For the Price of a Cup of Coffee

I'm starting to feel a bit like the weather girl, but it was crazy cold today. I've never been really tolerant of the cold, but since having my thyroid removed… let's just say I was extremely grateful for the milder than usual winter. And the warm spell that we'd been having the past couple of weeks truly had me spoiled.

While I've grown accustomed to the subzero temp in my office (or have at least reached a point of acceptance), the mini-breaks out of doors to warm up—as well as clear my head—were becoming a welcomed escape. But the outdoors offered no such escape today. After my morning meeting, I practically ran out to the courtyard only to discover how very deceptive sunlight can be. For about three minutes, I sat directly in the sunlight trying to soak up a little bit of warmth before deciding it just was not meant to be, so I walked the extra few feet to the campus Starbucks for something hot.

Turns out it was warm inside the conference center. Get something hot; sprint back to my office. That was the plan. But with about 20 minutes to spare (sort of) until my next meeting, why not enjoy the warmth and clear my head for my next meeting. So I settled back into one of the lounge chairs with my hot coffee and as the chill slowly started to leave my body, I suddenly heard the faint sound of music. But not your typical office building music (aka "elevator music"): old school slow jams from the 70s. What a perfect way to refresh before a meeting!

Having older brothers and an older sister who were teenagers when I was born, I was exposed to all sorts of music growing up. As PKs (preacher's kids), there was of course Gospel. But my oldest brother and older sister were also definitely Motown fans and appreciated other 60s music: Beatles, The Byrds, Joplin, The Mamas & The Papas. My other brother: definitely Motown, Beatles and 70s R&B, with a few other sounds thrown in (Hendrix's "Purple Haze" is forever burned into my brain—sorry big brother, I had to go there!).

My own musical tastes pretty much run the gamut, which I've discovered over the years either surprises, or in some instances offends. I make no apologies. My tastes change as I change, but I appreciate anything that inspires me or speaks to my heart, makes me want to dance or even makes me laugh (like Train's "Soul Sister"—how can anyone not like a song featuring a ukelele?).

So, it was definitely a mood lifter to sip my coffee to a few old school slow jams, especially when I heard this:

"Your eyes, are dark as the night.

Your skin is tender and golden brown
.
Long bronze fingers hold me oh, so tight
.
So rich in beauty, you deserve a crown.

That's why you are

My ebony princess."*

I don't think I've heard this song in about 20 years, but I used to love it. I longed for some guy to sing it to me. Such poetry would impress even Solomon, the master of verse. This song was also among one of my brother's favorites back in the day. And picturing him serenading my now sister-in-law—afro, platform shoes and all—well... I nearly spit out my coffee laughing (I am so going to owe him my second born after this post)!

A fond memory, laughter and warmth for the price of a cup of coffee.

* My Ebony Princess performed by Jimmy Briscoe & the Little Beavers (©1974-75?)