“A cement building, white cinderblocks…the sign read ‘Cold Spot’…” We all seem to have a corner store, a coffee shop or other store in our past or present life. Gathering places where you know each other’s names and share moments together. Where there are no strangers. Kane Brown’s song about his grandpa’s store reminded me […]
Embracing Tucson: Take me back to the Cold Spot Read More »
Not coins. People. Women. Friends. From vastly different parts of my life. They say God puts people in your path for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Sometimes you cross paths more than once. So it is with the two friends named Penny. One from my recent past, the other from my distant past.
Two Pennys for your thoughts Read More »
It was too cold to ride this morning, I told myself. So instead of riding while Sal was at the groomer, I headed out to a familiar coffee shop near the Catalina Highway. This is where I insert the phrase “…behold the power of random conversation.” After parking myself at a table near the back
The Cyclists Beside Me Read More »
It wasn’t expected, really. I was there to select and buy small boxes of chocolate for my friends. Little did I know I’d soon be steeped in a lesson in Tucson history and hospitality. And get a lesson in local food and hang outs. The purple haired young woman behind the counter was engaging and
Conversation with a Chocolatier Read More »
It wasn’t all that hard to assemble. It was a kit, after all. Besides, I had an almost identical one in my yard. However she had asked for help. She had been moved into the small house by her church friends and was still sorting out her now-single life. At any rate, it was a
Not long ago this list was put in front of me as part of a breakup speech. It was her way of giving me up and setting herself free of me. Finding myself Staying put or leaving Remarrying As I’ve written elsewhere I think she is oh-for-three on this list. I’m just getting started. Let’s
(I was reminded of this encounter through Facebook Memories yesterday. This was originally a Facebook post in 2023) We made our usual trip to Well-Grounded this Friday morning. The staff greeted us with their usual “Hi, Sally!” After we got our order and made our way to our table, a pretty young woman in shorts
The Day Sally Met Sally Read More »
She stood tall, all five-foot-whatever, in front of her soon-to-be masterpiece. Hands on her hips, arms akimbo, with a rainbow of paint colors spattered from the brim of her floppy hat all the way down her front to the toes of her New Balance hikers. The artist at work. Her canvas is the side of
He circled the party deck of the ship. He could have been up top looking at the ocean, but the young man chose to do a few rounds between the fresh fruit, drinks, desserts and other treats. His head was held high and he appeared to be gazing outward to something. His host was curious,
Perspective Shifting Read More »
She did it again. Our barista, Diana, and I trade notes. Lists of songs. The youngest barista at our corner coffee shop is the oldest soul. We trade lists of songs and talk about the music they choose to play in the shop. I mean, Bobby Vinton and Jimmy Clanton made her list. And she
The Playlist Trader Read More »
