A Statement on the Human Condition



Photo by Krankie's Airstream. See
the original in all its museum-
quality artsy-ness on Facebook.

 Looking at this photo by Krankie's Airstream made me think about how great life is in North Carolina. We drive cars. We buy freshly roasted coffee that someone brews for us. We don't have to get out of our cars for it. We pay cash money and have enough left for a tip. The barista smiles and genuinely wants us to have a nice day.

Sure, not everyone in the Triad has a car or the disposable income for a $2 cup of coffee. Not everyone drives on beautiful Reynolda Road to work every day. Heck, not everyone even has a job to drive to.

But, if you're a coffee shop fan and a fan of this blog, chances are, you're doing OK. We don't live in a war-torn country or a dictatorship. We don't live in an impoverished land that's been stripped of its natural resources and devastated by an earthquake. We live in a community that's prosperous enough to help those among us who aren't.

If you have any doubts how lucky we are, take a look at the Winston-Salem Foundation's annual report. Much more than a year-end financial statement, this report showcases the amazing generosity of our city's founding families and the contemporary heroes who continue to give and sustain the legacy. Watch the video about Senior Services and Meals on Wheels on page 23. Do you see the preschooler pushing a cart of food? What a kid! What a mom to introduce him to giving at this age.

If you think you've had a rough day or things aren't going so well for you, stop thinking! Start looking! Look for the generosity that's all around us. Savor the luxuries we take for granted, like hot chocolate made with real milk and Ghirardelli chocolate (thank you, Coffee XChange!). And thanks to our Triad Coffee Shops and Smitty's Notes for reminding us how good we have it around here!

Back to School

Coffee shop fans can feel good about spending money at Triad Coffee Shops. Sure, it costs more than brewing coffee at home. Yes, the economy is tough. But the benefits of your coffee shop coin reach far beyond a mere caffeine fix. 

Now that school is back in session, it's a good time to recognize the students who work at coffee shops. Many coffee shops rely on high school and college students to work nights and weekends. These student baristas work hard at serving customers and, when business is slow, they can snatch a few minutes to do homework.

Your coffee money helps create jobs that benefit not only the small business owners, but the students they employ. Your tips help even more! So, although we may never be able to endow a scholarship, coffee shop fans are helping students pay for their education and earn valuable real-world experience in pleasant surroundings.

You never know -- your local barista may someday be your child's teacher, an Oscar-winning producer, a biomedical engineer, or owner of your favorite coffee shop. Wow, think of the possibilities -- and remember this post when you're standing by the tip jar waiting for your drink. (hint, hint)

Have a great school year, everyone!