Buttons, Blogs, and Other B Things

The bad news is that my economic status has forced me to acquire another job, necessitating the abandonment of Tampersand Book Club -- at least for now. As it stands, I won't have a day off for quite awhile, so it doesn't seem prudent to take on even more in my already packed schedule. I am not shelving the idea indefinitely, however, and hope to make that happen sometime in the future, once things in my bank account are happier. I suppose this is what happens when you take six weeks off to drive across the country and back with your fella, but I consider that trek to have been well worth the current struggle.

In cafe news, we have cupcakes! Betty's Buttons have been added to the menu at Ultimo and they are selling like hotcakes. Forgive the bad pun, but seriously, people are loving these little guys.

Our shop has been seriously loving Counter Culture's Aficionado, roasted on the new Probat. Yesterday and today it has felt a little bit like I could do no wrong in terms of delivering a beautiful, delicious shot... and believe me when I say that has not always been the case, nor do I expect it to last. But nonetheless, the general consensus has been infinite pleasure and excitement over the "new" product. I have been trying to focus on refining my skills throughout the process, not just with my pour, and having something that feels easy to work with is such a joy. It seems like these beans want to make delicious espresso; they cooperate, they give. And being so new to this world, I am finding that ever so delightful.

In line with my refinement as a barista, I found this (from James Hoffman's JimSeven blog) to be extremely helpful. I keep these things in mind constantly -- I have a great teacher -- but to hear these guidances in another's words helps them hit home in a new way. One can never learn too much about these things...

My pours are generally improving; I feel good about things, though I am trying to keep perspective and read the words of others who remind me that there is still so far to go. Unlike what you might think, putting myself in my place, so to speak, keeps me energized and interested. Luckily, my boss and co-workers don't have any issue reminding me either. Hah!

One picture for the road:

The Time Has Come for Fancy

Look what I can do!

I am clearly improving, but there is more work to do. Always.

The Tampersand Book Club was a "failure," of sorts. No one showed up except for Aaron (my boss) and my co-worker, Susan. We took a different tact and posted about the book club on Craigslist and asked people to RSVP. Thus far, I've got one response and one person asking to interview me for her blog. Which is kind of hilarious, considering, but I'm willing to chat about just about anything -- especially the intersection of literature and coffee. My two favorite subjects. I really can't wait to get together with a few like minds and discuss "God In a Cup" until we are (even more) sick of it. Of course, since it was two months since I read it, I will have to review, and will likely be sick of it. Such is life. Either way, the prospect of a continuing group which meets and pursues this type of knowledge seems too good to be true... but I hope for it anyway.

Plus, we have an amazing name, no? I am going to have Kevin tackle a logo of sorts; I'll unveil that when we get around to designing such a thing. Next up: buttons, t-shirts, and real flyers. We are going to be FANCY.

Speaking of fancy, our cafe has some beautiful new travel mugs in for the holidays. Get 'em quick, before the staff snatches them up...