The Place: Fabricker (running a business is a big job so we opted to meet in the store so April could chat with me and her customers at the same time). Smart! The Cup: I popped in to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on my way to April’s shop and grabbed her a double espresso with cream […]
Author: Melissa
"You will be the same person in five years as you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet." Charlie "Tremendous" Jones said that and I have taken it to heart.
In an attempt to not just be different, but to be better in five years, I learn life lessons from strangers by interviewing them over coffee. Once a week, I sit down with a total stranger to hear their story. I hope you enjoy reading about it as much as enjoy talking to these incredible people.
Everyone has a story! Talk to strangers and your life will never be the same.
Cup 14: Chris Perez – Gifted photographer, adventure seeker and expert on all things Austin cool
The Place: Cenote on East Cesar Chavez The Cup: Recall last week when I vowed to do two things. Make sure to figure out what my companion was drinking and try a new drink. Done and done! Chris and I walked in within seconds of one another and I asked him as we stood in […]
Cup 13: Maruxa Murphy – Former child star, engagement expert and perpetual re-inventor
The Place: Mozart’s on Lake Austin The Cup: Maruxa was busy working when I arrived and half finished with her drink, so I’m not sure. It was iced and looked like a mocha. I do know it was decaf. I enjoyed an iced coffee with the usual add ins. Two things for next time; if […]
A 30th birthday letter to my brother
Lucas Alan Johnson – Chance taker, adventure seeker and fiercely loyal friend. I remember the day you were born. Dad came to the neighbor’s house where I was being kept while you were coming into the world and said, “Well, you’re a big sister. You have a baby brother and his name is Lucas Alan.” […]
Cup 12: Marc Mapes – start-up king, co-space evangelist and dedicated family dude
The Place: Jo’s downtown The Hour: 9:00 am The Cup: Marc is an early bird and beat me to the coffee shop. His coffee was hot, that’s all I can tell you. For me, it was iced – a little creamy, a little sweet. Background: I wondered how long it would take before the people […]
Something New: Chez Zee for lunch
Today I tried a new restaurant for lunch called Chez Zee. It was pretty cool. Decent food and a fun atmosphere (for which the competition is pretty heavy in this foodie town). I enjoyed the Maytag Blueberry Salad and some refreshing hibiscus iced tea. I hear their desserts are amazing but I was with a […]
Something New: No make-up to the gym
Yep, that’s a new one for me. I realize it’s probably ridiculous to sport foundation when you are headed somewhere to sweat it off. And I am positive I’ll get a serious earful from the fabulous Jessica who takes care of my face at Hiatus Spa in Austin next time I see her. But it’s the […]
Something New: Donut from Gourdough’s
Umm, seriously…best donut ever in the whole wide world and I’m not even kidding. Had a hankering for some sweet, fried yumminess that, for me, only a donut can deliver. In an effort to be *cool*, I sent a Tweet out to my Austin pals looking for a suggestion downtown. {yes, I know about Yelp!, thanks} […]
11th Cup: Jodie Garrison – Community creator, Twitter pro and spiritual seeker
The Place: Dominican Joe’s on Riverside The Hour: 9:00 am The Cup: Half caff, black for Jodie. Pure caff, sweet and pale brown for yours truly. Background: I’ve got the sensational Diana Lowe to thank for this particular coffee. Diana introduced Jodie and I via Twitter (so hip and cool, right). The trouble is, merely having a […]
10th Cup: Jacqueline Hughes – solution seeker, creative connector and passionate entrepreneur
The Place: The Hideout on Congress The Hour: 1:00 pm The Cup: Iced latte for Jacqueline and I opted for a sugar and half and half laced iced coffee Background: If you read Cup #9, you may recall Diana who was a fellow coffee cupper inspired by a 500 cups in a year project a […]