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 …
Tag: New Jersey
Mar 18
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 …
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 …
Jul 18
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 …