Quote of the Day: The price of a cup of coffee, even gourmet coffee, is cheap rent for inspirational office space. Mary Aalgaard, playwright
My artist friend JeMA and I met at our local coffee shop to work. You know, if you want other people to take you seriously as a writer or artist, or whatever, YOU need to take yourself seriously. I got up, dressed for work (notice the Scriptfrenzy t-shirt), packed my bag, and set up my work space. We actually sat across from each other, but came together for the pic. And, yes, I did write. I’m up to 13 pages. A little behind schedule, but plugging away.
This morning, we met another woman who is starting up an events planning business. We exchanged cards. People were having business meetings, working, meeting friends. I’ve observed job interviews and overheard a social worker (I assumed) speaking in the cellphone: The important thing is that you stay sober and get to class. The events planner we met today told us of a time when she overheard a woman sobbing into her phone, lost and feeling alone. She had just left an abusive husband. Our friend bought her a cup of coffee and gave her a list of social services in the area.
So much life happens in a coffee shop. That’s why it is such a rich setting for my drama. Coffee Shop Confessions happen everyday here. I think of a coffee shop as a daytime bar, minus the alcohol, but filled with the same angst, life’s struggles, mingling, longings, and confessions.
JeMA couldn’t bring her paints and canvasses to the shop, but she did bring her laptop and took care of the putzy work of her business. We’d like to share a book title with you folks. The Artist’s Guide How to make a living doing what you love, by Jackie Battenfield. JeMA said this book practically jumped off the shelf at her. Her kids were the first to point it out and say, “Hey, Mama, there’s a book for you.” She said the focus is on building a business as an artist, in her case a visual artist, but anyone who craves success in their creative field could use this book.
Journaling Prompt: What or who helps fuel your creative energy? Have you ever tried a new space for inspiration?
I think I really need to hang out in your coffee shop for a while – it seems like such a wonderful place.
I have a friend who is my “cheer princess” extraordinaire. She keeps me going and lifts me up when I need it. 🙂
Mary, how cute is that? You gals look on fire with creativity! Love it. Love the shirts too. I’m so glad you’ve found this place in which you can let your muse run wild. Someday, you will have to thank them on your dedication page. The book sounds like one that I should check out! 🙂
How very cool. I love coffeshops and diners for the reasons you do. They’re great places to work. You’re so lucky. 🙂 I wish I had more time to hang out. Maybe this summer.
I love coffee shops! And airports!
That is so great. We don’t have any great coffee shops around here. A basic Starbucks, but that’s about it. I tried going to a Carls Jr one time but that didn’t really work …
so, it’s the home office or the library, or in the summer – the hammock in the back yard.
Shannon, we all need a “cheer princess” or “prince.
Roxane, Please come share a cup at this shop with me!
Sarahjayne, hang out and let the creativity flow!
Kristin, I think airports are filled with strong emotions.
Tess, a hammock, rockin’ and thinkin’ and writin’.
Great post Mary. I know Karleen too and she is a wonderful nuturing soul. She is a true asset as a friend! 🙂
Thanks, FM, You are both great at connections.
I love coffee shops! My favorite is The Daily Brew around the corner from me but often times it’s Tuscan Sun because it’s within walking distance. The Daily Brew just plays more music to my liking 🙂
Jen, I’m glad you have a couple good choices near you. Love the name. My shop was playing oldies, mostly 50’s music, which inspired my drama as well.
There’s a fun coffee shop nearby that I’ve always wanted to visit with my laptop. Your post has inspired me to go ahead and do it! Thanks!
Amy, Go! Drink coffee, and create.
Hi Mary – I visited your blog from a link from Karleen. She and I met at the Baxter Caribou last week and even ran into JeMA too. It’s nice to find another local blog, and a writer to boot! I’m a photographer – started my business up within the last year, which was why Karleen and I had so much to talk about – and I have a passion for writing as well. I’ll be tuning back to your blog often!
The only coffee shops ’round these parts are the local cafes where the farmers sit and swap stories of big fish and wild~eyed cattle. Heeheehe!
I am just blessed with a wild imagination, creativity skills, and am so spastic that I’ve gotta be creating something all the time. Oh, did I mention the voices in my head??? :o)
I just wanted to thank you so much for your visit and hoppin’ on my blog. I sure hope ya’ll enjoy the ride.
God bless ya, and in the words of that silly old Granny Clampett, “ya’ll come back now, ya hear???”
My house is decorated very Southern Living/traditional, but my office is wasabi green, with black, white and red accents. I have a wall of books, 2 work tables (I’m also a painter), and lots of visual eye candy to stimulate my creativity. Some might find the space distracting, but it makes me happy!
On nice days, an outdoor cafe is always a great spot to sit and write.
Thanks for being there in so many ways! What a great way to do the “bills” with my friend in the coffee shop!
What a fun post, you cutie! I totally agree about the cost of a cup of coffee as a small price for atmosphere! Can I deduct the expense on taxes???
Hmmm. I pretty much stick to my little office, since I’m a laptopless girl.
P
Patti, JeMA mentioned that we could write off the gas expense to get to our “office.” That’s funny, “laptopless” girl.
Patti and Mary,
You can write off your eating expenses too if they are related to you meeting there for your business! If I met Mary there just to get ideas about my art I can use it! I think your “laptopless” is hilarious!
Thanks, JeMA, maybe I won’t be paying in so much next year if I keep better track of these expenses.
You know, I’ve really thought about finding a nice coffee shop to write in. Every once in a while I do need a new venue and go to the library. No where near as socially interesting though. 🙂
Jennifer, the coffee and customers offer much stimulation!
Mary, it’s a pleasure to meet you.
Especially through Terresa , who makes me swoon with her word weaving and choice of pictures.
Four boys. wow. twins even.
I have one boy, the oldest at 21, and four girls, 19-12.
It’s a crazy busy wonderful life.
and I have to embrace this idea of finding an office away from home to write. Yeah you.
blessings on this beautiful spring day.
Thanks for connecting, Deb, another mother of many!