Mad in Pursuit Notebook

  1. Home
  2. Recent Posts
  3. Contact

Braving the Crowded Coffee Shop

Drawing: I visit the coffee shop
Rendition of my courageous sortie to the coffee shop.

Goal: Rejoin the world as a confident singleton. Get past the self-image of an introverted old homebody. Lean into solitude and its revelations.

Dear Stella,

When I renewed my passport this week, I was struck with a dismal thought. How could I reinstate my persona as a cool cosmopolitan if wasn't comfortable eating alone in restaurants? There were always two of us and now I am one. Damn. How long has it been since I even sat alone in a coffee shop reading a book or scribbling notes?

💡 Then, of course, two minutes of research told me that nearly all great travel writers traveled alone.

So yesterday, mid-morning,I packed up some work and set out for a bakery/coffee shop in Webster. My God, what a feat to get inches outside my comfort zone.

🤔 To begin with, I couldn't find the shop. Maybe I should do this another day. No, Susan, check your navigation. Oh, okay... there it is.

😨 Inside. It was crowded. Big tables. Social. I didn't see anyone working solo. Crap. I should have gone to Starbuck's. I could turn around and... No, Susan.

😨 The bakery case looked like all cookies. And not the kind I crave. I'm leaving. No, wait, there was one almond croissant left. Okay, I'll stay.

😨 Then I ordered a vanilla latte. Why? I drink my coffee black. All that dairy! Why didn't I at least order plant milk? You're changing it up, Susan. Chill.

😠 I had to wait while the barista finished having a good long chat with one of the other customers. The place was still crowded. And loud. Okay, I'll take my coffee and go home. No room for me here.

😮 When I got my latte, I turned around to leave, but, what do you know, a small table opened up. No excuses, Susan. Sit. Take off your coat. Pull out your papers. Sip your milky coffee and enjoy your croissant. But don't hunch over it. Square your shoulders. You own this place now. 😂

And so I did.

Are you laughing at me?

Write soon, xoxo Susan
2 Mar. 2025

Books from Mad in Pursuit and Susan Barrett Price: KITTY'S PEOPLE: the Irish Family Saga about the Rise of a Generous Woman (2022)| HEADLONG: Over the Edge in Pakistan and China (2018) | THE SUDDEN SILENCE: A Tale of Suspense and Found Treasure (2015) | TRIBE OF THE BREAKAWAY BEADS: Book of Exits and Fresh Starts (2011) | PASSION AND PERIL ON THE SILK ROAD: A Thriller in Pakistan and China (2008). Available at Amazon.