If We Were Having Coffee – Part Two

It’s been a while since we’ve had coffee and I thought we could use some catching up.  Now that I’m working in New York City I thought we could go to one of the cozy coffee spots in the West Village. You would be amazed that I could find my way there on the subway and I would even show you my metro card. My little metro card that I’m so proud of, but I put it back in my wallet and take a sip of coffee, and you would ask, “so, what’s new?” I would tell you that I am in such a better place from when we last sat down and had coffee.

I would hold my warm cup of coffee in my hand and not worry about the fact that it cost me $5.00 and I was happy to be able to pay for yours as well.  I would apologize for being out of touch and would tell you to please not to take it personally, that I think about you every day and wonder how you are.

If we were having coffee

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that working in New York City is such a strange experience. I use to be so intimidated and afraid of the city and have always felt like a little country mouse.  Now I realize New York City isn’t much different than Nashville, well it’s dirtier and noisier and busier, but for the most part, it’s the same.

If we were having coffee

I would tell you, even though you know, I turned 50 this month, and that is a big one. I would tell you that, even though 50 is a big year, I’m excited to be 50.  Of course, I can no longer jump out of bed like I use to and more often than not my bones ache. My knees feel like they have done all they can do and would be happy to be replaced. I would tell you, even though you know, how excited and proud I was to raise over $6,000 for the coats/sleeping bags for the homeless. I would tell you that the company asked me to come to Detroit to see where they make the coats and how excited I was to make that trip.

If we were having coffee

I would tell you that I am worried about the state of America.  Donald Trump scares me, and Steve Bannon scares me even more.  I would tell you that I have started looking at apartments in Canada and I would be happier dealing with the cold then living in a country where our President had emboldened people to the point where they feel free to call people names because of who they choose to pray to or the color of their skin. I would tell you that it makes me sad that people don’t feel safe going to the bathroom.  I would tell you that it worries me that people think it’s ok to carry an assault rifle into the convenience store. If we were having coffee, I would silently hope that you didn’t vote for Trump, because I have a hard time not looking at those people sideways.

If we were having coffee

I would tell you my little chickens are doing well and that I miss them every single day. My boy chicken started a new barista job and is growing his wedding photography business with his wife.  Marriage looks good on him, and they seem to do it really well. My girl chicken is more than half way done with her first ever teaching job, and it has been a hard year for her.  When the first day of class an 8^th grader walks into class, says “fuck this shit I’m not doing this” and throws a Gatorade bottle against the wall, you know it’s going to be a hard year.  She is doing her best, and my heart breaks for her every time she says “Mom, I hate my job.”

If we were having coffee

If we were having coffee, I would tell you the next stop on my adventure was Chicago and how excited I was for that part of the run.  The exhibit will be set up right on Navy Pier, and even though I won’t be there for the whole run, I love Chicago, and I am excited to spend at least a month there.

If we were having coffee

I would apologize for once again monopolizing the whole conversation. I would ask you how you were doing and would want you to tell me all about your chickens.  You would tell me everything that was new in your life.  We would realize that we were going to miss the last train and stand and give each other a big hug.  We would once again realize that even though we don’t see each other often, it is as if time never passed and we pick up right where we left last time.  Because that is how it is with old friends, you are always in each other’s thoughts and minds.

Until next time my friend.