Tag: New Jersey

Coffee Shop Chronicles: Making friends in coffee shops, Part 2

The Fine Grind, a coffee bar Little Falls, NJ March 2017 Now that I have a seat, I’m restless. It’s March, and far from feeling like winter. I settle into my cushion bench seat and look around the room.  This is still the only place to sit.  I reach for my writing bag when my …

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Coffee Shop Chronicles: Making friends in coffee shops, Part 1

The Fine Grind, a coffee bar Little Falls, NJ March 2017 It’s my second week in New Jersey, and I see a woman in a yellow University of Michigan sweatshirt. Really? I live in some vortex that I can’t escape my former home state.  Are there more of them?  I scan the room.  The big …

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Coffee Shop Chronicles: On staying and leaving,

Starbucks Cherry Hill, NJ October 2002 I’m shaking from hitting the curb as I pulled in. I don’t see any damage, but I’m uncontrollably jittery.  It’s a good thing I brought my journal tonight.  My mocha Frappuccino will just add caffeine to my jitters, but the journal, well, that’s relaxing.  I hope. It’s an older …

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Coffee Shop Chronicles: The 5 Senses

Starbucks Route 1, Princeton, NJ September 2000   Why do we stop ourselves? –5:42 PM– There’s a woman here without socks on, sandals with toes sunning themselves as legs boldly thrust forward into the world.  Chunky heels, a firm step, a heavy stomp.  Somehow it makes them stronger.  Women who wear pointy high heels, they …

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