So, I was going to post pictures of our lunch and dessert at Chocolate Therapy Cafe, but I both forgot the camera and forgot about taking pictures while enjoying the food, service, and company. Instead, here’s a picture of me enjoying some delicious pumpkin cheesecake! Let me reassure you that it was like mixing pumpkin pie into cheesecake, smooth, creamy, and spiced. The chai latte washed it down perfectly. And for the record, my exposed fang/ snaggle-tooth indicates my sincere pleasure.
Yesterday I set aside time for me — time to hang out at my favorite little cafe, sipping tea, savoring chocolate, writing, and being with myself. (And hooray! Someone else paid my tab for me! How sweet was that! I wish I could have thanked those wonderful women!) I’ve been craving alone time to just sit and hear myself think, listen to the thoughts that arise, and let the words flow from my finger tips. Admittedly, weeks 2 and 3 of 2012 haven’t been as cultivating as they should have been. In fact, this past week has been downright ridiculous. It was like a page straight out of 2011, and I wanted to shake that right off. I needed this therapeutic time to allow myself permission to give myself my undivided attention.
I brought along my laptop, a lovely new spiral notebook I got for Christmas, my little journal, and my planner. I’ve already scheduled another visit for the next payday, which also happens to be a day off. Of course, I may bring along my husband for some couple time, but as it stands this place is like a therapist’s office to me. I come here, they treat me like a valued guest, and I enjoy delicious food and drink in a peaceful, lovely environment. Today’s particularly overcast, but the low lighting works just fine. It’s not like an uncomfortably bright room in which you feel blinded by fluorescent noise. It’s like… home. It’s my sanctuary, where I’m free to writing happily and sip something warm and comforting. I’m free to be me.
I’ve been implored by this week’s manifestival prompt to reflect on 2011 and the themes each month had. So, I literally opened a new tab to review my posts for each month, jotted notes in my spiral, and meditated a bit on what each month’s theme was. Here’s what I came up with, no explanations given:
Last year was filled with more than its fair share of downs and not enough ups. I struggled financially, mentally, and physically. My hopes and dreams were shattering around me, faster than I could piece them back together. This year I’d like to take those shattered remains, plant them, nurture them, and watch them grow into something even bigger than I could have hoped for. What finally went well for me was to embrace those who embraced me — no more flailing and chasing after someone would didn’t even bat an eyelash before casting me aside. The wonderful people who come here and read, comment, and express their contentment with my work are the ones who deserve my time and attention. And in fact, I learned a good lesson last year — the lesson that I must remain firmly grounded throughout my life, no matter how successful or unsuccessful I become. While it wasn’t an enjoyable year, it was a year of teachable moments, guiding me to a clearer understanding of myself, my flaws, and my talents.
It is my intention this year to become successful. I must focus. I must have discipline. I must balance. I must be patient. And above all else, I must learn all that I can. I have the resources to do so, lying dormant in my files. I cannot allow 2012 to be a repeat of 2011. I must cultivate myself — cultivate a life worth living. If it’s worthwhile, it’s worth the effort to cultivate it. And in case you hadn’t noticed, that’s my theme for 2012: cultivation.
Foodie Friday, Reverb Style: Food nourishes us. Some foods give us more enjoyment than others. Share your favorite food moment of 2011. Describe the food, where you got it, and/ or how you made it.
Here we go again: chocolate. Yes, I’m going to talk to you about chocolate again. Moreover, I’m going to talk about Chocolate Therapy Cafe again. What can I say — that chocolate cobbler was just the most amazing food find of 2011. I had decided that once I finished tutoring my student, my husband and I would split some chocolate cobbler and get some coffees. They call their half hot chocolate/ half coffee drink a “chocolate au lait,” and you can get different flavors added to it. Our server warmed up a portion of chocolate cobbler, topped it with fresh whipped cream and chocolate sauce, and brought it out to us. If you’ve ever had molten chocolate lava cakes, this trumps those. The flavor, texture, and warmth of the chocolate cobbler brings a big smile to my face. It makes me giddy like a child. It’s a particularly special dessert, though, and I only order it when my husband and I plan to split — even if he only plans to eat a bite or two.
I entered 2011 having no idea a cobbler didn’t need fruit, and now I’m going into 2012 wondering where chocolate cobbler had been all my life.
On Wednesday I visited a hidden gem I found while searching for a good tutoring location. I had been hoping for a book store or coffee shop as libraries can tend to be a bit stuffy. I found out about a little coffee shop called Chocolate Therapy Cafe, located in downtown Chickamauga, GA. This charming little shop resides among some other Main Street type shops in historic downtown Chickamauga, and the charm just keeps going when you walk in. The friendly, welcoming staff are quick to greet and serve you. I purchased a chocolate cafe au lait with amaretto syrup at the recommendation of the woman telling me about their specialties. I had a seat with my student as she prepared my coffee. Moments later, she brought me a fresh hot mug of delicious coffee, topped with fresh whipped cream and chocolate syrup. The gorgeous pink mug and saucer immediately gave me feelings of homey comfort. Over the course of our two hour session, another staff member brought us glasses of ice water — and even came to refill my water when it was still more than half full. I left the cafe feeling like I’d discovered a perfect tutoring location, and I’m half unwilling to share this review because I’m terrified my new sanctuary will become a little hot spot. However, Chocolate Therapy Cafe offers too much for me to keep this to myself. If you’re in Chickamauga, drop me a note. We’ll meet up for coffee and chocolate cobbler at my new favorite coffee shop.
