There are many challenges in small towns for a barista. Not the least of which is actually getting a job. So far, I am confined to making single espressos with a friend on his thrift store machine. It's a party every day, though.

What are the things we miss most when we are away from our callings? I miss people. Face to face, emotion to reaction. I miss the perfect crema. I miss the "God Shot" and "Jamie's Spicy Tuna". I miss the music. I miss the machine. Ah, the machine... the instrument of our creations. The weight of a porta-filter, the spin and twist ritual of a snug connection. The hiss of steam and dance of pressure timed perfectly for cascade... for crema rimmed clouds.

These are the things I miss. The things my hands and olfactory senses crave when idle or working. Smile, though, and try again. Just as a customer/barista dance so I serenade my heart in cheerful sorrow.


- dedicated to my friends of many years with whom I share a mutual passion or two -
- much love, Tay -