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National Cappuccino Day 2023
Let’s wake up to National Cappuccino Day in true hygge fashion.
Blessed Reciprocity
For it is in giving that we receive. ~St. Francis of Assisi
So, cappuccino is only tangentially related to the Capuchin Monks, whose brown robes are approximately the same shade as a decently milked up cup of coffee. That makes it no less tasty.
Coffee of any kind, no matter how fancy or plain, is a great way to kick off the morning. I was pleased to be able to have a warm cup of joe to get me going this morning.
My weekend was rather more austere. In preparation for a procedure that guys my age ought only endure one year in five, I was quite restricted in what I could consume.
Well, it was ultimately for naught. Despite my preparations, I’ll have to do it again next year. That literally cannot suck enough. Better luck next time.
Recovering from all that has left me somewhat behind in both work and writing. Regardless of my coffee consumption, I’m tired as heck.
Here it is, already Wednesday, and I’m just not feeling myself. I’m run down. No matter how long I sleep, I don’t seem to be getting any rest.
I’m tense, anxious and irritated. You know what? Despite my inner turmoil, I only need look to the other sofa and see my wonderful Kelly smiling back at me.
💙 Awesome Wife | Awesome Life 🤍
I’m pleased and genuinely blessed to have her by my side. When I’m feeling beaten and bowled over, she’s there to lift me up. Thank God for her and the unending love she always brings.
Monks, Monkeys and Milky Coffee
The Inner Sanctuary of the Heart with Br. Charbel Allen
Brother Charbel has some good advice for anyone who might be feeling the same kind of disquiet as me. It’s a nice message and well worth the listen.
So, the order of friars started by St. Francis of Assisi dress in brown and white robes (like the Jedi Knights) and serve Christ by trying to be as much like him as possible.
Capuchin Monkeys | Wild Caribbean | BBC Earth
Despite the slight similarity in the pattern of these monkeys’ fur and the simple robes of the monks whose name they received, that would seem to be the only relation between them.
Capuchin monkeys are adorable little creatures whose most famous member is the silly miscreant from Night at the Museum.
Learn How To Make a Cappuccino | 2 Methods & Recipes
As uplifting as the gentle friars can be, they bring a different energy than a slug of espresso dolled up with frothed milk. The mellow, neutral tones of each suggest simplicity.
If you watched the video above, you’ll find that a cappuccino is actually pretty simple. Espresso, milk and either a fancy design or a spiced hood of froth. That’s all.
I don’t have a milk frother. Some people do. I’ve only got so much shelf space. I’m happy with the coffee maker I’ve got. I’m happy with the inner peace that my wife’s love brings me.
With those basic supplies, how could I be anything but happy?
Mini Soap Opera
Real life is messy, and drama is a shaped version of real life. ~Simon Beaufoy
I was bemoaning my failure to get any writing done last weekend to a colleague yesterday. Trying to quickly summarize where I was in this year’s Holiday Season Serial Romance, it frothed up to quite a little soap opera. And that’s just one scene that I’m in the process of writing.
I’m playing with themes and elements of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, tropes of Hallmark Channel Christmas romance movies and events from existing works of mine.
If you remember playing with a Spirograph, you’ll know that putting a few moving pieces together makes a rather complex design. The interplay between the needs and wants of a handful of characters turns into quite a square dance.
I’m bringing events from previous stories in to give some depth to this one. Another benefit is that I’m establishing some references to The Sentinels series events (that I haven’t written yet).
What started as an effort to create content for Christmas All The Time, is turning out to be a learning opportunity for me. I’m improving my writing and my storycraft. It’s teaching me how to use the tools at my disposal to structure and layout my books.
So, despite the lost weekend, I’m still generally ahead of the game. I’m not where I’d like to be, but I’m also not writing the thing in real-time. That happened in previous story years and it was nerve-wracking.
Yet again, I’m simultaneously stressed and blessed. Good thing I’ve got Kelly to keep me emotionally grounded. 🎁 She’s the best present I’ve ever unwrapped. 💝
Grab the cozy warm beverage of your choosing and let’s make it a great day!