« where i spent my formative years »
Yesterday, on a whim, I decided to go visit the first real coffeehouse I'd ever patronized, back in the day. For the most part, it looks exactly like it did when I used to go there almost daily back in the mid-90s -- same gold walls, same delicious caffeinated drinks, same cake-slices-as-big-as-my-head. Awesome.
I started coming here on a regular basis just after my first marriage ended: I'd moved out of the safe suburb outside of town where my ex and I had lived, choosing instead to find an apartment closer to downtown and closer to city life. Until that point, I'd lived in safe, homogenous, suburban neighbourhoods all my life (both here and in Trinidad), and despite the fact that I'd traveled extensively by that point, the experience was so eye-opening. I hadn't realized how sheltered I'd been. I'm ashamed to admit it, but it was at this coffeehouse where ...
... I finally realized that choosing an artistic life as a career is just as valid choosing science or engineering as a profession...
... it finally dawned on me that tattoos weren't solely the domain of large, mean-looking men dedicated to a life of crime, but actually a form of art and expression that men and women from all walks of life enjoy ...
... it first occurred to me that having a college degree isn't the sole indicator of intelligence (and, in fact, sometimes isn't an indicator of intelligence at all) ...
... I really, really understood that professors, doctors, artists, architects, dancers, tattoo artists, models, and, yes, dominatrices (long story) actually come in all (and sometimes surprising) shapes and sizes.
In other words, this was the coffeehouse where I finally grew the hell up. And now that I think about it (and although I wouldn't have known how to articulate it at the time), it was the place where I first realized I'd been the victim of many single stories. It's where I finally opened my eyes.
I don't visit this coffeehouse as much as I used to. It's incredibly popular, sometimes even visited by famous people (Jeff Goldblum and Mary Steenburgen once walked by me to grab their cappuccinos here) -- but as a result, it's often a little too bustle-y for my liking, so I usually bypass it for my favourite quiet coffeehouse up the street. Still, I feel very nostalgic when I do come here.
It was a good place to grow up.
* * * * * * *
Some breaking news: The new book Kirtsy Takes a Bow, will be officially released November 15th! In celebration, Kirtsy is throwing a number of launch events around the country, and the first one is right here in Houston:
The Kirtsy Book Event Tour of Justice
Tuesday, November 17: Houston
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Sterrett Street Studio
1305 Sterrett Street, Houston, TX 77002
I'll definitely be there, as will a number of other contributors, to meet, greet and sign books. It'll all be very cocktail-party-like and fabulous. If you're in town that day, I hope you'll stop by.
Song: Been caught stealing by Jane's Addiction
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 12:00AM
Reader Comments (20)
I loved reading this post, all the many ways this one place caused you to grow.
By the way, that drink looks yum-yum-YUMMY ... what is your drink of choice there, by chance?
Christianne --
Chai tea latte! :)
K.
I love chai tea.
Love this post. I think it's amazing how even though in the traditional sense one can be "worldly" but at the same time be sheltered. Looking at your surroundings and coming to new resolutions and learning to let go of judgements equates a hell of a lot of growth in my book.
That place looks very cool! :)
my late husband and i went to the same restaurant at least two fridays a month. we also grew up there, it was before children and we would sit until long after the place closed, talking to all sorts of people. it was an education.
I know you take your camera with you everywhere, but do you also take a tripod or monopod? Shots like this in such low lighting are difficult to get sharp so I was just wondering if you are shooting in high ISO or have a tripod. Thanks!
Kent --
I don't -- in fact, I *rarely* use my tripod (I find it so cumbersome!). In these shots, I actually didn't shoot at a particularly high ISO (about 400, I think?), but I did shoot it manually, so I could play with the shutter speed myself -- that helped some (because the camera likely would've wanted a slower shutter speed if I'd tried to shoot it automatically or in aperture-priority mode).
Hope that helps!
K.
Thanks for the reply. Good to know. Can't wait to finally meet you at the Kirtsy party!
I just saved that first image as my background of my work computer. I spent 4yrs working for Starbucks, and it was a fantastic, life altering experience. It validated all those things you found out, that I always kinda knew (especially choosing an artistic life) but was never seconded by any of my family members. I worked alongside baristas with Master degrees and Dr. Seuss tattoos and a pastor who rode a Vespa and had an entire sleeve of Christian images. By the time I left I was an asst mgr and had met so many amazing customers, and heard so many great stories. It was the most welcoming breath of fresh air, and while I love being back home iN T&T and finally putting down some roots..God I miss that time of my life. THanks Karen.
I went once to the Empire Cafe and loved it. If I lived in Houston I bet I'd go there often. At least, I hope I would.
During college, I worked at a coffeehouse in Midland that was in itself an education - scene of so many epiphanies (and great friendships, and delicious drinks) for me. Thanks for bringing those memories back today.
There is nothing like finding a spot that just resonates with you. Wonderful.