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.