Eric's Outstanding...

I’m sitting in a coffee shop called ‘Gypsy House’ in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They do it the old fashion way, which is not only charming, but also very delicious. They gave me the shot of espresso, the small tin cup of water, and a little spoon to stir. I picked up a conversation with the barista behind the counter about the coffee shop and she said it has been around for over a decade. “The place has had its ups and downs, depending on the year”, she goes on to say. She also told me she had Starbucks for the first time ever last Monday. She thought it was revolting. I laughed.

Tour is interesting. I get to see many places I wouldn’t ordinarily see. I’ve also been talking a lot more to the people that I meet along the way, which has made this experience much more fascinating. Whether it is the gas station clerk in Alabama, the trucker in Mississippi, or even the barista in Tulsa, everyone has a story and something to say. Everyone is truly unique in his or her own way. It’s funny to think that it would be so easy just to pass along in life, from a to b, this to that, and ignore all of the beautiful things and people around you. I could probably point my finger at myself in that respect. And it’s so sad to think I’ve held my tongue so often and avoided such a wonderful thing, that is, to speak to a complete stranger. We’re all so lucky to have the opportunity to form relationships with people who aren’t like us; someone with different ideals, motives, morals, beliefs, anything really.

I suppose it took time for me to grow up and realize this. I think I’m going through a period of self-discovery as well. My own self-fulfillment is important, sure, but I can think of 1,000 other things that are more important. So by that, I ask you to slow down. Take a breather. Realize that you’re not any more important than the bum begging for your change. So talk to him or her. Take baby steps if you must. Do it for yourself.

Well, I just finished my cup of espresso. The barista said she’d give me another shot for the show tonight. Thank you ma’am and cheers to you and your coffee shop.