Coffee Blog

Coffee & Companionship

Writing Sparkle

“Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts.” – Unknown

To say that this week has been a rough one would be an understatement. I was working on this post earlier in the week with my precious Willow laying at my feet. I am finishing this post without her. Her death was very much unexpected and it has left a torrent of grief. My youngest son keeps asking to watch heaven. He has become so insistent on seeing Willow in heaven that he has started to bring me random DVD’s asking me if she is on this one. Each time he asks it opens the wound new.

Willow with love

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not weakness, but power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” – Washington Irving

The bitter scent rising from my coffee cup is deceiving because it really is a light bold coffee. The taste is buttery and smooth with subtle hints of caramel. Top this blend off with the slight hint of sweeter, whatever kind you use, and it travels across the palate beautifully.

As I am sitting here sipping I am admiring my new plant. It has several thin stalks reaching up from the damp soil. It has the kind of rubber looking leaves that at first glance make you wonder if it is real or a plastic plant. However, this one is real. It has a few light brown, almost tan, bean shaped objects cracking off of new leave shoots around the bottom of the foliage. I was instantly mesmerized by this plant in a small silver bucket marked “Quality Premium COFFEE.” My new coffee plant has been something of a conversation piece this last few weeks.

This little plant will eventually reach about 5 feet because it will be grown indoors. If we lived in a tropical climate it could reach 10 feet outside. Anyway, in 4 to 6 years this fascinating little shrub will produce coffee beans.

If we were having coffee I would tell you that I just had a short piece of non-fiction accepted for publication in The Quarterly. My piece will be coming out in their summer edition. The Quarterly is the magazine of RCMP Veteran’s Association and it has been around since 1933. I am very excited about a piece of my writing being included in their magazine.

With news on the writing front covered, I would also share with you that my youngest son turned 4. The coffee cups are piling up, or should I say that the time is flying by. Age 3 was a challenge. I am curious to see what year 4 will bring because it has certainly come in like a lion. On that note, I am lead back to writing. This “in like a lion” idea brought a new writing inspiration to me and I am working on a short piece inspired by “my wild child.” I’ll will keep you posted on that item.

I can feel a chill starting to creep into the last few sips of my coffee. I would like to finish this cup without having to put it in the microwave 9 thousand times so I am going to turn the coffee pot over to you to hold. What is your coffee news?

By Shari Marshall – 2017

8 thoughts on “Coffee & Companionship”

  2. My heart hurts for you Shari – I have it in my heart that Willow and Stan are running together 🙂

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    1. Thank you for the kind words. I was sent this little poem as a condolence:

      Just this side of heaven is a beautiful place called “The Rainbow Bridge”.

      When a beloved pet dies, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.
      It is a land of meadows, hills and colorful
      valleys with lush green grass.
      There is always plenty of food, water and sunshine
      and our little friends are warm and comfortable.

      There all the animals who had been ill and old
      are young again, restored to health and vigor.
      Those who have been hurt or maimed are made whole and strong.
      The animals play all day and are happy and content
      but there is one thing missing.
      They each miss someone who they left behind.

      Someone very special who loved and cared for them on earth.
      Then the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up.
      The bright eyes are intent and the body quivers with excitement.
      Suddenly that one runs away from the group
      flying over the green grass, running faster and faster.

      You have been spotted.
      And when you and your special friend meet again,
      you take them in your arms and embrace.
      Happy kisses rain upon your face. Your hands caress your beloved friend.
      You look once more into the trusting eyes of your faithful pet.

      And then together you cross over “The Rainbow Bridge” into heaven

      ….. Never to be separated again.

      Author Unknown

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  3. I’m sorry for the loss of your pet ((hugs)). My little boy’s dog passed suddenly when he was 5, and it was heartbreaking on many levels.

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    1. Thank you. It is so sad to lose them, they are such wonderful friends. My son told me this morning that a person lives longer if they have a dog. I’m not where he came up with that, and I think he was leaning more to how that kind of friend and love enriches a person life. It’s hard on the kids…

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  4. Ah, I am sad to hear about Willow. What a beautiful friend you have had. I truly think that dogs are the best friend a human can ever have. They are the most compassionate and warm creatures imaginable. And though my own left us many years ago, he is always in my heart, and never really leaves because I have his love with me always. Sending love. Xx

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