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 …
Category: -Diana Hirsch
Jan 18
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 …
Dec 18
Coffee Shop Chronicles: It’s all phone and games
Espresso Royale Ann Arbor, MI November 2016 There’s a PokéStop right outside the Espresso Royale–next door at Noodles & Company, actually–but I can spin as I sip my coffee. It’s Autumn Spice coffee today. That’s new; I’ve never seen it here before. Different, a hint of cinnamon and sweetness that’s smooth and full. I stare …
Nov 18
Coffee Shop Chronicles: Coffee, books and the end of an era
Borders Bookstore Canton, MI April 2011 I came here because I have a coupon. The coupon is for 33% off one item or 20% off your entire purchase. I’m upstairs sampling the vanilla bean loaf, and there’s this weird aftertaste. The black tea is helping only so much. I’m glad I have a peanut butter …
Oct 18
Coffee Shop Chronicles: Playing with Toys
Starbucks Bear, DE April 2006 I expected one thing from this morning’s workshop hosted by the University of DE, entitled, “Reconnect with Your Creativity”, but took away something completely different. I want toys, now! That’s what the first workshop session was: toys. Slinky, Lego, twisty ties, magnetic 3D designs, balls, stretchy toys, flip frogs…all that …