A little Peace for Christmas

I've been on vacation since Monday of this week and it's been nice to wake up every day and take my time to accomplish the tasks at hand. This extra time has allowed me to refocus some of my energies back to MaryEllen as she was before all the crazy schedules. Daily trips to the gym, preparing for Christmas, spending time with housemates and friends and even treating myself to a new swimsuit (yes, I'm aware that it's December), have reenergized my spirit.

All the Christmas craziness that comes with friends, family and parties includes some of the following questions:

• Whom to buy for?
• What to buy for them?
• Is the gift 'them'?
• Is it unique enough?
• How are you going to wrap it?

And all these questions come with a price tag, which, in my case is rather limited. That's why I've had to get a little creative with Christmas gifts this year and that's ok. But it makes the Christmas season that much more stressful.

So today, before all the family mayhem ensues, I thought I'd escape for awhile at a new coffee joint a few blocks from my house. Peace Coffee has long been a Twin Cities tradition, selling their organic and fair trade varieties of coffee. They even sell raw coffee beans (which are green) at Seward CoOp. If you're one of the lucky few in my family, watch your Christmas stocking this year, provided you were extra good. :)

This locally run coffee company recently opened it's own establishment brewing up coffee, tea and serving other beverages alongside delectable treats and foods from local places like the Wedge CoOp and Common Roots Cafe. Located on 32nd St and Minnehaha Ave, its red exterior and blue lettering stand out to the passersby on the road, on bicycle, or on foot.

The interior is very reminiscent of a work in progress, which I'm guessing is the feel they were going for -- though they've only been open six weeks. Simple wooden tables line the worn cement floor. The brightly colored chairs that provide the seating here, harken back to my school-age days. You remember, don't you? The hard plastic, square seats and backs lined up against the outline of metal rails? Oh yea. I'm in the 7th grade again.

The backdrop behind the centrally placed barista stand is an abstract blue mountainscape and outlines of bare trees line a sidewall. Reds, blues and yellows and hint of nature seem to be the central themes. But you know, it's kind of fun, light and free flowing.

It's definitely got a different flair. While some coffee shops offer a down home cozy and intimate feel, this place seems more of a gathering type space. Perhaps where local community groups hold meetings over a cuppa or book clubs host their gatherings.

With Peace Coffee's reputation for excellent brews in the Twin Cities and their community-centered operations, I don't doubt this place will become a central gathering space for those in the area. It's quiet and nearly empty now, but I see its potential in the coming months... for an escape, even if it's not from the holiday season.

you never step in the same river twice

I've turned pretty introspective lately. "Why do I make the choices I do?" "What is my next move in the game of life?" "Who am I?" These are the questions I've been asking myself lately.

It seems that most people answer those kinds of "who am I?" types of questions in high school and even the beginning stages of college. Well, not this kid. I believe "who you are" and what choices you make begin with your life circumstances, who you surround yourself with and how you choose to spend your time.

So, it boils down to two things: circumstances, and choice. One being somewhat uncontrollable, and the other pretty darn. Yet, there are so many conflicting influences in today's society that navigating that social jungle out there can be pretty darn overwhelming! At least for me.

This year and last, transitioning from college hasn't really been the cake walk I'd imagined. Sure, moving out of Mom's house (best thing yet!) was awesome, but it opened me to a whole new set of schedules, people, and yes, circumstances and choices, many of which I'm not good at sorting out. I forget to ask myself "who am I?" and "how do I fit into this new scenario?"

Rather, I jump at any chance to ‘fit in’ or be a part of the gang, even if it means the cost of my identity. Wow. That’s pretty deep stuff.

A thought occurred to me while relaxing in the hot tub at the YWCA (of all places!). As I watched the foaming water flow up and around my floating hands, it reminded me of the Greeks. They say “one never steps in the same river twice.” And that, to me, is a powerful statement.

Life changes. Quickly. Like the ebb and flow of a river slowly making it way to finally spill into the endless ocean.

As my life circumstances change, I encounter new choices, new situations, new people. But I think I, and we, need to remind ourselves to come back to who we are, what we are about. And gosh darn it, be proud of it!

Amidst the change from college to real life, I forgot who I was. What MaryEllen was about. Today, I finally woke up.

And realized that it’s ok to come back to “me.”

Oh and that means that I'm totally listening to Yanni right now.

Dogwood Coffee Co. - Calhoun Square

Aware of my quest for new and unique cafes, a friend turned me on to Dogwood Coffee Co. in Uptown's Calhoun Square. The place was newer than the fresh snow on the ground. So new, in fact, that they didn't even have a menu posted on the wall. "Strange," I thought, "How do I know what to order?" and then "It's a coffee shop, MaryEllen. You order coffee." But what I was hoping for was options. Options, please.

Coasting up to the counter, the barista offered me a double-sided paper menu. Fair trade organic coffee options dotted the menu alongside a selection of tea offerings. As much as I love coffee, a cuppa joe is probably not the best idea at 7 in the evening. Let's face it, pulling an all-nighter is a phenomenon slowly ceasing to exist in my 9-5 world.

What I was seeking was a taste of something sweet. Glowing beneath the lid of a glass cake pedestal were baked goods tempting my sweet tooth. What I landed on was called Bostok, a hefty slice of sweet brioche bread soaked in an orange flavoring. Baked and topped with a sweet almond and sugar glaze. What a treat! The perfect thing to satisfy my sugar craving.

A crunchy and sugary outer layer gives way to a soft and orange infused center sure to make your mouth happy.

As for the setting, the Dogwood is situated on a corner piece of space in Calhoun Square just across from Kitchen Window (how appropriate). Long and narrow the coffee shop offers limited seating, but with interesting perspectives. Facing picture windows overlooking Hennepin Ave, a long rustic log acts as a counter for Uptowners to grab their coffee and Bostok (or other assorted pastries!) and enjoy the bustle of people and cars that pass by. Tables and other seating make it an easy place for readers, texters or Googlers to engage in their pastimes.

The shop is strategically placed next to the Hennepin Ave Calhoun Square entrance with their coffee bar front and center, opening on to the mall space, with their seating off to the left. It's difficult (at least for me!) to pass up a coffee shop, even if I'm just passing through, so their placement is quite sensible.

Dogwood is the perfect place for a busy Uptowner to get a uniquely roasted coffee and artfully created baked piece to take with them as they peruse the shops in the mall or wrap up their shopping experience. It serves the caffeine junkies' need, but with a taste of class and convenience.

**Thanks to Maureen Schley for this recommendation!

The times they are a changin'

It's interesting how things can change seemingly overnight. It seems we were just complaining about the heat, humidity, the uncontrollable sweat pouring from our glands, the cost of running our air conditioning, etc. But, Mother Nature heard our cries for relief, rolling in the 60 degree weather.

And just like that it was fall. A day's turnaround is all it took for me to slightly alter my clothing choices, reaching for my windbreaker, choosing the long sleeved shirt over the short sleeved, and even longing for a warm cup of tea at the end of the day. Which made me think about how other dramatic situations in life can cause us to alter our daily actions, if ever so slightly.

The death of a loved one, the beginning or ending of a relationship, a spiritual renewal, new friendships, new jobs, any kind of transition really. Makes you realize that you should revel in every moment of every day.

I sometimes find myself changing moods with the seasons, which is maybe why I enjoy fall so much. The sun is still around, but not bringing the scorching heat to burn my shoulders, the air is light and breezy, the earth is still alive showing off its colors. I was ready for a change of mind, a transitioning into a new awakening of my spirit. All I needed was a little coaxing from Mother Nature. Ready to some moment reveling!

Looking forward to the light jackets, bonfires and crisp evenings that lie ahead!

May Day Cafe

You'd think a two and a half week vacation would afford ample time for visiting more cafes. But alas, I've managed to keep myself somewhat occupied and my free time slowly slipped away from me as it always seems to do! Late mornings, travels and family time (all of which are important!) kept me away from my task of cafe critiquing.

Here is an entry from back in July, when I stopped for a coffee and a bite at the May Day Cafe in the Powderhorn Neighborhood.

We'll see if we can't get another cafe post up in a week or two.

July 17th, 2010

So begins another chapter in my cafe quest. May Day Cafe on 34th and Bloomington is where I've landed this morning, arriving by bicycle. "This place has to be good" I thought to myself as I locked up my bike to the nearest sign post. "The line is nearly out the door!" It feels so great to travel on two wheels around Minneapolis, especially to morning coffee! It's all part of the city experience.

This is a neighborhood cafe if there ever was one. The light green walls are dotted with photos from the immediate area. Through Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall these pictures show the many faces, characters, stores, ideals and values of the people who live here. Lots of pictures of bikes and bike accessories, pets, people and May Day Parade puppets.

As for the cafe, itself, the seating arrangements are composed of humble, time tested tables and a smattering of uniquely styled wooden chairs. It seems the owners acquired what they could through thrift shopping and garages sales, offering a homey feel to customers. Then there's the folksy-artsy fiddle music drifting about the tables. My table is especially unique in that it looks to be an old desk, sans drawer, with half of its paint stripped. So it's half red, half black. Sitting proudly atop resides a lamp with a base of what seems to be a Greek goddess shedding light onto my thoughts and my book. So eclectic! But awesome.

I ordered my cafe au lait and chocolate croissant and have nestled into my corner. Wow. It's been awhile since my last chocolate croissant, but this one is nearly authentic to those I tasted in France! And the best part? They are made in house! Too perfect.

The people who frequent this place are friendly and seem to spend much of their morning shooting the breeze with other locals while they watch the ebb and flow of customer traffic pass through the doors. In fact, I shared my table with an older gentleman as I nibbled away on my morning croissant.

I've been meaning to visit this place for sometime and I'm so glad I made it here today. Doing some research on the internet has helped me locate some great places near me to hang out and just people watch, journal, read and altogether enjoy life.

We shall see where I end up next! Hopefully it will be within biking distance!

A Lesson in Biking

Even though it is pouring buckets as I tat, tat, tat on the keyboard, I thought I'd share some thoughts I had during a life changing bike ride around Minneapolis:

May 14th, 2010

After an entire week of rain and dismal dreary skies, the sun has finally bestowed its warm and comforting rays upon us once again! Couldn't have had better timing for the weekend, too! Thought it might never come back. Anyways, I've been enjoying the sunshine today by biking in the parks around the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis. So relaxing and nature oriented (if you can believe this is in a city!). Plenty of green all around, bustling walkers, bike commuters, kids walking with mom, lovers going for a stroll.

Me just taking it all in.

My revelation for the day came to me as I biked along St Anthony Main, weaving in and out of pedestrian traffic while admiring the quaint shops, restaurants and seemingly planted brick cobblestone streets next to me.

A rush of happiness overwhelmed me as I realized that my bike ride was more than just about myself. Diners, passers-by, motorists and pedestrians were part of my urban landscape as I rolled along; yet I was part of theirs.

I helped create the hustle and bustle of city dwellers that draws people to share a meal on the patio or people watch over a cup of coffee. Today, I felt part of a larger community, outside myself, my age, AmeriCorps even!

My participation in life affects those around me, even if in the smallest way.

Who thought a simple bike ride could show me that?

A Seward Saturday

I actually began visiting cafes for their unique and sometimes eclectic atmospheres back in the fall of 2009. Having just moved to Minneapolis, I was new to 'big city' life where people find community in belonging to a certain neighborhood rather than just the city. And each part of town has a very distinct flavor and culture of its own. The following entry was originally inked into my personal journal, but it is worth sharing with you! I think it illustrates my overall goal and provides a baseline for future cafe visits and updates. Enjoy!

10/31/2009

Happy Halloween! I'm enjoying my Saturday morning at Seward Cafe on Franklin, reading my book for book club and just enjoying the atmosphere. It's amazing what happens when you actually get out of bed on a Saturday morning! I've come up with a fun new goal for myself: to find, visit and enjoy a wide variety of coffee shops in my area. I think it will be a fun subject for journal entries. Let me describe Seward Cafe.

It's definitely got a culture of its own. Their website told me they serve a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options and those lifestyles are definitely evident in their decor, as well. Artwork, photos and very local neighborhood-y things line the walls, Chinese paper lanterns hang above the booths (which I'm curled up in, enjoying my coffee) and both the servers and clientele give off that hippy, urban feel. 5 o'clock shadows, distinctive glasses and decorative hats folding over their heads. Some even boast dread locks. Earthy and natural, I guess one might call it. As someone who has never been here before, my first experience has exposed me to their way of doing things.

The cook shouts your name when you order is ready to be picked up at the food window. So, I've been struggling to engross myself in my reading over the shouts of "Hey Larry!" "Hey Laurie!" "Hey Michelle!" not to mention the laughter of the group in the next room, the wet hiss of the espresso maker and the constant clanks and bangs of the baristas preparing customers' drinks. While this may not be the best place to read, this visit is definitely chock full of interesting things to witness.

Another thing to note is that they do not accept any plastic payment! Cash or check only, so the very distinct, rigid sounds and beeps of the one and only cash register have been captivating me, as well. Ahh the sounds of a coffee shop. "Hey Tyler!", oops there he goes again. Overall, this cafe exudes a neighborhood friendly, earth friendly, open and very homey feel, welcoming any and all who pass through their door.

As for the food, I don't have a good idea of the quality of vegan and vegetarian selections, as I've kept to my coffee and muffin. I imagine they might use local, fresh ingredients from the Seward Co-Op just down the street, a concept that seems to define this neighborhood. Perhaps this warrants a second visit for a chance to hear "Hey MaryEllen!"

New Beginnnings...

This past year has been a lesson in starting over. With college graduation behind me, I wondered how I was going to spend the next year or two of my life. No amount of internship experience, study abroad or student teaching can effectively prepare you for the dreaded 'real world' that so many college and graduate students evade for much of their young-adult lives. Whether it's new people, new surroundings or new schedules, it seems that a new beginning has touched every facet of my life in the past year.

One of those new surroundings has been the wide array of unique cafes and coffee shops that seem to be speckled throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. These venues offer a new perspective on your average cuppa joe offering meals, baked goods, specialty drinks and oftentimes unique settings, neighborhood pride and quirky rituals. An idea struck me one Saturday morning as I nursed a cafe au lait and an orange chocolate chip scone, nestled in the corner of a booth (my favorite place in any cafe). I produced a brown leather-bound journal from my backpack and furiously began writing down my idea.

An idea to allow myself to engage in my new surroundings. An idea of a place to go every now and again in order to revel in the quiet bustle of a Saturday morning. And good food, of course. An idea to allow myself to slow down from the intense rush of life that blinds me to the rest of the world. An idea to better appreciate the simple things life, like coffee, a good book and a comfy chair.

And so it began. As I discovered my new neighborhood, my post-college playground, that dreaded 'real world,' I would seek out these places of social solitude (quite the oxymoron, I am well aware) and journal about my experiences there. Of friendly neighbors, of quirky employees, of those I saw who came and went and ultimately, of the intentionally casual atmosphere that consumes most coffee shops.

As I set out on my journey for new and enlightening experiences, I hope to learn more about life, myself and ultimately, more about my post-college playground. My new beginning.