starbucks

be honest!
face it!
for better or for worse,
starbucks is THE place conducive to conversation,
whether for business meetings, or friendly catching up.
i love the luxurious feel of the leather couches,
yes,
even when am alone!
if not so lucky,
i got to settle for the hard wooden seats.
arghh!
but i’m not minding,
it’s the coffee i am there for, i.e., for the impression i want to make.
(honestly, it’s the blueberry cheesecake. shhhh)

there are times when i just sit back,
relax and people watch (if i’m by the window)
and imagine what is going through someone’s head
at the exact moment they pass me.
other times, i simply let the conversations happening around me
melt into white noise. . .

i let downing a grande of coffee jelly last the longest time. . .
savoring each jelly, willing it to dissolve in my mouth
– doesn’t happen.

i’m like everyone else.
i like the good old mocha frap.
i was introduced to this ritual by my students at woodrose,
almost a decade ago.
and one more thing i wanted to get my hands on at starbucks
is their much coveted planner
that comes during this time of the year – christmas.
but being the rural woman (legend) that i am,
how can i ever have the stamps needed to be able to get the planner???
another arghhh! (this time louder!)

calling for S A N T A!

so, for the moment that i am spending my cold but exciting christmas here at
la huerta, baao, camarines sur,
A L O N E,
in my mind i am at starbucks. . .
while swigging a glass of lemongrass tea
(with pandan leaves, a pinch of lemon and a dash of sweetener).
and i continue to let starbucks be a favorite place
in my dreams. . .