I ran out of coffee yesterday. I meant to get more, and after a long, tiring day, I forgot all about it. So I got up this morning and panicked. Well, not really. But I was bummed. I had thought that I might go to my favorite coffee shop and get my cup on the way to work, but it’s so not on my way to work anymore. Plus I want to get there earlier so I can have some time to enjoy the atmosphere and mingle a bit with people I know. And my butt was just not moving fast this morning. Hence the need for coffee.
I have a Starbucks gift card still left over from Christmas time, and two Starbucks on the way to work. (Don’t tell my Redeye baristas I was there please.)
I walked in the door to Starbucks and ran smack into the warm, inviting atmosphere. I was transported. A familiar Norah Jones song was playing, and the aroma of that blessed beverage hit my nostrils. All of a sudden, I was back on tour, on my day off. My favorite way to spend my precious free time on tour was in a coffee shop. And because you can’t walk two feet anywhere in this country without finding a Starbucks, I usually ended up in one. With my journal and a good book in tow and a warm, comforting beverage in hand, I could waste hours in a place like this. And leave feeling refreshed.
Unfortunately, this morning, I did not have hours to waste. I had about two minutes on my way to work. But for those two minutes, I reveled in the atmosphere and relaxed a bit. I felt like I exhaled for the first time in months. I mean, really exhaled. I drew in a warm, comforting breath and exhaled out all the gunk that has been piling up on me. And for those few, brief moments, I felt lighter.
I fixed my coffee, and then reluctantly pushed the door open back into the hectic world. I longed to pull up a table or comfy chair and curl up, cradling my 10% recycled material coffee cup. I missed my favorite coffee buddy. Above all, I think I realized how stressed I’ve been lately. I’ve been to coffee shops several times in recent months, and haven’t had that reaction recently. My brain still equates coffee shops with rest time. I think I need to take that time. I’m way overdue.
Awww, thanks Jaim. I miss you too. I’ve had a few coffee-shop mornings lately, and you’re right: just a little time in that atmosphere is refreshing. For lack of any Tim Horton’s within walking distance of work, my new favorite muffin is Morning Glory Bran from Woods Coffee downtown. When you come, I’ll buy you one (I know you’re packing your bags now!!). Miss you. Wish I was across the cafe table from you, not across the country (sniffle).