And this month's topic and co-host will not disappoint.
This lady has gone from inspiring blogger to amazing blogging friend. Even though we live on opposite coasts, we've bonded over photography, writing (this girl has a definite knack for writing!), and life. Yep, I need to meet this girl someday.
But I'm going to let her introduce herself and let her steal the spotlight for a bit. So without further adieu, meet Amy:
i'm a southern girl who loves Jesus, sweet tea, rock music, and books.
i have an unhealthy obsession with hummus and chai tea, and am known to make random noises at the most inappropriate times. i believe life is all about bringing glory to God and living a life on mission full of adventure.
Yep, this girl and I have to meet someday. Which (sort of) leads me to this month's topic...
So what's this coffee date all about?
Well, we just really want to get to know you better! We've each come up with a few questions that we'd love you to answer and we're excited to connect and share coffee (or hot chocolate!) with each of you.
So grab a button, copy/paste the questions below, and add your link, too. Don't forget to check out Amy's post, too! We're excited to meet up with each and every you--even if we're hundreds of thousands of miles apart.
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| photo taken by Roey Ahram via Flickr. |
1. Where are you seated (near the counter, near the window, near the door, against the wall, etc.)? I'm an introvert at heart so I've chosen a corner table with red brick wall and a giant window up against our table. Perfect for people-watching and it conveniently lets in dreamy soft light that illuminates the sides of our faces. It's perfect and it makes me so glad I've brought my camera, too.
2. What are you sipping/munching on? I may not be a big coffee drinker, but I love me some baked goods. I've somehow snagged the last almond poppyseed muffin and hot apple cider, too. Coffee dates aren't complete without calories, right?
3. What do you want to get off your chest first (can be as deep as you want)?
First of all, I'd thank you times a million that you came and that we can skip the small talk and get right into the heart-stuff (the life of an introvert!).
Even though we skipped most of the small talk, we'd exchange questions about how we're doing. I'd ask you, you'd ask me, and I'd stop before responding. I'd say good at first and you'd look at me, knowing that good isn't always good.
I'm more okay. I'm content. I'm happy.
But I still have hard days and I've been doing a lot of thinking about myself. Lots of internalization of my thoughts and tendencies. That I still often live in fear even after living a year trying to be bold. That I over-think everything and that maybe this is just one of those times.
I'd sip on my cider, pick on my muffin and let it all sink in. Thankful for our time together and grateful for your listening ear, I'd smile and remember that that's what friends are for. And I'm glad you're one of them.
Even though we skipped most of the small talk, we'd exchange questions about how we're doing. I'd ask you, you'd ask me, and I'd stop before responding. I'd say good at first and you'd look at me, knowing that good isn't always good.
I'm more okay. I'm content. I'm happy.
But I still have hard days and I've been doing a lot of thinking about myself. Lots of internalization of my thoughts and tendencies. That I still often live in fear even after living a year trying to be bold. That I over-think everything and that maybe this is just one of those times.
I'd sip on my cider, pick on my muffin and let it all sink in. Thankful for our time together and grateful for your listening ear, I'd smile and remember that that's what friends are for. And I'm glad you're one of them.
4. If you could choose anyone (besides us of course) who would you have a coffee with?
I would love to have a coffee date with each and every one of my blog friends. I'm not so great with big groups, but one-on-one? Yes, please.
5. What is inspiring you lately?
Writing and photography. Writing about teaching (like this girl!), writing fiction (like Amy!), and writing about life in general. The idea that letters form words which form sentences that can change our souls? Yep, writing is what's inspiring me lately.
6. What are your plans after coffee?
Work, work, work. Even though I tend to use my lunch breaks as a recharging time (aka alone time), I so valued this coffee date and am left more refreshed than I ever thought. At the end of our coffee date, I'd hope we'd exchange hugs and take a few photos, too. Because every meet-up requires photos these days, right?
So grab your cup of coffee and tell us, how's life been treating you lately? And if you're hip and instagram and tweet, feel free to use hashtag #thecirclelinkup!
Yay, this is wonderful!! I can't wait to work on this and have a cup of coffee (although, truth be told, I'll probably be sippin' on a cup of tea myself) with all the fantastic ladies who will be linking up!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to have a coffee date with you! I love reading your posts and cannot wait to sit down and "chat" with you and get caught up on your life! :)
Delete+ ah - I love the spot you chose!
ReplyDelete+ hot apple cider + a poppy seed muffin - be still my heart! haha girl you are right, coffee dates = calories, but all the talking we do sure does burn them up right?
+ hmmm overthinking. man does the woman mind/heart do that often or what? I think you've done a fabulous job with being bold - fear is such a constant thing you know? you're conquering it though, in small pieces, in different situations, you're getting the best of it. and remember - you are YOU, not someone else's version of brave, YOUR version of brave.
+ hmmm yes, writing (you're too kind!). I love people's stories - real or fiction, loving or sorrow, there is something we glean from each - that, as you said, changes our souls.
<3
great post kiki!
Ahhh, I'm so glad you liked my location! I always see so many great coffee shop photos on Pinterest and had to combine them with a few of the coffee shops in my city to make them into one perfect one, haha.
DeleteAnyway, yes chatting definitely burns calories. Definitely. Plus, it's not a true coffee date without good food!
Haha, yes, over-thinking is a female thing. I think way too much way too often and I know for a fact that even though I'm quiet sometimes, my mind is ALWAYS going. Always. :)
And thanks for those kind words. I too often judge myself based on what I've done and then dock off points when I don't do something, you know? It might be the teacher in me or something, I don't know. But thank you for those words. They seriously mean a lot (even though I obviously cannot express it!).
Lastly, stories definitely change souls. That's one of my most favorite parts of writing. :)
Excited to read yours!!!
As soon as I saw this post, I sat my butt down and started participating!
ReplyDeleteFear is such a deadly thing. I'm struggling with it myself. It's so encouraging to read your confessions, Kiki.
And goodness, wouldn't it be amazing to do coffee dates with blog friends? Skype + coffee in your favorite mug + book club or writing critiques. Once the shyness in me moves past the stress of bringing myself to do something like that, I'm all over it. ;)
UH YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Christina I love that idea (Skype + coffee + pouring over some new thoughts/ideas/critiques/etc) ...so when can we make it happen?!
DeleteOh my gosh you are making this real!! :) Seriously, though, this would be pretty much awesome.
DeleteSo I agree with both of y'all. This Skype coffee date NEEDS to happen. Although, Skype and I have a love/hate relationship. And I'm pretty much the same as you, Christina, I need to get past my Skype shyness! :)
Deletehow fun!!! can't wait to virtually grab a cup with you guys! :) i would be sitting in the same spot as you! thanks for the wonderful conversation!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to, too! :) Isn't a great spot for a coffee date? Perfect for people watching, conversation, and sweet treats, too. :)
DeleteSkipping small talk is probably my favorite thing to do. :)
ReplyDeleteSAME. Same, same, same. Small talk makes me squirm. :)
DeleteThis is such a great idea! I'm excited to join in (although, I hope it's not too late!). Is there a deadline?
ReplyDeleteNo, no deadline at all! Well, actually, the link-up closes at the end of this month, so I guess you technically have two-ish weeks? :) I can't wait to see have a coffee date with you, Jenna! :)
Delete"The idea that letters form words which form sentences that can leave change our souls?"
ReplyDelete^^^ This line. So true and so good!
Okay, do you and Amy realize how PERFECT this link-up is? I LOVE this topic. Only, naturally, since I work in a coffee shop! :)
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this.
:)
Yay, I'm glad you're going to link-up! I cannot wait for our coffee date. :) And how could I forget about your mad barista skills? Seriously, I cannot believe I forgot about that little detail when I wrote this post and Amy and I were brainstorming topics.
DeleteAlso, I'm glad you share my amazement for letters --> words --> sentences --> stories. We actually went over this with the little kids at work and when I took a moment and realized how easily I take writing/reading for granted, I was left in awe of how amazing it is. It's crazy how much you learn from kids, right?
best!!!! i need to get on this now!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes you do! :) Cannot wait for our coffee date!
DeleteI'm cheating! Because I really want to do this, but probably won't be able to do a post.
ReplyDelete1. Near a window in the corner. I love the natural lighting, but appreciate privacy.
2. Salted Caramel Mocha frappuccino or tea.
3. The short version... lots of life stuff brewen for the Kakacs. God is Good!
4. I love having coffee with long time friends or new friends! It's the perfect opportunity to catch up and learn more about each other.
5. Haute Couture, for reals.
6. If I'm out for coffee that usually means I've taken an afternoon off, which means movies!
Cheating? I don't know, I might have to take you off my blog friends list now, haha. Just kidding, this way of participating is almost more coffee date like, so you get extra points for that one. :)
DeleteAnyway, I love the corner idea, too. Natural light + privacy? THE BEST.
And I agree, coffee with new and old friends alike is always a good idea. You need to have something yummy to sip/snack on when you're processing what one person has said or what you'll say next, right?
Also, movies after a coffee date? Sounds lovely to me!
I would love to go on a coffee date with you!
ReplyDeleteAlso, skipping small talk- so my kinda thing. I love heart to hearts.
Same!! And I agree, skipping small talk is the best. Even though I'm on the quiet side and take a minute or two to warm up to conversations, heart to hearts are where it's at. Small talk is so overrated, right? :)
Deletealso, i would love to have coffee with you!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I would LOOOOOVE to have coffee with you, too! :)
DeleteI stumbled across this from Moons and Junes, and holy heck its cute! I can't wait to be a part of it!
ReplyDeleteHi Tillie! First of all, thank you so much! :) I'm so glad you've stopped by and think it's pretty cute. I like to think the same myself, haha. :) I can't wait to meet you and get to know you better over this coffee date of sorts!
Deletehooray hooray! Tillie! join us! :-*
Delete