I didn’t start frequenting cafes until I lived in Washington D.C. for grad school. I loved that you could sit alone without getting hassled (usually) doing just about anything: reading, writing, drawing, working, knitting, playing a table top game, staring off into space. It’s a multi-purpose space where you can have a business meeting, a moms’ group hanging out, a couple on a first date, or a couple on a last date; open-mics, art shows, the seeds of revolution—almost anything can lend itself to a café setting. A café is one of those unique public-private hybrid kind of spaces. You will overhear and be overheard—plan your gossipy dirt accordingly!
Your single paragraph beginning with "Unlike the café across the way..." is just superb, Sheila. With only a couple of tiny changes, it could be an entire micro-fiction standing on its own. And that first photo has such a perfect composition and gorgeous palette of color. A magazine cover.
Thanks Sharron! You're so kind to comment and I'm flattered! I worried this veered a little into the "grumpy/ranty" category, but I really was struck by how atmospherically beige Starbucks has become. I'm all for individuality even if it's not my style or I don't get it, you know? Thanks! Happy Sunday! :)
I want to hang out in cafes more often (sorry, no time to change keyboards to add the accent mark). I want to overhear and write everything down while imagining I'm in a far-away country only a few minutes from my house. Starbucks, well, as you say, any port in the storm. The recent anti-union crap chips away further from its appeal.
I am all in for cafe nation! I really missed having that option during the worst of the pandemic. I met a friend for coffee at my favorite place last week and sighed when I said to her, "It's so nice to just sit in these places again." I hope you get some quality time at one of your favorite spots or a new cafe crush! Agreed on the corporate cafe chain....such a shame. :) And I'm so happy you enjoyed the photos. Spring has really come in like the big number closing out the show before intermission :)
Your single paragraph beginning with "Unlike the café across the way..." is just superb, Sheila. With only a couple of tiny changes, it could be an entire micro-fiction standing on its own. And that first photo has such a perfect composition and gorgeous palette of color. A magazine cover.
Thanks Sharron! You're so kind to comment and I'm flattered! I worried this veered a little into the "grumpy/ranty" category, but I really was struck by how atmospherically beige Starbucks has become. I'm all for individuality even if it's not my style or I don't get it, you know? Thanks! Happy Sunday! :)
I want to hang out in cafes more often (sorry, no time to change keyboards to add the accent mark). I want to overhear and write everything down while imagining I'm in a far-away country only a few minutes from my house. Starbucks, well, as you say, any port in the storm. The recent anti-union crap chips away further from its appeal.
I love these photos!!!!
I am all in for cafe nation! I really missed having that option during the worst of the pandemic. I met a friend for coffee at my favorite place last week and sighed when I said to her, "It's so nice to just sit in these places again." I hope you get some quality time at one of your favorite spots or a new cafe crush! Agreed on the corporate cafe chain....such a shame. :) And I'm so happy you enjoyed the photos. Spring has really come in like the big number closing out the show before intermission :)