mimosa and coffee beans.

This past Saturday was pretty much a grand old time.

A 7 a.m. walk with Rachel reminded me just how beautiful my city really is. Hill Drive is hands down one of the prettiest streets I've ever traveled, I do believe, in my entire life. Have you ever stopped to smell fresh mimosa? Nirvana cannot be bottled, I am convinced.

Though, of course...because it was about two hours earlier than I would normally be up on a Saturday...I did not have the foresight to take my camera along. Next time, folks, next time.

About three hours later (following a five mile walk and then a short drive to Starbucks, for breakfast with Rachel), I made an extended stop at one of my favorite places on earth. This marvelous place is certainly hip and classy in its own right, but truthfully my affection has nothing to do with the place itself and everything to do with the company I keep there. At this little local setting, I've met friends for homework sessions, gone out with the ladies from my care group to get dinner, had friend dates to catch up with some of the wonderful gals in my life, spent time in personal study and reflection by the fireplace...

Over the past year, though, this place has become particularly endeared to my heart because it has been the single place I've gotten together with Maya, to have unsweetened flavored iced tea and a very long chat. When we meet there for prayer and discussion in the evenings, we are always the last to leave. [And the staff, to their credit, has always been the epitome of gracious about our late presence] There are times I feel like carving a miniscule "Ashley Was Here" in the perfectly distressed bathroom wall; somehow, it just seems like it would be fitting.

Then some days, like this past Saturday, we have the foresight and opportunity to meet in the morning or early afternoon. It's a different feel, for sure...no live music or wine tastings, more high school students and families. Though even at noon, they still go through the cafe offering small samples of wine, proving all over again just how fabulous their establishment is. And the people around and the small noticeable void of local entertainment really do not matter, as long as my dear friend is there to laugh, cry, converse and pray with. And as long as they have means to provide me with a large unsweetened flavored iced tea.