Today, I decided to see if the lively atmosphere at Starbucks could spark some writing inspiration. It’s often said that a change of scenery can rejuvenate the spirit. I grabbed the first available seat and immediately noticed a white purse tucked behind the chair. It looked intentionally placed, perhaps to mark the spot, but no one seemed to claim it.
As time ticked by, I doubted anyone would. I imagined a frantic woman retracing her steps, searching for her lost purse. Meanwhile, I sat there, feeling like I was part of some hidden camera show, debating whether to turn in the purse at the counter. What if she walked in just as I was handling it? I could be mistaken for a thief, especially if she had just been delayed in the restroom.
After a tense ten minutes, a couple burst into the store, relieved to see the purse still there. “That’s my purse! Oh my gosh!” the woman exclaimed. I explained that I had found it upon sitting down and chose to wait for the owner. Her husband thanked me and offered to buy us drinks as a token of appreciation. They treated my wife and me to a chai tea and left, grateful.
In my 30 minutes at Starbucks, I realized that coffee shops are bustling hubs, a far cry from the quiet corners ideal for writing. With people constantly coming and going, and most of them women, it was more distracting than inspiring. My attention was constantly pulled away by the interesting folks walking in, many in their trendy workout gear, likely having just finished a gym session.
This experience taught me about the “Latte Factor” and how frequenting places like Starbucks can impact one’s budget and waistline more than you’d think. I headed home, not sure when I’d return to write in such a setting again.
Fast forward to 2021, and the world has changed. The pandemic has shifted us from public cafes to home offices. This new normal has its perks, like potentially building greater wealth from the comfort of our homes. It’s a change I’m embracing, hoping it’ll pay off in the long run for my family.
