Jun 18
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 …
Mar 18
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 …
Feb 18
January 2017 Starbucks Livonia, MI My fingertips touch the grande cup of coffee when I think to ask, “This isn’t yours, is it?” “Oh no,” the guy next to me says. “I watched her make mine because I got hazelnut in it. I’m trying something new.” I didn’t really think it was mine; I was …
Jan 18
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 …
Feb 18
Corner Bakery Café Horsham, PA Billy Joel had it right: it’s always been a matter of trust. 3:43pm A strange little coffee shop that is, or was once, a restaurant. This place serves the typical coffees and latte espresso drinks, but it also offers a choice of real food, not just the token pastries. I …