Return of the Coffee Wench

This past Thursday I had the privilege of stepping behind the counter at the Creamery on Main, testing my rusty barista skills after closing my coffee shop, Perk on Main earlier this year. A guest barista appearance was to celebrate the launch of Creamery owner Bill Kao's new coffee menu and my way of paying it forward.

Manning my station, where I am most comfortable and confident, I familiarize myself with the machine. Porta filter firmly in hand, I channel the old coffee wench in me and dose, tamp and pull my first shot with unexpected ease. Relief! I won't send guests to the nearest garbage pale to expel my lattes.

In my element, it dawns on me....drink quickly! While attempting to enjoy my first latte I recall a perk of owning a coffee shop. Unlimited access to coffee, yes, but cold coffee if you don't drink up. As friend and fellow barista Christi and I learned early on. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and the guests will come, Murphy's Law in my shop.

And come they did. It wasn't long before familiar faces stood before me at the counter. Smilling with anticipation and relief as a tasty cup of heaven was soon to be in their bellies. I believe we eat and enjoy with our eyes first, so every latte poured was finished with my personal latte art masterpiece. No accidential free-pouring male body parts I might add for those of you on the unfortunate receiving end of a few over the years.

Recalling something I thought often, "come in as guests, leave as friends" I realized I wasn't there to help Bill launch the coffee menu. I was there for the guests, my friends, and in a purely selfish way. Not to serve them, but for them to serve me. To be on the receiving end of their smiles, to be energized by their energy, inspired by their beautiful souls and to simply laugh with them.

I am often asked if I miss the shop. My answer is always, "I miss the people." I miss the sense of community, the roaring laughter that filled the shop, the professors who shared their wisdom with us, the folks who just shared even when we preferred they didn't, the occasional visiting of the taboo topics, sex and religion, and the endless debates about local and national politics, celebrating births and relationships, sharing the sadness of loss and yes the GOSSIP.

Wow do I miss the gossip!

The gossip, laughter, and the people inspired me to give blogging a try. My hope is to bring some of their laughter and energy into your lives and keep the spirit of Perk and the community alive.