Finding your Workspace in a Sea of Neon- The Value of a Coffeeshop and its Reflection of a Community

Sad to say, I have returned to the land of neon and consumption.  Its bittersweet really, I’m with my mom and my dog, so I really have nothing to complain about.  But once I leave the little bubble of my mother’s home, I’m thrust into this daunting world of neon, big box stores, Wings and Eagles “everything here is made in China and you really don’t need it” stores and a plethora of fast food joints.  I am in Myrtle Beach and they don’t call it the “Redneck Riviera” for nothing.

So true!

After 4 days of searching in vain for a spot to work that meets my requirements, quiet- but not silent, has a sprinkling of character, locally owned, has decent espresso and is within a 5 mile radius of my current dwelling, I believe I may have found my squatting location. (Disclaimer here- My favorite Barista is probably reading this and she has by far the best coffeeshop on this island, but I burn through almost a quarter of a tank of gas to get to her place- I will be working there too- but can’t afford to make it a daily occurrence-Barb, if I could afford a place in your neck of the woods- you’d see me every morning!) Granted, this new spot isn’t 5 miles away, more like 8-10, but, its a compromise to keep my sanity.

On a mission this morning, I pulled up to the little house by the highway which is covered by artwork. I open my truck door and was greeted by a lovely older dog who seemed to say, “hello, welcome.” I opened the door to the shop and was greeted by another furry friend, a beautiful weimaraner.  He checked me out and said “welcome, your espresso is just over here.” Now I’m sitting in this old little house, sipping on my espresso (yes, Luca, I can not function without my espresso) which is also an art cooperative.  I’m tucked away in a little room in the back and surrounded by beautiful artwork and right next to a window and the four legged friend checks on me periodically.  I think I may have found my spot. I was beginning to feel like a caged animal with no close to home coffeeshop to save my sanity.

Ahh, yes, glad we have those thumbs.

This brings me to an important point, even if it has taken three grafs to get to it.  If you’re a location independent professional or just a creative being, having your workspace is imperative. It’s not an option, its a necessity.  Like water, food and vitamins.  We must have it. And you have to know what you must have and what elements of your workspace you can compromise on when you land yourself in a non-conducive environment. Rural, southern, East Coast communities do not do espresso.  The only shops are run by folks who came from another location and brought their culture with them.  Obviously, that’s not a universal statement, but just my observation from living in communities like this for many years.  When you know you are entering an unfriendly work environment, what do you do?

Compromise. I know I have to have people milling about and socializing in order for me to be creative when working at a coffeeshop (also highly-recommended are a pair of quality, noise-canceling headphones.  Helps turn any noisy establishment into your private writing studio).  I’ve tried libraries, I really have, but there’s something so sterile and controlled about these workplaces that just doesn’t stir the creative juju. In an act of desperation, I went to the local library yesterday, took one look around and walked out.  Not an ounce of beauty, serenity or even comfortable workspaces.  But, I ventured over to the Atlanta Bread Company and accomplished some meaningful, paying, work while watching people order bagels all day.  I normally don’t work in places like this, but I had to compromise or miss a few deadlines.

Character.  A place must have character.  Some artwork on the walls, comfortable furniture that reflects the owner’s tastes, dogs, a good color palette and some decent lighting.  Ambiance is a necessity. Prior to my friend purchasing the coffeeshop in the next town, the owners had decorated the walls with overt religious symbols and played christian music all day long.  While I feel we all have the right to whatever religion floats our boat, I got the heebie-jeebies every time I went there and had to sit at the table underneath the concrete ten commandments.  I had to do a mental check and be sure I’d been a decent human being that morning so those damn tablets wouldn’t fall onto my table and crush my computer. The irony would have been well received though.  My friend took over, painted the walls and added her own personal touch.  And while she is a woman of faith, she created an environment that is calming and welcome to all.  Thanks lady!

While on the topic of character, sometimes, the character can just be the people who frequent the coffeeshop.  While in Richmond, I spent many an hour at this fabulous coffeeshop in the city and the regulars were wonderful.  A group of 4-6 men would gather everyday, sit on the porch and read the paper, debate the headlines and talk about their latest endeavors.  After some time, they welcomed me into their circle and I would spend my mornings listening to their conversations.  Fascinating.  My recent espresso office in Quartzsite had a slew of characters.  Granted, the building had lots of character- I mean, if you were over 100 years old, you’d have character too.  But it was not your ideal urban coffee establishment- the espresso came in a packet and hold onto your hats if you order a cappuccino.  But the people were wonderful.  They had drama, they had a bone to pick with each other, they had children and lovers wearing guns wandering about and the occasional soap opera would be on the TV some afternoons.  They had character, which made going there an interesting endeavor.  I never knew what I would find when I walked up to the front door, new friends, crazy drunk musicians or shiny new Airstreams.  Random is wonderful.

Quality Drinks.  Yep, this is a big one.  Having quality espresso is a must, I drink it straight, so it can’t taste like ass.  Now, sometimes I’ll compromise on this, if I have to, but it is imperative.  I need that jolt of espresso to get my fingers flying over the keyboard.  I enjoy that burst of energy that creates the words I publish. (Ask a friend about those novel length emails that happen after my morning espresso- hilarious) And, for those times when I need to drag out the caffeine wave, a quality, yummy soy latte is a god-send.  During the walkabout, spending time in the Northwest was this coffeeshop hound’s wet dream.  Seriously, they have the coffee culture down to a science.  Even Walla Walla, which is not the haven of the liberal, progressive coffee culture, had an wonderful, warm coffeeshop that was filled with people at all hours.  In fact, this blog was born while sitting at the bar in that coffeeshop that faced the streets of Walla Walla.  Staring out the window is always an inspiring activity.

Community.  Coffeeshops should, in a perfect world, be the hub of a community. One of my areas of documentation is communities, and I am totally enthralled with the concept of the “Third Place”.  One of my mentors at UNC told me about the concept and recommended the book “The Great Good Place” and I have always tried to find the third place in a community to get the feel of that community’s soul. The third place refers to the community gathering locations that people incorporate in their daily lives.  The first place is home, the second place is work and the third place is the gathering spot.  Think of Cheers.  Same thing.  And I believe that the coffeeshops are a reflection of the community’s soul.  What does it say about the area I’m currently staying in that the only good coffeeshops, the only coffeeshops period, are at least a 20-30 minute drive?  Speaks volumes.

Well, I believe I’ve made my point.  If you’re a traveling professional or a vagabond artist, always know how to find your workplace and just how many compromises you’re willing to make to be in a certain location.  And, regardless of what you do and where you work, find your locally owned coffeeshop and support it.  Get to know your barista and make a personal connection over the art of caffeine.

A new workplace!