The Wandering Gypsy

Its these few rare moments of bliss I never write. I don't think I've ever written an entry about myself or my life that wasn't full of stress and anxiety. Sure, its there. But this time, I'm going to tell you about my dream.

Ever since I was in elementary school, its been my dream to own and operate my very own slice of the world. My very own coffeehouse. I'm not too good with description, so bear with me here.

I'm envisioning a great place to just...chill out. Do homework, relax after work, meet people and have a good time. Somewhere that doesn't adhere to the cookie-cutter coffeehouse look. Small tables, a big comfy couch, a couple of super comfy chairs. People will want to kick back and relax.

Of course, the real business is coffee. I'll be selling all organic, fair trade coffees, perfectly roasted espressos (which will be eventually roasted in-house). I won't have all of this frou-frou latte business. Sure, lattes are delicious. No, they're not good with eight different syrups in them. There's always the classics though. Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, Almond, Mocha. I really think that's all a person needs. All espresso will be pulled by hand on a well loved machine. Those kicking back in the cafe will also be able to enjoy some latte art as well. For those warm summers, how about that latte on ice? Or perhaps, a fresh smoothie of my own creation? None of these "frappuchinos". Oh, and if you want that smoothie in a soy base, no problem. Maybe you'd like an Italian soda?

Want to enjoy some food with your drink? I'll have fresh baked pastries for you to choose from. Certain coffees really do taste excellent with certain foods, and I'll definitely be providing that experience. I don't believe anybody can really call their pastries "fresh" when they come from a freezer, after travelling who knows how many miles from some bakery who knows where. All pastries will be either baked in-house, or from a local provider. By local, I mean in the same zip code, not the same state. Vegan options will be included.

Everyone enjoys music while they relax/socialize/work. I'd love to have culturally diverse music to share with everyone. Music from all over the world, as well as diverse styles of music from right here. There will be a small performance area for local musicians to gain exposure, as well as poetry readings.

I'm envisioning a bookshelf full of books for sale. Not novels or mainstream readings, but local authors looking for a place to spread their words. Maybe not so local authors that still have wonderful words to spread. Poetry books, political books, books with a message.

Do you like that painting on the wall? Someone from this town painted it. Like that little statue? A girl across the way from me sculpted it. I'll display as much local art as I can, offering a place for artists to not only gain exposure, but to sell their works as well.

I see a place in the community where everyone knows everyone's name. Whether you're grabbing your morning up of coffee on the way to work, or sitting in the late afternoon sunshine working on a midterm paper, I'll know who you are. People will gather here, and come to love the space I've created for them to be themselves.

That is my dream. I'll make this happen someday. Just you watch. Look for a little indie place in West Allis called simply "The Wandering Gypsy".