An Ode to my Coffeepot

So today is September 29th, which also happens to be National Coffee Day. I could be incredibly creative, crafting a poem that describes my love for the aromatic wafts that fill my kitchen. Or make a haiku that depicts the bliss I feel when pouring black gold into my mug. But for now, I will just simply state my deepest gratitude for the drink that has gotten me through the past few months.

Roads to Nowhere

Absolute middle of nowhere. Nothing for as far as the eye can see. So off the grid, you better be certain you know where all the gas stations are at all times. Ok, you get the point. Well, this was where I found myself last weekend…roadtripping through Middle America’s ruggedly beautiful, and perhaps forgotten, back roads.

Tire Swings and Punxsutawney Phil

A few weeks ago, the Upper Midwest experienced a couple blizzards, followed by a polar vortex of epic proportions. Weather news called it the coldest weather for anyone under twenty-five years old…crazy right?! For you southerners out there, we experienced wind chills of -50 degrees and warnings of frostbite within 5 minutes. Such horrible conditions provide little blessings, mainly two days of canceled classes and plenty of excuses for movies and hot chocolate.

Perspective

As I climbed into the driver’s seat this morning (from the backseat), I felt myself longing for a beach getaway. One day with abundant sunshine and temperatures warm enough that your car door doesn’t freeze shut is truly tempting. This chilly morning prompted me to flip through old pictures from a trip to Florida last summer. Memories of sand between my toes and the rhythmic sounds of the ocean tide may or may not have led to opening a new tab for United Airlines. Anyway, I noticed a picture that surprised me. While most of my pictures taken at the beach that day focused on the waves, one photo took a different PERSPECTIVE.

Refined.

What comes to mind when I say January in Indiana? Well… let me tell you it has been quite the frigid month of plummeting temperatures and the occasional blizzard. I have quickly learned that my car can ice from the inside out and sometimes car doors just refuse to obey “open sesame.” I have also learned to accept that proper fashion is overrated during this chilly month. But for those who still choose to leave that inch of skin exposed between carefully rolled pants and ankle boots…may frostbite never find you!