I stopped into a coffee shop on the lower east side this morning. There was nothing particularly special about it – just a warm clean spot where my 12yr old could use the bathroom while I got a latte and hot chocolate for us to go.
We had just finished walking over the Brooklyn Bridge on a crisp March morning, so I passed the time checking out the photos on my phone while I waited for my daughter and the drinks.
That single cup of joe might have just changed my life.
I walked over to where the sugar was and took the lid off. There was a heart drawn in the foam.
In a no name cafe, on some side street just above Chinatown, some grungy looking dude in his late 20s took the time to create a heart on my drink as he poured the foam. It was stunning.
I showed my daughter and she said, “Doesn’t he know your married?” i laughed and explained to her that the heart wasn’t for me. The coffee guy did it for himself. He takes pride in his work. He is creating art.
Of course it made me feel great but the real gift is it made me think. I took a sip and wondered where in my life could I take a little more pride in how I do my work? Where in my life could I turn the mundane into a masterpiece?
My daughter and I thanked the guy and stepped back into the crisp March morning to keep walking uptown.
She has a book report due this week so I asked her how it was coming along. She replied, “Well, I thought I was done but I just realized I haven’t put the heart on it yet.”
Mel, this is what life is about every day: creating art for the sake of its creation. Pouring love (pun intended) into everything we do. Absolutely adore your daughter’s comment: may we all remember to put the heart on it. Kaarina
This really made me think about my own life, my own work, and if I’m putting hearts on things. Great entry.
Great article, Mel.
I’m doing a series on customer service and I’m astounded by those who take the initiative to make this a better world one person at a time (much like your coffee baritone-ista did) than the norm – which doesn’t look like customer service at all.
Thank you for sharing this.
John
Feel free to use the story and the photo, John! Good luck with it!
Mel – love, love, love this. I have enjoyed following your NY journey with your daughter on twitter, but this post takes the cake. I absolutely adore the message, and that your daughter picked up on it. I am going to share with my boys….maybe my older son will put a little more heart in his Lang. Arts project. Rachel
Great story and so true. It’s a great example of being who you really are. Most people don’t take the time to notice something special.
Your piece is spot on! The folks at Peets Coffe in Coolidge Corner know I LOOOOVE the hearts. It cracks them up when I tell them it makes my day.
p.s. There is also Guiness artwork done in foam. Pretty cool.
That I’d like to see – send me a photo sometime!
Mel, although I coach 3 youth sports, I always tell my kids that I’m there to teach them how to succeed in life first, and in sports second. Thanks for sharing. Integrity is not what you do when people are watching, but what you do when no one is around. This man probably won’t get a raise because of this heart, but he has made the world a better place to be.
It is always great to receive a kind gesture. It is even better when it is done unexpectedly by a total stranger. It kind of gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling. It also makes me think of a way I could pay it forward.
What a treat! I hope his parents are proud of the fine young man they raised. Children learn by our example. I can only hope my boys will be remembered for the little things that make people smile!!
I love this one! I love that your daughter got the message. It also makes me think for new biz ideas for coffee.
I decided a few years ago that people rarely hear the good stuff. So whenever I can I stop and share with the person behind the counter or the librarian or the police officer walking the street what I appreciate about what they’ve done. A little things that means so much. That’s my heart in their foam. Great post!
Great story! Gotta go back for the barista skills – glad your daughter could learn something from your foam!
I have just recently joined in as a 96.9 listener and I have to say you are an inspiration to me. I get you. Your blogs have actually brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. I highly respect your raw honesty, both on your radio show, and in your written words. I always say, I’d rather have somebody tell me to go pound sand then to smile dishonestly in my face. Phonies drive me bananas! Integrity means so much to me. I can’t wait to read your book and I really can’t wait to tune into In-laws. I am counting the minutes. I have a crazy in-law situation myself. GOOD GOOD LUCK.
That post left a lump in my throat. Awesome Mel. I used to just be a listener of your saturday show on WTKK in Boston, who enjoyed your no nonsense way of looking at things. Now, I’m a big fan!
I’m a barista and you totally hit it on the head there. I make latte art for myself, because I like to create, but also to put a smile on someone’s face. When people appreciate it, my day is also made. You would clearly enjoy: http://latteart.tumblr.com/ Thanks Mel!
Mel,
I continue to listen to your stories and find that your outlook on life is just the way I like to live. I have been in customer service my whole life, hopefully making a difference. The best is your daughter picking up the qualities this young man has.
Absolutely loved that story…..what a lift……..and to Victoria, thanks so much for that site! How sweet was that? Thanks! Good fuzzy feeling here!
Wonderful post. A great example of one of life’s little treasures waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. It’s a good reminder to be on the lookout. Life can be magical if we look and listen for it. Thanks so much for sharing !