Coffee Date

There is something bewitching about coffee. Not only does this exotic bean energize the body and entice the senses, but it also possesses a power that excites the soul. Whether it is brewed to perfection or a weak homemade blend, this dark roasted beverage is stronger than the fictitious veratiserum. It strengthens relationships and provokes intimate sharing of secrets and desires. Time stands still with a cup of coffee in hand. Hours seem to pass slowly and blissfully.  People sit in coffee shops discussing art, philosophy, and literature. They pour their hearts and souls out over a cup of coffee. The more time I spend in coffee shops, the more I find this to be true.

Today I went for a walk with my friend Lauren. With my hectic schedule and her busy life,  we never see each other, although we live in the same house. In order to rekindle our friendship, we grabbed a cup of coffee from LJ's and ventured out into the blustery afternoon. We wandered down cobblestone streets and poked our heads in various shop windows. We took another lap and discussed our post graduation plans, or lack thereof. Lauren is a talented Greek goddess with the voice of an angel. She is thinking about moving to Chicago or New York in order to pursue a career in performance, but feels conflicted about this prospect. She has a big family. They are close. And as a result, the songs of home are calling her name. She is torn. I, on the other hand, am feeling a strong urge to leave the nest, to fly and follow the wind wherever it may lead me. We continued our walk through the snowy centennial park and around the campus grounds, discussing everything under the sun from faith, to insecurities, to boys. We laughed and walked until our coffee grew cold and our noses turned rosy. It was a perfect way to spend the late morning: sipping our brew and sharing our hearts as kindred spirits.