Glad Hand

Sweet elixir of life. Precious moment of hope. Promise of a new day dawning. Cleanser of all failures past. Irrevocable blast of joy. Glimmering dream that today may be completely different from all that went before — with no task left undone, no problem unsolved, no challenge unconquered.

My daily drive-through is as certain as the rising of the sun and ebb of the tide. I drive through, therefore I am.

The rich aroma wafts through the window and washes over me like a hug from Nona. Likewise the cheerful smile from the barista de jour. He/she greets me like I'm a valuable human being — it's part of the job description, sure, but I don't care. I’m fine with it.

Today will be better because I circumnavigated this Mecca. My venti-coffee-with-one-ounce-of-cream will accompany me through a 12- or 14-hour day. It will flavor every conversation, every paragraph, every phone call, every meeting.

Yes. They know my order before I place it.
Yes. It costs WAY too much for "just coffee."
Yes. I will go back tomorrow.

Thanks Starbucks. You’re nothing more than an Über smart marketing plan, but every day you give me a little extra gas to push forward, and a simple pleasure to savor.

Thanks for the glad hand.


Also available at: MPNnow.com.