The days were getting longer and hotter as summer approaches. We do not have a real summer per se, since we live in the Caribbean where hot, sunny days are always on the menu, but there is a time — close to when the hurricanes start making their presence felt, when the days get really, really hot and if it wasn’t for those constant North-East Trade Winds that bring a cooling breeze to our heated bodies, Caribbean living would not have been as pleasant as it is.
I gathered my paint stuff, maybe I would paint a piece, or perhaps I would write a couple of stories. I wasn’t sure which, and it really didn’t matter, but first, since it was Sunday and the weekend, I was going to have my one cup of coffee.
Filling my Moka pot with water and adding grounds to the pan, I soon had it on the stove. I poured some milk into my favourite mug — oat milk or some other substitute since lactose and certain parts of my anatomy were not on friendly terms. I added some spices — a dash of cinnamon, a pinch of ground cloves and nutmeg, and for added measure a bit of allspice. A bottle of bay leaves looked at me from among the other spices and whispered, “please pick me too..” I hesitated. I wasn’t sure that I wanted bay leaf in my coffee. It reminded me of my youth when my mother, when all the mothers in these parts, would make porridge from either oats or cornmeal and would add a whole or two bay leaves in the preparation. I didn’t like it too much. The flavour was distinctive and could be a bit overpowering if you actually got a leaf in your bowl.
Nevertheless, the urge to add it was there this morning, I did not know if it was because the spice had so nicely asked or if my Inner Self had something in store for me. I tapped in just a little bit and watching the green powder swirl on the top of the milk.
By this time the scent of the coffee had filled my tiny kitchen, ready for me. I poured the brewed deliciousness into the mug and then popped it in the microwave to warm.
Ninety seconds goes by very slowly when you are watching the clock so I made myself busy by arranging my painting space to catch the breeze just so, while still providing enough room for my five dogs to gather around. They knew that a scratch or two was in the making for them.
Ding! The microwave sounded. I made my way back to the kitchen and removed my mug and tasted my brew.
I felt a rush. It went from my tongue to my brain then down to my nether region lighting up my energy centers en route. I groaned in orgasmic pleasure. I really enjoy a cup of coffee but this one was extra delicious. I wrapped my arms around my body and rocked slowly, enjoying the feel of the moment — of the nowness. Time stopped, or so it felt, there was nothing else that existed. Talk about reveling in the moment and enjoying the bliss of it all!
After the sensation had subsided, I turned slowly to looked up at the shelf where the bottle of bay leaf rested. I had to focus a bit — my eyes were somewhat glazed over but I kid you not, that little container with its green powdered contents was sitting there winking at me.