This post is honestly quite random, so I'll preface it with this: I have been feeling a bit deprived of creativity, passion, and inspiration in my classes up here. They aren't terrible classes, just nothing that peaks my interest and they have handled depressing topics (genocide, trafficking, abuse, weapons, etc.) in a way that have created a me that seems void a feeling. Thus, I have been trying to watch movies, listen to music, and read and write things that make me feel inspired.
Today, while on a library break, the perfect thing happened to cultivate creativity and feeling within me. A couple people and myself posed questions that began as passing time, but turned into deep conversations. It started with, "If you were an item of stationary what would you be?" It moved to kitchen utensil, then menu item, followed by coffee shop, and painting and painting technique, and finally "What would your self-portrait look like?" So, as I found this chat to be one of the more stimulating ones I have had here, I have decided that I will make a weekly blog post of these type of questions.
If you have any specific questions that you would like me to go for, feel free to comment, email, or Facebook me and I will see what I can do! Today to start off: "If you were a coffee shop, what type of coffee shop would you be?"
If
I were a coffee shop I would be on the shore of back waters or a lake on the
coast of somewhere like South Carolina. Sunny, tall sea grass, maybe small
boats near by with the sounds of water lapping up on the sand and seagulls
overhead. It does get hit by a good storm every so often though. It is
somewhere quaint and quiet. The coffee shop would be small and cozy, shack
like. It would be open air with giant openings/windows that would always be
open in good weather. Screen doors, no doubt. The shop would have cathedral
ceilings, or the equivalent in a shack, with the long fans extending down to
circulate a breeze. There would be tables scattered here and there, some only
big enough for two, but one big enough for 6 or more if you squeeze, and all the
in between. Perfect spaces for working, or for time with friends. The tables
and chairs would all look a bit rugged and probably not match, but have charm;
each looking like it has its own story. Some would be painted to liven the
place up a bit, but not over done- even sanded a little to still look rustic.
There would also be a couple giant comfy couches and chairs perfect for
snuggling up to a good book. A bookshelf would be placed near the door to
collect favorites to be passed on to a new loving owner, or for guests to be
whisked into another world. Decorations would be homey, small town, and have a
coastal feel. Anything with color would be soft hues of blue and other soft
colors to compliment the blues. Also, there would be a wrap around deck, the
same level as the shop, overlooking the water. On the deck would be a few
rocking chairs on one side as you walk out the screen door, a table that seats
four on the other side of the door. Around the corner on the side would be
patio type couches, a few more rocking chairs, a hammock, and just below this
side of the shop deck, on the sand, would lie a fire pit for nights spent with
friends sipping coffee, watching the stars, and good chats.
The
music in the shop can be changed upon request, but would often consist of my
favorite chill playlists of cool, easy flowing tunes not being played too loud,
but just loud enough to be noticed. That perfect volume where silence isn’t
awkward, but neither is a chat between two friends. The menu would feature
fresh, local ingredients, and if not local, all fair trade. A variety of fresh
baked muffins made from the fruits in season, but of course some chocolate and
cinnamon too, would be featured in the morning and early afternoon. Along with
this you can get oatmeal or yogurt with various toppings. Later in the day the
menu offers fresh salads and a couple cold cut sandwiches/ wraps. In the
evening it would feature a few fresh baked pies, again with seasonal fillings.
Then at night, you can purchase a package of goodies for a great s’more (Hershey’s
and Reese’s.) Finally, as far as food is concerned, all day everyday the house
special would be a giant red velvet cupcake. On to the coffee though, since
this is a coffee shop. Seasonal drinks are a must since they happen to be my
favorite…but only sold in the proper season or their novelty is ruined. Also,
juices made in house, daily will be available. Other than those though, the menu would
be a compilation of house specialties of coffee, iced coffee, and tea with unique names all
written on a chalkboard type wall hanging. Maybe one day your very own creation
could even be added to the menu. Last, but surely not least, this coffee shop
would have small bowls of chocolate covered almonds and coffee beans on each table.
Maybe
someday I’ll see you at SunDays.
