Coffee

I paused for part of my evening at a multi-national watering hole called "Starbucks". It is true that I don't usually patronize corporate America, but when I get lost in suburbia hell while my brother visits his g/f, I visit this shrine to consumerism and the power of corporate America. As I sat there I journaled quite extensively since previously mentioned brother had bought me my favorite type of journaling books. I pondered the wonder of coffee. It is grown in many countries around the world, and from each place a different type of coffee emerges. Some countries create bold and powerful coffee beans, while others grow beans that are subtle and gentle on the senses. Granted these qualities which are so prized by "coffee elite", are really over looked by the Tim Horton's of the world. I thought about how I love the taste of coffee, about how I enjoy the energy it awakens within me, and how even such a simple cup can be the bridge between people. There have been countless times when I have shared a cup of coffee in a shop or in my kitchen with a close friend and the conversation has been of excellent quality. Coffee reminds me of the first few times when I felt really trendy in college. I was never really trendy in High School, but when I would order a London Fog (not coffee, but rather a shot of vanilla/Earl Grey Tea/Milk) in a coffee shop and have the air filled with great coffee smells, I would feel trendy. Knowledge about coffee, like knowledge about wine, allows me to add to what I know to foster my growing passion about beverages.

Today I roasted coffee beans in my kitchen. I truly believe that home roasted coffee beans are one of the best ways to enjoy coffee. I usually roast in a West Bend Poppery, yes that's a popcorn popper that I bought for 4 dollars at VnV boutique, but today I did it in a pan on the stove. The coffee that I roast is surprisingly sweet and has a wonderful dark and mysterious aftertaste. Some may wonder as to my practices, and I direct you to anyone who knows me who can vouch for my unconventional ways. My roastery is called "TownHouse Roasters", and I roast coffees from all over the world. I even am starting to garner a relationship with a coffee roaster on Edmonton Trail who sells me green beans.

In conclusion, why is Coffee one of my favorite things? It brings people together. It gives energy. It tastes delicious. It gives me something to carry around at work. It is a creative outlet when I take a green coffee bean and turn it into a grand tasting work of art. Drink a cup, and think of the beauty of coffee.