Cup of Steel

"When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up, we would no longer be vulnerable.  But to grow up is to accept vulnerability... To be alive is to be vulnerable." 

Madeleine L'Engle

My camera caught the coffee strangely there - it looks metallic...  We are, in fact, drinking metallic coffee - made of sparkling creamer and fibers of little thin steel.  There's a line in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn that goes like this, describing some of the women in the narrative,

"They were all slender, frail creatures with wondering eyes and soft fluttery voices.  But they were made out of thin, invisible steel." Betty Smith

So, we put some steel in our coffee this morning and hope that it helps us shovel the driveway (it did).  Then we'll put some steel in the baby's bottle.  Even though we're grown-ups, I suppose, we can learn a lot in the way of vulnerability from this little tiny 8 month old - as she chews her toys and tries to eat her feet.  She's a drooling mess wearing clothes that have ears and ruffles.  And somehow she trusts us without thinking that we won't take care of her.   

Here's to being alive. 

Just Gimme the Coffee

Tall Chai, 2 pumps vanilla, extra hot? Sure.
Grande? This one? Do you want Bold or Pike?
Hi. Good Morning.
Venti Latte, nonfat. Did you want whip on that?

Can I get a morning bun?
Sorry about that! I heard “pumpkin” somehow. So, you wanted Cinnnamon Dolce?
GRINDING GRINDING GRINDING
$100? K. You're all set. And you wanted to pay with the card?
I don't really know much about the ap actually.
I gotta get one of these gold cards.
Black and White Mocha? Hold on a minute. What is that?
The Brice? You probably told me, but I don't remember. So – a Trenta cup with ice – and you're Brian, with the ice, that's the Brice? Ok.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
I'm sorry, what was the first drink?
Ah, the Ted special. What is that again? No problem.
Just getting some more pennies. I hate the pennies.
Tall Bold.
Medium Pike.
Can I get a piece of pumpkin bread? Great choice.
GRINDING GRINDING GRINDING GRINDING
So, that was soy milk?
There's actually cream and sugar over at the counter.
Chocolate Chip Cookie? That sounds so good.
Hi! I love your jacket.
Bryan with a y! Yes, I remember.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
And that's Barb, not Bob, right? With that Boston accent, it just sounds so similar. But you're Barb and you're Bob. Got it.
And that wasn't decaf or anything, right?
Cricket?

Seven? Like the number?
You know, people say the name doesn't matter, but I don't agree.
Where are you from? I was just in Buenos Aires! Love South America.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
Hey! How's it going? Yup, been here a few weeks. It's good, like a game.
You can put "DJ Jonelle" on that cup.
It's just so funny that they're Marshmallow Dream Bars. We all know they're really rice crispie treats.
I know, they look so good. But they're not real food, just sugar pretending to be.
Totally. I've gotten that before.
Hey, I went to Gordon.
GRINDING GRINDING GRINDING
Americano. My favorite drink.
So your total is $4.86.
Pumpkin Scone? Nice.
I'm sorry, can you say that one more time?
It's like autumn in a cup.
Hey, I have the same backpack. So good!
You all set?
Nice, my dad's name is Gary.
GRINDING GRINDING GRINDING
Thanks! I got it in Mexico.
I love your scarf. Where in France?
So I guess that's our only organic coffee then.
What do I think of Howard Shultz?
Yes, you can.
Salted Caramel Mocha? So good. They'll kill you though.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
And here's your change – 2 Abraham Lincolns. Nice. Thanks!
I'm good, you?
Enjoy!
Thank you!