She sat as only a friend would, downstairs waiting for me. I was upstairs getting the last of my pile of stuff together for our foray into the shopping mall ready. We were going to spend time and to spend my gift card so that I finally would have pants that fit me. It was a day any pair of friends might be spending, a day during Christmas vacation week.She was there when I came through the door, shopping bag at ready, laughing and saying that she was on time despite the buses it took to bring her here, that I was late despite my short elevator. She smiled and said now she could hug me.
We took a taxi down to the Magnificent Mile and the first thing we did was buy a cup of coffee. We found a wonderful love seat in the lobby of the magnificent shopping mall, just outside the door way to Bloomingdale’s. She had the pumpkin bar. I had the lemon bar. She brought the napkins. I went to get the forks.
I’m the one who spilled my coffee while I was talking. It didn’t matter.
We talked about nothing and everything.
Coffee in porcelain cups is very nice. Coffee served by elegant waiters is so refined and wonderful. Coffee in Europe is an experience that must be tried, especially in a restaurant that doesn’t think people should leave after 1 hour and 45 minutes, when they’re barely started talking.
But coffee is best with a friend that you love, when you’re sorting the details of normal life, when you’re sharing the stuff that most people wouldn’t give a blink to hear. . . . Then it brings out the little kids in us, telling tales of characters in made-up stories.
After the coffee we went to the stores and we did what was on the agenda. We accomplished things and we were together. It was a fine practice run for the next time and the time after that when, I’ll wear the pants I bought. We’ll have coffee and go somewhere again.
But this time, we’ll have coffee at the beginning and coffee again at the end.
Coffee is best with a best friend that you love.
−me strauss Letting me be
10 comments:
Coffee is awesome, I drink it with my daughter, who loves Starbucks, and my husband who likes it when I make it.
Hi Rain!
There is something about sharing coffee with someone you love that is just that . . . awesome. I woulnd't mind a cup with you. :)
Liz - I owe you at least a cup of coffee. Let's make that right soon. My turn to come to the city. Probably February timeframe. I'll call you soon so we can share one over the phone.
Hi Phil!
Great to see you over here! Coffee with you is a great memory and a great idea!
This post brings a big smile. Good memories, too. You have such a marvelous way with detail.
Thanks for putting it all in writing. I think you're right - no matter where you are or what kind of cup it's served in, coffee is best with someone you love.
I felt the smail come across my face as I read your comment. It was like a sip from warm cup of coffee -- that first taste in the morning or that first taste with a friend that I haven't had enough time with. :)
Liz, my cup is always full after visiting here. :-)
Happy New Year my dear friend.
I enjoyed reading your essay on coffee and the relational opportunity that it creates. The value of relationships in our life is priceless. I like how you have captured this moment of your day and shared it as an example for us.
Hi Tree!
Thanks you're the cream in my coffee, sugar!
Hi Lance,
I can't tell you what a gift it is to have you around again!
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