The Return to the Coffee Shop
loud places of sharp focus
Hello Friends,
This week marks the return to coffee shops for me. Pre-pandemic I loved being alone with others in these loud places of sharp focus.
As I write I am sitting in a banquette seat next to a floor-to-ceiling window in one of my favorite parts of town. Lower State just before the main drag dips below the 101 has a creative locals vibe. There is an art gallery, smoothie bowls, delicious bread, and tacos. There is a thrift shop and a high-end medical spa, a yoga studio and my boxing gym is down here too.
And then there is this coffee shop. The building is old and the plumbing is bad and it is just dirty enough to feel like home.
Today it is overcast but bright. There is a chill in the air, but not the kind that makes you shiver, more the kind that keeps you alert.
I love to write at home in my corner of Aiden’s old room. I have not abandoned it. I love being close to his books and toys while I faced the wall mostly staring off into space and sometimes writing about the sweet boy we lost too soon. But at home, it’s too easy to get distracted by the dishes and laundry and the refrigerator.
For now, I am happy creating in a place where I might have a chance encounter with a friend or a single-serving conversation with a stranger.
This is where I am today. Thank you for listening.
xoxo,
Emily
Read This Week
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Once again TJR gives us a story with an interesting narrative structure. I loved how she told Evelyn's story in interviews for an autobiography with a journalist. She makes these seemingly two unrelated characters inextricably linked and dependent upon one another. In the end, I was left satisfied but with lingering questions which is my favorite way to end a book. (more)
I read this book several years ago on the page and liked it, but felt it was too smart for me and that I missed a lot. Quiet novels do this to me sometimes and maybe I was intimidated by the Pulitzer stamp. (more)
What are you reading?
Links to Ponder
We have stopped believing people can change (New York Times)
Markelle Taylor has run five marathons. His first four were in San Quinton. “I am representing every lifer in California,” he said then as he headed toward the starting line. “I don’t want to let them down.” (New York Times)
A beautiful Los Angeles home (Cup of Jo)
Get pumped about reading! “Where grit meets gifts” (What Should I Read Next)
Being a mother is the ultimate hero’s journey (The Cut)
Read about this amazing runner who completed 104 consecutive marathons (Runner’s World)
56 and bikini ready! (Washington Post)
Pro-lifers have won, but “Where is the commitment by antiabortion warriors to take up the fight for the babies who will be born under duress?” (Washington Post)
“There’s no room to grow if you dismiss our history.” This next generation will save us all! (Washington Post)
Home takes time (Longreads)
A teacher remembers her student in a beautiful and sweet tribute. A harsh reminder of how awful we can be to each other. (The Rumpus)
Wonderland doesn’t need to make sense (Lit Hub)
Your Journal Prompt for Today
Post your response in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @emilykathleenwrites