Coffee and pie

Today, I took the day off from work - something I don't do enough of. My day started at Mercury Cafe, a local coffee shop in San Francisco that I occasionally frequent for their awesome vibes and yummy Egg McMars. More than just the food and coffee, this coffee shop takes me back to a happy place. Everything from the indie rock music, to the interior decor, plants, and just the right amount of sunlight gleaming through the ceiling to floor windows reminds me of home. Everything slows down and for a moment I can take a pause and just be.

This coffee shop reminds me of Chicago. Specifically, of a time when I used to live in Fulton Market before it developed into what it is today. It was a neighborhood that had character in its own special way. Empty buildings tatted up with colorful art was all part of it. Similar to Mercury Cafe, I would occasionally walk several blocks from my apartment to Jupiter Outpost, a cozy coffee shop tucked away in the far end of Fulton Market. Maybe I'm just an old soul trapped in my body, but vintage vibes make me happy.

I'm not sure if it's a San Francisco thing or the fact that we live in a very connected world, but I find it difficult to disconnect at times. I always feel like I need to do something productive or it's a wasted day. I always feel like I need to do something more, because otherwise what am I working towards. Today, I don't have a plan and I'm not sure what I'm going to do next; but it's sunny outside and I have my camera with me. Perhaps I'll go wander around and get lost in San Francisco.

But before I sign off, here's a quote from a poster I'm sitting across from at Mercury Cafe:

this cosmic pull
try something new
find other people
make better lives
there is a myth it's safe
i've seen a change
... a mass exodus
they have been forced out
the core of what is beautiful
it's so chaotic
[laughter]
in people's struggles
my family: biological, chosen
... and i am amazed
i keep coming back

This is our calling. Happy Tuesday.