy. Early the following morning I’d set up at Four Peaks Plaza.

Twenty-nine or 114 degrees — it mattered not — there I stood offering free samples of freshly-baked pizzelles to anyone within the sound of my voice. Many stopped for a taste — and stories abound of a grandmother, friend or neighbor who, long ago, made this specialty pastry. Over this past year, friendships were formed as memories were shared.

I received word this past week the property management company will no longer allow me to set up at Four Peaks Plaza. I was sad because I will sincerely miss all the special people I have met there. I lived in Fountain Hills for over 14 years and recently moved — but drove the two-hour round trip to be at that special spot.

I wanted to continue making my pizzelles and drive to Fountain Hills to set up at that spot.

So — I will no longer be there, and for that I’m truly sad. It’s been my life for the past 12 months. Seeing familiar faces come around the corner brought me such delight! Thankfully, though, Ms. Sheri Patton of American Family Insurance will allow me to set up in front of her agency for The Great Fair. I hope my new friends will stop because your lives and stories brought such joy to me this past year.

This verse I hold in my heart when I think of the times I spent under my shade canopy: Acts 2:26: “Behold I pitched my tent in the land of hope.”