Happy moments. They show up in the most surprising places, such as a window seat Harris Avenue Café in Fairhaven. I’m an inventory taker. Every so often I take a look at my life and take inventory, see how I’m doing in relationship to my goals. The last two years have been disappointing on many fronts. At the same time, however, many personal breakthroughs have accumulated new ground. Navel gazing at its best.
So, I’m treating myself to breakfast. There’s no food in my kitchen and I haven’t eaten since Thursday afternoon. This week I had two successful poetry performances and, well, I’m taking myself out to celebrate. The plate arrives. Eggs Toulouse with smoked salmon, Harris’s special spin on Eggs Benedict. I order with fruit in place of potatoes. Sitting pretty on the plate, red strawberries, green kiwi, yellow pineapple, orange melon sliced and arranged like they want to be painted. My only brush, knife and fork. This is nothing I would make for myself and I don’t mind paying for someone else to put it all together.
The art of eating.
Enjoying the presentation.
Pausing for appreciation.
I seldom eat out. I am thankful.
I have my 16 ounce mocha to my right. It sits there asking to be stirred. I imagine a dark heavy layer of chocolate below the shots and milk. What a beautiful drink. A book I’m three chapters in lays open on the left. Brightly painted tourist in sandals, slacks or khaki shorts and golf visors walk around looking for a nibble. Groups of them walk in all asking for a table “outside in the garden.” I’m inside, sitting in the window. It’s almost nine, the sun is still behind 17th avenue; I’m safe for another two hours.
Breathing in the atmosphere, the happiness almost knocks me over—My God, I’m HAPPY. I’m so freakin’ happy! What a magical place this is.
This table, this view, this town, this moment—right now—just right now. I’ve always dreamed of doing this day in Europe. Now I challenge France to come up with a better day.
Benny’s at dawn!
Whoever’s been praying for me, thank you. This morning a portion of joy has manifest.
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Harris Avenue Cafe http://www.harrisavecafe.com/
shannon p. laws 
Beautiful, uplifting post, and how lovely to share your joy with your readers. May you have many more marvelous window moments!
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Thanks susanissima!
This morning was more than just good eats. I hit a major milestone this week, and had some affirmations. Such a contrast from the week prior.
Always helpful to have good writing friends like you 🙂
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