100things: Things That Make Me Happy #2

[mangofandango]

Today we braved the chilly rain to go to the farmer's market, which was worth it because Adam had strawberries. The first local strawberries I could get my hands on, as he sold out before I got there the last time. Oh my goodness, people, they are So Good. The farmer's market probably warrants it's own "things that make me happy" post, because it is one of my favorite things...so we won't dwell on that right now.

But after the farmer's market and before going to buy Sophie a new bicycle helmet, we went to a coffee shop to warm up and so Sophie could use the bathroom. Going to coffee shops makes me happy. They have to be good ones - a bad coffee place is just depressing. But there have been a lot of good ones in my life so far.

Pre-Sophie, I spent a lot of time in coffee shops. I would bring my book or my journals, and spend hours reading, writing, emo-ing, listening to music, or whatever. Ryan and I used to go on weekly open mic dates at a coffee shop in the town where we grew up. We drank horrible sweet things like the Funky Monkey and some snickers bar latte business, I don't even know - I just know they were incredibly sweet and served in cups the size of bowls and covered with whipped cream. :)

That's Muddy Waters in the photo up there, taken on my terrible cell phone camera and I apologize. Isn't it pretty, with its wood and stained glass and extreme coziness? Muddy Waters makes a generally perfect vanilla latte, in the perfect size - I really wish 8 ounce beverages were a thing at more places. They are my favorite on a rainy day. Always warm, always with the just-right music, and a place I have been going for many years. Today, Sophie read (recited) "In The Night Kitchen" while Ryan and I drank our coffee.

I came here when I was someone who just visited here. I think I probably came here as a child, even, with my parents. I came here when I first moved into town. I was here was I was pregnant, drinking minimal amounts of coffee and larger amounts of ginger lemonade, eating tiramisu. And now I come here with my family. I love lots of other coffee shops for different reasons, but this one I have mostly known forever. It makes me happy.

Comments

[polychrome-baby.livejournal.com]

It is beautiful. In the Night Kitchen sounds perfect for that place. I can hear it, heck I can even smell it. Just, awesome.

I spent some time as a barista, and a goodly portion of my life and who I am is formed around the smell and textures of coffee and espresso artisianship.

Such a wonderful example.

<3