Outside of Merriweather Coffee & Kitchen, Hudson Street, NYC

If you're anything like me...

you enjoy going to cute little coffee shops where you can work, read, or simply people-watch while enjoying a nice beverage!  Well, you're in luck.  This Week's post is dedicated to the absolute loveliest coffee shop I luckily bumped into last Friday while on a lunch break from my professional development meeting.  I wasn't very hungry and it was a beautiful day, so I figured I'd take a walk. Who knew two blocks away was a place I seriously plan to revisit very often? Luck was on my side!

I walked in because the sign outside said, "It's cold brew season!" and I thought, "yes, it is! Let me get some coffee", but once I walked inside I was mesmerized by the trendy decor, the pretty open space (A good amount of seats available!), and the friendly staff.  There were many people on their laptops, so I immediately figured they offered free wifi, and last, but not least, the menu offered a decent selection of food items for a typical coffee shop.  I decided to order something and stay.  I ordered avocado toast and a detox tea, which was super tasty.  I sat down by the front door and enjoyed my meal, while I read Americanah.  The lady sitting next to me asked about my tea and we shared a few thoughts about the weather and the coffee shop.  It all felt so nice, I didn't want to go back to my meeting, but duty always calls, so I had to say goodbye to merriweather... for now.  Until next time, I guess.   

For now, here's a picture, a post, and a memory.  I'll be back soon, and if you're ever in NYC and in the area, stop by, have a latte, or a tea, and enjoy the ambience.  

Personal Book Club Selection & NYC's City Wide Book Pick 

Americanah was the book my book club chose to read in the month of January this year.  Because the book is over 500 pages and we are all working women, we agreed to read it in a three-month span.  Unfortunately, I became involved in a few projects and had to take a break from the book club, and from Americanah. 

However, the book remained on my bookshelf and often caught my eye as I walked past it coming in and out of the house, carrying grocery bags, or as I cleaned.  I knew one day I would have to pick it back up.  I knew because of several reasons.  First, I like to finish what I start. Second, after reading the first 50 pages, I was intrigued by the storyline.  

Recently, I heard that the book was chosen as NYC's City-Wide Book Pick, in an attempt from the mayor's office to encourage New Yorkers to read the same book, and perhaps to be motivated to have a conversation with a stranger on the train when they realize they're both reading the same book.  How         wonderful is that?!  Moreover, this time each of the five books recommended for selection explored the immigrant experience.  I personally think that at a time like ours, considering our current political climate, that is crucial, necessary, and special.

Thus, I have picked up the book once again and plan to make it all the way to the end this time.  I would like to invite others to read it with me and perhaps, we could begin a dialogue about the central ideas in the book.  I cannot say much about the book at the moment because I'm only on page 107, but I will share a few quotes that stood out for me as I've read so far:

"How was it possible to miss something you no longer wanted? Blaine needed what she was unable to give and she needed what he was unable to give, and she grieved this, the loss of what could have been." (p.9)

"Sometimes she worried that she as too happy.  She would sink into moodiness, and snap at Obinze, or be distant.  And her joy would become a restless thing, flapping its wings insider her, as though looking for an opening to fly away." (p.76)

"The human stories that matter are those that endure." (p.84)

It all started when...

A great friend of mine FaceTimed me and said, "Kweeen, you need to watch this new show on HBO called Insecure!"  He didn't say much more because he didn't want to ruin the show for me, and he didn't need to.  I was interested in watching the show simply by the way he said, "KaWeeen!"  As expected, I loved the show.  If you haven't watched the show, you need to.  Like seriously, stop reading this and go watch it. Besides it being extremely well-written, funny, and witty, what makes it a breath of fresh air is that it's a portrayal of real life, every-day circumstances for young women of color.  For me, It shows a perspective of how we (women) deal with societal expectations, balance our careers and social lives, and interact with the people we love (friendships/relationships). Annnddddd the characters are strong and smart, but not perfect.  They show an accurate depiction of your modern day Black or Brown woman.  

Anyhow, after watching the show, I became an Issa Rae fan and was craving to know more about this creative woman who writes and stars in this show that so captivated me.  This is what led to the purchasing and reading of The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.  What better time than spring break to grab a good book to read?! You can find the book at your neighborhood bookstore in the comedy - essays section.  The book is a quick read, funny, and interesting. The essays delve into the types of themes popular in coming of age stories. Issa Rae examines how she became the person she is and shows readers her journey through life by discussing the importance of her name, her hair, her perceptions, and her relationship with her parents.  She also shares the choices she made in love and in her career revealing a woman that's seems so familiar. After reading her book, I feel like I've known so many Issa Rae's.  Many of her essays showed a reflection of me.  I think what I liked most about it was how much so many other people could relate to her story.  It reminded me how united we could all be if we remember the universal experiences of life and how much we all have in common.