Café Comments ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Gone are the days of the market and small village shops.  We still have diners, taverns, and coffee shops.  In these places we find our common custom houses.  In these we find the regular attenders, well known servers, and random acquaintances. 

It is here as well that we can find good people who will share with us good conversation.  We can easily find common ground or verbal fencing if needed.  The ills of the world can be codified and sorted over a cappuccino and a scone. 

For me, however, the value is in knowing and understanding the people. It is in seeing that there is no one in the place who does not have some unique feature that enriches the world.  I constantly learn from each person I observe.

At times I am even given opportunity to be kind to others.  I am allowed to cross that barrier from the unknown to the known; from stranger to at least acquaintance and sometimes even friend.

In a world where our electronics and lives tend to isolate us from each other this is an oasis.  There is opportunity to live my faith by being observant and available.  There is the chance to be there for others and show them that I care.

It also serves to keep me from getting too far inside my own head.  I must always be aware of the world outside of the many dramas that dance through my writer’s mind.  Focusing on real people in a real place with real needs does this.  We must move on to other matters Dear Reader.  Thank you for sharing my table for this one.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Café Comments ~ Pointed Pondering

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday at the café one of the Crema Council was anxious to ask me some questions.  The first topic of the morning was gun control in light of the recent shootings.  I will not weigh in on that here.  I do think that violence against anyone is not justified.  I do not believe that the problem is limited to guns.  We have much deeper worries to address.

His second question to me was concerning the purpose of the Ten Commandments and whether I thought they were what was the premier instruction from God.  I wrote briefly about this in 2012.  His question, however, allowed a different approach.  As a teacher I immediately answered his question with a question.

What is the purpose of the Ten Commandments and the Law?  I am not sure what your answer is Dear Reader, but I know what mine is.  It is the same answer that Paul gives in his letter to the Galatians:

Galatians 3:19-25: Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator.  A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.  Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.  But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.  Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.  So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.  Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

The purpose of the Ten Commandments is so that we realize that we all do things that are wrong.  I do not need to go further than the first two commandments to understand this clearly.  My friend on the Crema Council had yet another agenda.  His hope, in jest, was to see if he could “raise my hackles.”   He was having fun but I was reminded of something very valuable.

I was reminded that if my faith is real then I do not need to be agitated about questions that seem difficult or invasive.  I have worked hard to be hard to offend.  I have put forth a standard that those who see my faith as something to question present an opportunity for me to live it.  Even in the current tensions in my life the mantra must be, “If my faith does not work now then it was never worth it.”

To be clear the Crema Council is never unkind or abrasive.  The young man in question likes to ask difficult questions. That is what friends do for each other.  Iron sharpens iron.  I was presented with a beautiful opportunity to articulate what I believe and why.  Thank you, sir, for good questions and for listening to my answer.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Café Comments ~ Single Serving Friendships

Greetings Dear Reader,

One encounters “strangers” every day at the café.   People come for breakfast or they are in and out to get their morning coffee on the way to whatever is next.  This allows one great opportunity for single serving friendships.

I will encounter people that I may never encounter again.  It is my one opportunity to inject kindness into that life.  It is my chance to show love and respect to a human that may or may not need it in that moment.  I do not think anyone complains when you are kind to them in the moment.

The idea is that in this space our paths are going to collide.  We are going to reach for the cream at the same time.  We are going to be in each other’s way when refilling coffee.  I must be the one who backs away politely.  I must be the one who gives a genuine smile and allows the other to meet their need of the moment. 

It fills my heart with joy to see someone else smile just because you did this.  It reminds me that my agenda or purpose of the moment can almost always take a back seat to the opportunity to be a friend in that instant.  This fosters the peaceful spirit of this particular café. 

After months of this behaviour many of those single serving friendships have gotten refills.  People who do not know my name wave at me when they rush in for their coffee.  They smile and there is another moment of positive human connection in the world.

Everything about following Christ is based on showing love to others.  If I want to evidence this in my life then I must focus on those moments that are insignificant to me but may make a difference in the lives of others.  Further I must extend that to moments where I put aside my convenience for the good of someone I do not know just so that I can show them love and kindness.  If I choose this, I will never run out of refills for those single serving friendships.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Café Comments ~ Snapshots

Greetings Dear Reader,

Back in the time of the dinosaur people collected their pictures in books called photo-albums.  People would share their wedding, honeymoon, or vacation photos by handing you the book.  This was always difficult for me.  If I was not at the event I had problems finding context that worked in my understanding of their adventure.

Snapshots tell us very little about the actual story.  They may tell us much but that does not mean we get the entire significance of the moment.  The same is true for the tiny bits of the life I witness at the café.  I have very little context even with those I encounter weekly. 

This means that I hear only a bit of what is real for people when they interact.  Only some of the things I overhear or witness can be understood with my frame of reference.   I only get a glimpse of personality and character. 

We can infer from language, conversation topics, and food preferences.  By way of example I offer the following:  A lovely young mum comes in with her high school age son.  They eat a healthy breakfast and review his school work.  She is kind, friendly, and outgoing.  He is quiet and studious.  The things that I infer a very good.  She invests her time and attention to her son.  She works with him toward success.  The body language between them is positive. 

After all that observation I do not really know anything about them.  I do not know what their real lives are like or what struggles they face.  I do not understand their prevalent life needs.  My impression of them is good but that does not mean that I know them.

This teaches me why it is so vital not to judge others.  It is a continuing lesson on how little we know of each other.  For good or ill these snapshots do not give me enough information to judge anyone.  They do not put me in any position to approve or condemn.  My only available honorable option is to be kind and show love.

In the snapshots at the café I must always look for the good.  I must be good to others no matter my opinion of their lives.  Most important, I must always filter my opinions, thoughts, and responses through the love that Christ has for each and every soul in the place.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Café Comments ~ Thelma and Louise

Greetings Dear Reader,

When one owns a small business, one depends heavily on the face of that business.  At the café the management is a duo the Crema Council refers to as Thelma and Louise.  If you do not get the reference you may wish to watch the movie of the same title.   To my knowledge neither of these excellent women is guilty of any crimes.  The reference, however, is fitting.

I always sit where I can watch these two interact with the customers and staff.  They are funny, intelligent, and creative.  They treat everyone at the counter with kindness and respect.  They nurture their staff as if they were younger siblings (at least one of them is).  They are both teachable and daily hone their craft.

Each of them is so much more than what they do.  Each of them has the potential for greatness yet they also give their very best to this coffee harbor whilst waiting to set sail on some greater venture.  Whether it is the Brotherhood of Baleful Brewers of the Bitter Black Bean or the Crema Council the regular groups are greeted with great cheer.  Strangers are politely assisted to navigate the menu.  Everyone is given a fair shot at being decent and kind.

I have also watched them both handle rude patrons with grace and patience.  They do not let anything escalate.  Instead, they use gentleness to cool the situation and infuse some goodness into the impatient customer.  I suspect that no matter what the person orders they get decaf.  

Thelma and Louise are the engine that makes the place run well.  It is not just their skill at managing the café.  It is their spirit; their heart.  It is the bond they share as friends.  I knew them both before our encounters here.  One I knew well.  The other in a single encounter.  Both earned my love and respect long before I ever entered the café. 

I must remember that managing the chaos is mostly attitude.  How I set my sails will determine my direction.  Their example gives me great hope.  Their work works to encourage me to be a better man. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Café Comments ~ The Crema Council

Greetings Dear Reader,

There is a covey of very friendly folks at the café who sit together and chat over breakfast.  For the first few weeks I frequented this café I was glad to listen and enjoy their interactions.  They broke the ice by mentioning my “Feel Free to Share My Table” sign as a nice gesture.  When they discovered that I knew one of the managers I was an instant friend to them.  As I have come to know them better I refer to them as the Crema Council. 

They ruminate over current affairs, the weather, grandchildren, and much more.  They always have a kind word and are personable with anyone they encounter.   It is always a good thing to hear them weigh in on world events and the current state of the café.  One of their great skills is to discuss without arguing. 

In my time at the café I have been privilege to the wisdom they share with others.  I have learned more patience and balance in my thinking.  I have grown to understand that there are those with whom I disagree on important issues who can listen to and respect my position. 

They are also a constant source of encouragement to those around them.  There are also those moments when a toddler they know enters the café and they melt into adoring grandparent mode.  In that moment I see the deep love they have for life and its new ventures. 

If I hope to age well I must learn from their example.   In not too many more trips around the sun I will be them.  I hope I carry their kindness and grace into those years and can further their hope and love for others.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Café Comments ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Most of us have a favorite diner or café that we enjoy.  I am blessed to have a favorite in both categories and some good alternates when I just need a change.  I go to the café that is my favorite twice a week.  On Wednesdays I go there to write and people watch.  On Fridays I go after breakfast at my favorite diner to work at marketing and to people watch some more.

When I people watch it is for many purposes.  It feeds my curiosity and gives me much writing fodder.  It also reminds me to see the needs and lives of others from a position of kindness and compassion.  It gives me the opportunity to be good to others as well. 

As I have grown to know the staff other observations and opportunities present themselves.  As I often do I am going to extrapolate life lessons from the specific to the general with the café as my backdrop.  This time, however, my intent is to tell a story or two and draw the lessons for my journey from the story.  Join in the Calliandra Shade of my favorite café.  Let me know your thoughts and questions as we observe life.

Calliandra Shade – Ian Anderson

I sit in judgement on the market square

I have my favourite table and I have my chair

Natives are friendly and the sun flies high

All kinds of crazy waiters – they go drifting by

Hours last forever in the Calliandra shade

Conversation going nowhere and yet, everywhere

Kick off those sad shoes and let the bare toes twinkle

Slip off the shoulder strap: loosen the thick black hair

Come, sit with me and take decaf designer coffee

Come, laugh and listen as the ragamuffin children play

Lame dog and a black cat, now, they shuffle in the shadows

You got cappuccino lip on a short skirt day

Electric afternoon and shrill cellphones are mating

Lame dog is dreaming, dreaming of a better life

Where bed is fluffy pillows, table scraps are filet mignon

Flicked indiscreetly by the lazy waiter's knife

Hours last forever in the Calliandra shade

Conversation going nowhere and yet, everywhere

Kick off those sad shoes and let the bare toes twinkle

Slip off the shoulder strap: loosen the thick black hair

Come, sit with me and take decaf designer coffee

Come, laugh and listen as the ragamuffin children play

Lame dog and a black cat, now, they shuffle in the shadows

You got cappuccino lip on a short skirt day

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Second Thoughts – In Defense of Early Risers

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

I have been a short sleeper most of my life.  I usually sleep only four or five hours out of any twenty-four.  If I sleep longer than that it is due to illness or medication.  Because of that I am a very early riser.  I am usually up by 4:00 AM without the aid of an alarm clock.  It is really quite a wonder that I survived childhood and that my mother dared to give me siblings.

When people discover that I am a short sleeper (as opposed to being an insomniac) they offer all kinds of advice on how I could sleep longer.  A former college roommate suggested that he could hit me in the head with a rubber mallet each night.  Thusly concussed he was sure that I would sleep longer and more soundly.  I declined the offer.

Other offers have been sleep studies, drugs, and brain surgery to name just a few.  It makes me wonder what bothers others so much about my not sleeping more.  Some express guilt at sleeping too much.  Some explain how they need much more sleep or they will become murderous.  Too often the revelation brings questions about and speculation concerning what must be wrong with me.

I want to assure you Dear Reader that I use the time for good and not nefarious purposes.  This early morning time when I am up and most of those I know in slumber is when I have my quiet time with God, write my BLOG, and work on my novels.  It is also when I take the time to pray for you and your expressed needs. 

When I lived in a colder house and not alone I would shower early to assure that there was ample hot water for those who followed.  I could use time to prepare substantial breakfasts for those who would awaken later.   The curse comes for others when I am up and ready to go when they are just clearing the cob webs.

Recently someone told me I had no right to be witty at six in the morning.  I explained that I had already been up and creative for two hours.  She looked at me as if I had just confessed to drowning puppies in the tears of toddlers.  She assured me that my being up doing anything at that hour on purpose was surely a form a madness.

Fear not Dear Reader.  I will not require you join me during the wee hours of the morning.  I will not speak to you loudly when you do arise from your slumber.  I will almost always have already prayed for you, made a fresh pot of coffee, and be happy to see you. We are irritating because we have been up longer than you.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Second Thoughts – One Small Things, Part Two

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

If you read my last post on this topic about a coffee shop, you may enjoy this moment.  I know that I did.  As I was sitting composing my writing outline for the morning I was seated at a larger table.  I had not gotten out my laptop yet as I was awaiting space at a smaller table.  A group of five mirthful maidens were attempting to fit around a just emptying smaller table.  Another customer with whom I have become acquainted pointed out their need.  I immediately agreed that we should switch.

What resulted was one of those single serving friendships that I so cherish.  I explained that I was a writer and they happened to love my genre.   I was privileged to hear them talk and laugh whilst I hammered away at my newest novel.

It turned out as we chatted that we shared not only a love for good coffee but our faith and a one time the same place of worship.  In this brief connection my spirits were lifted and I got to see women of quality being good to each other.

They invited me to join them but I had words to get onto the page.  I did, however, carry the kindness throughout the day.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Second Thoughts – Crema Cafe

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

Crema Café is a simple but by no means simplistic eatery on Madison’s East Side.  Literally a scone’s throw from lake Monona it is almost hidden by the small strip mall in which it resides.  It is, however, worth finding.

I love trying new diners and cafés.  I did not venture to this one accidentally.  A former student works here and we wanted to reconnect.  I brought my Daughter for a Sunday brunch a few weeks ago.  I was pleased to see my student again but was also surprised by the reasonably priced high quality fare.

I chose the Killer Scramble (smoked salmon, sautéed leeks, local goat cheese, 3 eggs w/ toast and petite salad).   I did not inquire as to whether the actual goat or its cheese was local.  I was too taken by the excellent portion and quality balance of the food.  Smoked salmon can overpower a dish but not in this case.  It was rich and sweet to a perfect complement of the goat cheese.  The leeks were properly sautéed and rendered their flavor to harmonize with the dish, 

My Daughter chose the Breakfast Sandwich (Fried egg, local smoked bacon, cheddar-herb cream cheese, and frisée on ciabatta).  Her palate is much harder to please than mine but she found it wonderful.  She liked it enough that she had the same thing on our second visit.

The atmosphere is relaxed.  They offer sidewalk seating when the weather allows.  Tea and coffee are abundant in quantity and variety.  The staff is friendly and energetic.  It is very busy on weekend mornings but I also chose to linger whilst writing on a weekday.  It was made clear that I could sit as long as I wished.  

I urge you to try this hidden gem. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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A Season of Gratitude - Coffee

Greetings Dear Reader,

In the vast sea of things for which I am thankful coffee is near the center.  I used to consume much more than necessary or healthy.  Coffee and I have since gained a better respect for each other. 

It is still so rich to me; that first sip in the morning.  Since I have obtained a respectful relationship with coffee I can taste, feel, and enjoy that first moment.   It evokes so much in me.

I remember Saturday morning breakfasts with my Grandfather and him letting me have coffee milk (a coffee cup filled with milk and a splash of coffee).   That first sip in the morning can transport me back to that time.  It sometimes calls to mind afternoon coffee with former colleagues. 

I no longer make coffee my priority but I am still very thankful for it. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Sam’s Coffee

Greetings Dear Reader,

I drink my coffee sweet and light.  I usually have cream that is flavored.  It is how I like it.  It is like having a hot milkshake in the morning.  On my Friday breakfasts at my favorite diner I have half and half.   When I returned from vacation my refrigerator was void of my usual coffee lightener.   I did have some condensed milk and chose to use it.

This was the lightener of choice that my Grandfather Sam used.  He used to drink his coffee out of a white ceramic cup.  He often drank it saucered and blowed.  My coffee for the last few mornings has deeply reminded me of him.  I miss him even though he has been gone since I was nine. 

I try in so many ways to be like him.  I often think that he would have much to say about my failures.  He could always make me see the right path through things in a gentle and loving way.  I wish my Children could have known him. 

As I sip my coffee and fill this page I wonder what he would think of the world.  It was drinking his coffee in the morning that often triggered his musings to me.  He would talk about things going on in the world and remind me that we needed to love everyone.  He would remind me that even the criminals in the news were worthy of love.

More than once we were driving in Atlanta and he pulled over and gave his coat to someone waiting for the bus because they were cold.  He would take me to visit members of his congregation who were home bound because he said I cheered them up.  His faith had hands and feet like I imagine Christ wants us all to be.

I have many things I would like to discuss with him.  As I approach the mark of living alone for a year (not by my choice) I have many things that weigh on my mind.  He would listen.  He always did.  He would hear me.  He did that even when I was silent.  He would know what to say.

I talk about Sam often in Sheetrock on the Road.   He shaped much of my thinking with his thundering velvet ways.  He was a gentle irresistible force for love and grace.  It is what we are all supposed to be as Christ followers.  When I catch up to him I hope that I can share a story or two that he enjoys.

For FFB – Michael Card

Just a simple preacher from the Carolina hills

Born in just the perfect place and time

A gentle loving mountain man

With warm and sparkling eyes

And a face that wrinkled from a constant smile

From you I learned the kind of faith that looked up to the mountain

From you I saw just what I’d like to be

Oh Grandad I wish you could be here to tell me what to do

For I first saw the light of Christ in you

It must have been a special love that filled your shepherd’s heart

That made you care so deeply for your flock

Cause I heard tell on winter days

You always gave your coat away

Simply because you thought they’d need it more

From you I learned the kind of faith that looked up to the mountain

From you I saw just what I’d like to be

Oh Grandad I wish you could be here to tell me what to do

For I first saw the light of Christ in you

Even though we never got to know each other well

I thank the Lord for that one special night

When somewhere between the earth and sky

We silently met eye to eye

And I got the hug I needed for so long

From you I learned the kind of faith that looked up to the mountain

From you I saw just what I’d like to be

Oh Grandad I wish you could be here to tell me what to do

For I first saw the light of Christ in you

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Second Thoughts – Instant Coffee

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

There are few more vivid memories from my teenage years.  It is early morning and I enter the kitchen to prepare my breakfast.  My senses are assailed by the smell of Folgers Instant Coffee.  My dad drank it every morning.  Some of the best talks we ever had were during those wee morning hours over a cup of Folgers. 

Occasionally I do not have time to brew a fresh pot in the morning so I have a Keurig.  It was a gift from my Daughter Christmas.  I have the cups that go in the brewer as well as the empty cups that allow you to put your own coffee in them.  In short I have no end of ways to make coffee quickly in the morning.

After realizing that Christmas prefers instant coffee I purchased a jar of Folgers.  This morning I made a cup for my breakfast.   I was instantly transported back to that kitchen and those mornings with my dad.  It was a moment I will cherish.

I prefer a much more complex cup of coffee.  Today I was reminded once again that there is great treasure in simplicity.  There is vast value in the memories invoked by the smell and then taste of my teenage mornings.  I love you dad.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Every Diner – Artisan Coffee

Greetings Dear Reader,

A good cup of coffee is a beautiful piece of creation.  My favorite diner serves excellent simple coffee that is hot and ever-flowing.  It is just coffee.  It is freshly brewed.  It is neither too strong nor too weak. 

Artist - Mike Breach

It amazes me how large a roll coffee plays in our lives.  When the church I attend moved into its new building the pastor poured coffee onto the platform to remind us that the “church” is not the building.  We make coffee our morning goal.  We make it the excuse for our weariness.  We become dependent on it. 

As we have evolved our coffee from hot water filtered through ground beans we have made coffee more prominent than it should be in our lives.  There is nothing wrong with good coffee.  There is nothing wrong with making taste like an Italian desert or a doughnut. 

What matters is that it and everything else that is a trapping of life retains it proper place.  What matters is that we keep our proper perspective.  A good cup of coffee has its place in the diner and at church.  It must never be the star.  That position is for Jesus.

It is too easy to put other things before Christ is working out our faith.  It is easy to get distracted and forget why we are part of the Church.  We have a journey to complete.  A good cup of coffee or any other comfort may be a part of the journey.  It is never, however, the goal.  It is never to be the priority.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Honest Words - Sizes

Greetings Dear Reader,

As some of you know one of my favorite things is to have a good cup of fresh brewed coffee in the morning.  I roast my own beans and find that I enjoy those cups the best. I buy greens beans from a honest and equitable grower (I refuse to fall into the “free trade” and “sourced” vernacular.) From time to time, however, I must acquire coffee at one of the places that insists on turning a good cup of coffee into a hot milkshake. 

In a world where one is being forced to pay four or five dollars for a cup of coffee served by a “barista” it is very difficult to see the sense in renaming sizes to exclusive and confusing words.  In an effort to not be too recalcitrant regarding social convention, I will purchase hot milkshakes for my Daughter, Christmas before church. 

The place where I am most often forced to obtain my hot milkshakes is at the center of town very close to the large university in my town.  The Baristas who are sober enough to work the Sunday morning shift work their revenge by insisting that one learn their size secret code.  I have trouble recalling which size gets me the most coffee for my money. 

In my mind it should be as simple as ordering “a large coffee to go”.  I try saying that and the Barista instantly marks me for a coffee Luddite.  “Do you mean ‘Grande’ or ‘Venti’?”  She asks this in a tone that is both impatient and dismissive.  I respond by saying that I would like the largest cup of “just plain coffee” that I can get.

There are three “Baristas” behind the counter.  As if on cue they all look at each other and smirk. “You mean you want a ‘Trenta’,” she smiles in that tone that says she is poking out your eyes with her long-handled spoon.

I smile back and say, “If that is a large coffee then that is what I want.”  She, however,  needs me to say the word and repeats herself.  “So you want a ‘Trenta’?” 

I realize that if I do not push the love of God into my voice I am going to be impatient with this underpaid, overworked server.  Also I can hear mummers behind me as the line of people just want me to say the right magic words so they can get to the barista and order their over-priced hot milkshakes.

I refuse to say the word but I nod in agreement.  That will be fine. I think it is over.  I am so very wrong.  I must answer questions about where the coffee came from and the degree to which I wish the coffee to have been roasted.  Please tell me what is wrong with just asking me if I want a small, medium, large, or extra-large coffee?  I do not care which beans you use as long as it is not that cat poop coffee. 

Normal size names are honest words.  I don’t care if my coffee is free range or grass fed.  You do not need to inform me that each bean was given a holistic naming ceremony before you ground it to dust.  I care that growers are treated honestly and that they get an honest price for their product.  I will participate in the purchase of honest-trade coffee (I refuse to say “fair-trade” as that is not an honest term). 

I paid the ten dollars for out two cups of coffee.  I waited for the barista to do her voodoo on Christmas’ hot milkshake.  Sure enough the coffee is ready and the young lady delivering it calls our names.  She has trouble with mine.  Written on my cup is an attempt at spelling my name.  Even my spell check is arguing with the word “Eramiss”.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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On Giving Thanks – Coffee

Greetings Dear Reader,

Some of you will get this instantly and some never will.  That is understandable on both ends.  My first best memories of coffee are with my Grandfather.  There is a smell and taste associated with percolated coffee that can instantly take me back to his kitchen table and morning breakfasts.  Those memories are sweet and bright.  They are some of the best of my childhood. 

As an adult I used to drink too much coffee.  I even met with a group of fellow coffee addicts.  We called ourselves the Brotherhood of the Baleful Brewers of the Bitter Black Bean.  Then I stopped for a year.  I drank no coffee at all for a year.  After the sabbatical I was in a diner where the smell of the coffee reminded me of my Grandfather.  I ordered a cup.  It transported me back to the kitchen table on a bright Saturday morning.  At that point in my life I severely needed to be reminded of who I could be as a man.

Since then I allow myself a single cup a day.  Except on Friday I have two at the diner where I have breakfast.  The coffee reminds me of my Grandfather.  I have learned to make good coffee not just caffeinated fuel.  I roast my own beans or choose coffee that is quality. 

We have transmuted coffee into a tapestry of drinks that can be both sublime and confusing.  I occasionally indulge in the hot milkshakes that others refer to as coffee.  My preference will always be simple freshly ground beans and hot water properly brewed.  

I am thankful for this because it is a luxury that I once abused.  I have learned the lessons of excess and recaptured the memory of moderation.  My first sip each morning reminds me of the blessings in my life and the lessons from my Grandfather.  Roasting coffee for others allows me to be an artist in another way.   As I approach the day each morning coffee is my companion in prayer and devotion.  In those first solemn moments of solitude I approach God to give him back my life for the day.  I am always thankful for the coffee.  It reminds me to be thankful for all of the small luxuries that have been given me by God.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Baleful Brewers of the Bitter Black Bean

Greetings Dear Readers,

I place great value on a good cup of coffee. I buy good beans, grind them myself, and carefully prepare the fresh brew often. I used to drink way too much bad coffee. I have been told that I make coffee that tastes like coffee smells. I think this is the best one can hope for in the world of the brotherhood of baleful brewers of the bitter black bean.

There is a secret that many miss in brewing coffee that I feel makes a huge difference. It is having the proper equipment (a decent coffee maker) that is properly maintained. I often hear of people complaining of a coffee maker that is a year or two old and no longer producing the luscious coffee it once did. More often than not people assume the coffee maker is dying and replace it. They quickly give up on an old friend that has served them well even though they have not truly cared for it, but rather for what it could do for them.

Rescuing a slow, sputtering coffee make is simple. All it takes is a little love, patience, and vinegar. Scale and oils from past brews build up and will eventually kill the coffee maker. Cleaning the brewer with vinegar can revive and save it. Here are the steps.

Step 1: Dump out any leftover coffee from the carafe and empty the basket of the old filter and coffee grounds.
Step 2: Rinse the carafe in cold water then fill with one part white vinegar to two parts water.
Step 3: Pour the vinegar and water solution into the coffee maker’s reservoir and turn the maker on to brew a pot. Once the brewing cycle is complete, shut off the coffee maker.
Step 4: Allow the vinegar solution to sit in the carafe for about 15 minutes .
Step 5: Rinse out any vestiges of vinegar by brewing water only through the coffee maker twice more, again shutting of the coffee maker and letting it cool about 15 minutes between cycles.
Step 6: Wash the carafe and filter basket in warm, soapy water. Rinse and get ready to enjoy great-tasting coffee once again.
Step 7: Brew you favorite coffee and site down to enjoy it
Step 8: Consider how easy it will be to keep that good taste in your coffee if you put just a little regular effort in maintaining your coffee maker
Step 9: Ask yourself if there are more important things in your life that you are about to throw away that may last if you just maintain them more regularly.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn