The Bluest of Skies and the Grayest of Pigeons

This morning I walked to a new coffee shop to try to get some work done. And, as you can see, I ended up blogging instead. It's just that the sky was so perfectly blue and the pigeons so perfectly perched and gray that I had to write about it. I could tell it was one of those burst into song in a Disney movie sort of mornings--which is rare because I am SO not the morning person. But the sun was shining and the little brown sparrow-type birds were chirping and fluttering about and it was enough to make even me appreciative of rising early.

It's cold in Chicago, that's true. I nearly froze my fingers off trying to text during my morning stroll. And I had to grab onto people's fences a few times when I slipped on the icy sidewalks. (I think I'm going to carry rock salt in my purse and leave a trail of it on my normal walking routes...) But the sun is shining so it all seems much less brutal. It's nothing compared to months of gray and grueling Michigan winter misery. At least, not yet. Granted, we've only had winter weather for approximately one full week. But I'm hopeful. (Morning happiness? Winter optimism? Who is this girl?) It is warm and dry at the Knockbox Cafe and time for another dose of "isn't humanity beautiful?"

I was walking into the coffee shop and there was someone behind me so I held the door for him and then stood off to the side deciding what to get while he ordered. I soon learned that his name was Miguel and he had a deep and abiding love for grilled cheese sandwiches. He ordered about 6 things to go and kept saying things like "throw some of this in there. add some applesauce. how much are chips?" and then turned to me and said "what are you ordering?" I said I was looking at the zucchini walnut bread so he said "I'll buy her bread thing" to the barista. I was a little caught off guard and said "thanks so much!"

He said I was welcome and stuck out his hand for a shake. "I'm Miguel" he said "but you can call me Mickey." I introduced myself as well and he started talking about how there isn't enough kindness in the world and how he tries to be kind because otherwise "it's all just wickedness." He saw a man in a wheelchair asking for money and it made him sick that no one even looked at him. I wholeheartedly agreed and said "I know! I mean, even if you don't have anything to give him, how about a little acknowledgment that we're all human." Mickey replied "Yeah, you'd think human beings would be nicer to each other."

The barista brought out his sandwich, etc. and I said, "Mickey, it was nice to meet you. Thanks again." And chose the seat in the place that looked like it might have the most productive energy. Mickey walked out with a "take care" and I sat down, encouraged by our interaction and thankful for my breakfast.

It's just so gorgeous in here today! I think I'll be coming to this place more often. Ok, enough gushing. Off to work now... Pictures of my 2nd annual "first big snow" walk coming soon.