The Coffee Cottage

I am in Newberg, OR. I am sitting at The Coffee Cottage sipping on a passion fruit iced tea. I am aware of my surroundings and the people that have joined me in this small, but cozy old house turned cute and quaint coffee shop.

In front of me sits a young woman with her laptop open. Earlier when I walked past her to order my drink, I noticed the web page she had open was from George Fox University. My mind wanders and wonders.  Is she a student? High school or college? Is she married and if so, what is her husband like? Does he treat her well? Does she live on campus, in an apartment, in a dorm or with her parents? Where is she going, what will she be doing, who will she be with after her drink is gone and her laptop is closed?

To my right sit two elderly ladies. One brought her own drink in a plastic pink cup and the other ordered an iced tea with free refills. They both ordered sandwiches. Different kinds, but with the same type of chips...Tim's. They appear to be in their late 70's. Maybe they are sisters or maybe cousins. Possibly neighbors or lifetime best friends. Perhaps they live together and depend on each other everyday for companionship.  Do they meet here every week?  Same time, same place, same drink and same sandwiches?  Their conversations are deep and it's apparent they know each other very well.  I hope to be and have this kind of friend when I am their age.  Incomparable.

Bruce.  Bruce is a middle aged man dressed in shorts, a tee shirt, a ball cap and sandals.  He has a grey beard and is currently reading the sports section of the newspaper.  He randomly gets phone calls and speaks very loudly (this being the reason I know his name).  The whole coffee shop knows he works in the business world and makes and breaks deals.  Bruce appears to think he's all that, but personally, I think Bruce needs a serious attitude adjustment.

The corner chairs are occupied by three young ladies.  Late teens, early 20's.  They are all 3 sporting the same tee shirt...I love Fox.  Fox racing or GFU?  One girl is wearing a cross necklace and seems to be very kind.  She almost played the piano and I wish she would have.  It would have been a nice touch to the ambiance of the room.  The trio has been engaged in a game of chess.  But it has ended, for I heard one of the girls joyfully shout, "Checkmate."  They discussed how she won, finished their drinks, and decided to go on a walk.  I enjoyed their youthfulness and the level of energy at which they embrace life.

From the kitchen I hear the chitter chatter of the employees and the clanging of dishes.  It is obvious that the baristas love their jobs and take great pleasure in serving their guests.  They have done a mighty fine job of making me feel comfortable and it is apparent they appreciate the patron's business.

I'm going to continue sitting here observing the coffee house atmosphere.  I still have an hour or so to soak up my surroundings and enjoy these people I will most likely never see again.  Although we may never be together again, I have enjoyed every moment spent with them.  Thanks to The Coffee Cottage for an incredibly relaxing afternoon.