An Open Letter of Utter Admiration

Dear Cafe Regulars,

You greet me each morning with a smile (or not, depending upon your reliance of uppers) and my heart usually melts. You ask me for something that I can deliver. I am able to provide this with skill, precision and beauty and as I pass it to you, I see your genuine thankfulness for the change it brings. I can literally make your heart race. You must go on to your busy day, but the exchange we engaged in will forever, for that day, be a moment etched into time. You will tell others about me and encourage them to meet me. They will, in fact, know you have seen me by your expression and by what is in your grip as you enter your office, home, park, school, mall, church, etc. What I provide will carry you through whatever turmoil comes your way. At least, as I've said, for today.

What you do not realize is that I NEED YOU AS MUCH AS YOU NEED ME. In my new world, which is at times disconnected and seemingly isolated, I need to see your shining face regularly. You make me feel like I am important. You remember me, almost by default. You often return my how's it going with another how's it going. Sometimes, you leave me something extra, just to show me how much you appreciate me too. Other times, I feel like you flirt with me a little, which is obviously always a good feeling. It doesn't even matter who you are when you flirt with me, it just feels good. I need you older gentleman. You remind me of an old professor I had and your kind eyes make me feel wise just by looking in them. I need you, general public, working in regular office jobs for the last 20 years. You prove to me that you can still keep your personality and humor among the hum-drum of a settled life. I need you classy suit woman who is warm and kind to show me that I can be a boss and be beauty. I need you woman who never smiles so I can greet the challenge of getting one, JUST ONE, cracked out of the corners of your tight-lipped mouth. I need you old man who never speaks and when you do, it is the kindest honey to drip from a mouth - you remind me of my Grandpa and what it means to be in my family. And I need you, cute cute cute guy in the regular routine, workin it daily at a non-profit, satisfied with your life and all present every morning to remind me that there might actually still be a little bit of romance in life.

On this media-proclaimed "romance week" my love is sent to you, fellow patroners of the sweet nectar beverage and lovers of its beauty. You mean more to me than you probably realize and my greeting to you is not conditioned and rehearsed. It is fueled by my desire and fostered by my devotion. May this love sink into your mouths, melt your insides and make your heart beat a little bit faster...

With Love,

Your Barista, Annie