On a corner of the town square in Pella, Iowa, Smokey Row coffeehouse. Here you’ll find “good coffee and good people,” just as the store’s motto suggests. A great place to study, read, or simply catch up with an old friend, the Row is a popular gathering place for “Pellicans.” As a weekend barista, I have… Read More
The Super Secret Menu of a Weekend Barista
In my hours as a weekend barista brewing and steaming and stirring, I’ve made oodles of variations of drinks and foods for customers and friends, not to mention all of the items I have concocted to delight my own taste buds. Do you trust me? Check out my top-rated orders at Pella’s Smokey Row. Many… Read More
Live Life Laughing
A contest between church choirs is a battle of the choral see. Weight loss pills lost this morning—police say suspects are still at large. more at: http://www.puns-of-the-day.com Mother: “Are you talking back to me?!” Son: “Well yeah, that’s kinda how communication works.” more at: http://www.laughfactory.com/jokes/family-jokes/3#sthash.EKAV31cc.dpuf Quote about humor: “Life is too important to take seriously.”… Read More
Life’s a Daily Ditty
The song was clear this week, a Smokey Row refrain chirping its tune day after day. Working as a barista in the early morning hours, studying in a booth until they kick me out to close, and writing inside these walls this week, I am inspired to share with you this beautiful piece of music:… Read More
A Caffeine Junky’s Guide to Jitter Juice
You know the feeling: warm coffee slides down your throat; diminishing the pre-caffeine headache that has become a daily adversary. Sweet, precious, amazing relief. It tastes even better. But have you ever wondered what goes into your favorite coffee drink? Whether your choice is a simple black mug of dark roast or a creamy caramel… Read More
Best Adoption Ever!
Who are you? I’m not asking for your name. Nor am I asking what you do for a living. Do you know who you are? This is an essential question, because your words, feelings, and actions come out of your beliefs. Who you believe you are affects everything. Your behavior doesn’t determine your identity. Your mistakes, failures, and… Read More
Do the Barista Dance
Even before I became a barista at Pella, Iowa’s, Smokey Row, I had a passion for coffee. A born addict, I like to call myself. Every time I ordered a drink, I would attempt to interpret the secret dance of the barista as she tamped, poured, creamed, and flavored to the rhythm of the steamer.… Read More
Kathleen S Evenhouse 