Coffee & Conversation - that's all it took

"No one can understand the truth until he drinks of coffee’s frothy goodness."

I wish I could remember what I used to do with friends BEFORE I discovered coffee. I realize I am not looking for earth shattering moments, just how did I sit and just talk with friends?

Regardless of what the past held - the present is sublime.. when it comes to coffee consumption. With the rain that came pouring down this afternoon, I cleansed the nastiness of the week with some "me" time.

After work, I ran to one of my favorite stores and tried on a few outfits. No, none of them worked, but it was just nice to spend a little time alone, just me and a few dresses. There is something therapeutic about trying on clothes. As I am standing there in my socks, with some random dress on, I imagine people saying, "Ah, Nicole.. where did you get THAT?" lol

After my fantasy dress moment, I headed to a special place that is NEVER open when I drive by it - Edgars Bakery. Ooh la la. I went in, and being the cupcake connoisseur that I am, I scoured the shelves looking for the perfect cupcake. Again - no dice. But I did see the next best thing - petit fours. I picked out two, and as I was checking out something else caught my eye! A homemade cheese and artichoke dip - ding ding ding - yes ma'am I will take one please!

I finally made it home, just long enough to sample my wares then headed out the door. I made a beeline for B&N and walked up and down aisles checking out the stacks of fabulous books. I ended up settling on Sylvia Plath (The Bell Jar) and (Searching for Pemberly.) I suppose a little suicidal Plath and Mr. Darcy-eque take on love and life in post WW II  London is the only way to go for the next few weeks.

Then I finally get to my real need. My real fix  - caramel macchiato. Yes... I grabbed a grande and a chocolate cupcake (for my friend I was about to go visit - she specifically said, "Get me anything - as long as it's chocolate.)

I made my way to the apartment my friend was house sitting a dog at - and we started on a 3 hour talk-a-thon about life, love, hopes.. etc. etc. Some pretty profound things can come out of my mouth as I am consuming a little liquid heaven. Apparently the chocolate made her quite talkative also.

What is it about coffee that soothes me into conversation? Yes, it is sweet and is pleasurable. Yes, there is a jolt of caffeine seeping into my veins from the espresso shots. Yes, there is comfort in how warm it feels sliding down your throat...

It's magic.

Plus - it made things all right. The conversation, the lone-shopping, the good coffee - it just set the tone for this weekend.

Now, perhaps I can look for that silver lining.