Being alone somewhere, anywhere is a HUGE thing for me and it’s not something that ever happens very often. Life with three small colourful people and a husband doesn’t give me much time out to simply sit, undisturbed, and be me. But, here I am – alone, sitting, sipping. Enjoying. I’m not in a hurry. I am savouring the warmth I’ve discovered here, huddled up in ‘my’ corner.
I don’t know if it’s the comforting aroma of coffee that is making me feel so cozy, or if it’s the melt-in-you-mouth sweetness of the banana bread. God, how I miss bananas. It doesn’t matter that I am being regarded from behind the counter. It doesn’t matter whether I see curiosity or disdain when I glance up. I am happy, taking a moment for myself. Taking a moment to breath deep, close my eyes and believe. Believe for a moment that when I return home life will have calmed, it will have slowed to the pace of a corner of a coffee shop.
I never imagined I would so love these moments. I didn’t realise there was so much to cherish about being alone. I had no idea there was so much of me to discover in the quieter moments, when alone with my thoughts.
I used to find the wooshing of the coffee machines annoying, once upon a time. Here and now, however, the sound is comforting. There’s no screaming, fighting, whinging or carry-on. Only the whizz of the machines, the bag of the coffee being made, the murmur of other patrons enjoying a drink on this cold winter’s day.
Being able to simply type – uninterrupted, is bliss. I love the feel of the keys under my fingers. So smooth and ‘substantial’, not like some keys which feel unimpressive.
But, now my sanctuary is being marred. It still smells of deliciously warm lattes and marshmallows in hot chocolate but there’s a young couple, loudly debating in the corner opposite to me. “Your mother forces food down my throat and your brother has always hit on me.” It’s mildly amusing; briefly. Very briefly.
My drink has come to an end. I have always been told it’s rude to slurp, but sometimes a good drink deserves a nice big slurp. Doesn’t matter – nobody even bats an eyelid. Maybe it’s not so rude after all or maybe every other person here completely intends to finish their delicious treats with an undignified ‘sluuurp’.
Or they may all be secretly horrified and too embarrassed for me to even look up. That makes me secretly smile. Because I am normally so proper about manners and being out. My kids would be proud.
Joining in with Write on Wednesdays.
Love your writing! I, too, am a big fan of time alone and cafe writing. Bliss.
Thank you Megan. I really enjoyed giving myself permission to go out and enjoy the time alone.
Ah, the stolen moments do taste the sweetest, don’t they? I enjoyed this, and I’d love to hear more eavesdropping on the young couple. Maybe one for next week’s writing exercise?
Indeed, they are the sweetest.
I did wonder if I should listen some more, but the conversation seem to be going in circles. They were a strange young couple. They seemed VERY young to me. Maybe that just means I am a whole lot older than I thought.
Oh I can relate to this. I am finding it interesting that so many of the posts I read today are about us all struggling for the time we need alone to write. I think you have done a great job of capturing the senses in this post, I can almost hear your coffee slurp – I normally hate drinking sounds but I loved your don’t give a damn attitude!
So pleased to see you joining in with Write On Wednesday, looking forward to reading more from you.
By the way, you have touched on the writing exercise I have planned for next week. I wont mention what – but take that as a wee hint for next week’s post…
I found that interesting, also. Hopefully, we will all find a way to have that quiet time and space that we need each Wednesday to participate and flex our writing muscles.
Looking forward to what you have planned for us next week!
Ohhhh lovely! There is nothing I like more than a bit of alone time and good coffee. Great post!
Thank you!It’s great to be able to recharge from time to time, as well as getting the chance to do what I love!
Oh I wish I were there too!!! It sounds blissful. After four years of mum, mum, mum I still feel weird with alone time – I cherish it, I just feel weird. And I only have one child!
Great writing!
Lovely! You’ve made me so jealous, I think I need to take some time out and sit in a coffee shop alone very soon! This gave me an insight in to who you are, where you were and what was happening. But I also completely know what you mean about appreciating quiet time in a way that it was never appreciated once before!
Hi Naughty Mumma! How lucky for you to find some time alone. My time will come again, next Monday when I pray that my son will be well enough for Kindy! (He’s been sick all week.) Just kidding though. I do enjoy spending time with him alone.
Enjoyed your piece!
Anne @ Domesblissity
I can totally relate to this situation! You’ve made me long to sit in a cafe on my own, for just enough time to savour a cup of coffee and banana bread. Your sluurrrp moment reminds me of a time when I was out with a mummy friend, minus our kids. We both exclaimed,”Look, some big diggers!” and we had a good chuckle. Thanks for sharing this moment
Coffee time alone is great. Not always possible but great. Sometimes sit in our local coffee shop before I do the grocery shopping. I think I need thr fortification!
I hope you get some more you time soon.
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