I'm just a girl that loves to dish the dirt on pop culture while sipping delicious coffee and listening to good tunes! Join me on this rollercoaster we call life filled with happy thoughts, drama, emo nights, sleepless nights, randomness, pop culture and more. Podcast on Spotify & Follow me on Instagram. (@musicloveandcoffee)
There has been a sudden change in plans for today. The weather has decided it wants to play hard ball and give us a little rain this evening. This means… our evening tour is cancelled and moved to a different day, it’s going to be a very slow day at the shop, and I will get to close at 7pm tonight instead of gettin home after 10pm. So it’s going to be an afternoon of chillaxin’ here at the shop and the most exciting thing that may happen down here is watching the skateboarders fly around the sidewalks. I gotta figure out what to do with my time because this may be a very long 3 hours. Although it sucks for business, I do love this kind of weather. It’s my favorite actually. When the sun goes down it’s going to be awesome out and it will feel a little like fall.
I can see the wind picking up a bit and it just makes me happy. I’d be happy with light rain, the kind you can walk around in, and some good lightening and thunder. Although my one cat is terrified of thunder, the other one loves sitting in my window and watching the storms. When I was in my late teens and early 20’s, I would just get something to drink and go find an dimly lit and empty parking lot, turn on some good tunes, recline my seat back a bit and just enjoy the lightening. It was such an endorphin boost! Maybe I’ll do that this evening? Give my mind and soul a little reset and boost. That sounds fun.
Well… today I’ve already spent the late morning and early afternoon dealing with some heavy business decisions with the direction we are taking next. Plus discussing Taylor Swift’s new Encore album dropping on Friday… because that is a very important topic around here. Now… I dunno? Clean the windows? Clean out my inbox? Make content? Or just veg out, drink coffee, and chill at the front desk. A Rainy Day schedule always throws a day for a loop.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day schedule?
A WTF UPDATE:
Ok it’s 3 hours later and let me just say… what the hell weather channel? Why can’t you “weather” people pull it together?? You have a 50/50 chance of being right and you fucked it up today. We cancelled everything for tonight and it didn’t rain one drop. Why on earth did I trust you?
Damn it.
I’m too trusting and believe people at their word. Story of my life. 🙄
Ever have one day off but it’s also the only day to get stuff done?
As a small business owner, you have one day to get all the shit done around your house, grocery shopping, laundry and what not. Today I even have to make an extra trip to the pet store for cat food. But then…. It’s also the “extra” day to work on things for your business. Today I woke up early did an hour of promoting social media posts, but I also am taking the rest of the day to drive and look for things for our business, cute things for our gift shop, and so on. That’s a lot of driving and honestly … I loathe driving. That being said, I’m off to manifest good findings and looking for wall baskets, trinkets , cool finds… whatever it takes me I suppose.
So it’s a day off … but not. Can I get a day off from my day off? 🤯 😂
I’ll give you a clue to that answer. No. The answer is always No.
Somedays…I just wanna run away and join the Misfits and finally beat Jem and the Holograms.
When I was a little girl I believed that I could wish things into existence. For the most part… it usually worked. If I wanted a certain doll, a dress I saw, a certain dance class I wanted to be in, sleeping over at a friends house, things like that. Things that kids feel are important. It would happen.
As I got older, I still wished for things. Whether it be to go to a dance with a certain guy, get a great part in a play, get picked for things at school , and so on. Things that I thought were important as a teen. They would happen.
As a young adult I wished to live with my friends, get a great job that could support me (and sometimes my friends), skip the line and get into the club before others, draw the attention of someone I really liked, get the day off to go to a concert I was dying to see… it happened.
Between 23-25 things started to shake a part. Things were harder, complicated, confusing, disappointing at times. Hope would start to fade and wishing just didn’t happen like it use to. Things felt … impossible. Like the odds were stacked against me at every turn. That developed into thinking I wasn’t good enough or I didn’t deserve something. My magical little bubble popped. The vivid colors I saw started to fade to gray and i navigated through life’s ups and downs (like we all do).
When I turned 50 things shifted. I started hoping and wishing again. The fear that I had harvested throughout my adult life started to fade. Sure…. There were still ups and downs but I found myself wishing on stars, having hope , manifesting good things.
Leaning into hope really turned my life around.
Today… I sit here in a quiet room… hoping. Hoping that the good will find someone. Manifesting the very best for them.
Universe… if you could be so kind to grant me this wish. Please take whatever you need from me to grant me this wish. I’m holding on to hope with a white knuckle grip because I know what a fucking amazing human being this is. I would give up anything to see them happy, healthy, and living their very best life. Plus universe… you fucking owe him one.
What am I thinking at this moment?
That it’s amazing how the sound of someone’s voice, a good laugh, and one big hug can heal so much and calm your mind so fast. If I could hug them until they felt better, I would have stood there for days.
I’m not writing this to bring anyone down, to make anyone feel bad, or to think a certain way. Tonight , sitting in this quiet room I am left with questions I was too scared to ask, things I was too scared to say… and fighting back tears.
Do they know how much I care? Do they understand what I wouldn’t give to make them feel better? I hope they do. Because I will do everything in my power to ask the universe to pay the debt that is owed to them, that was stolen by people that don’t even deserve to be in his presence.
On Tuesday, please remind them that I will be there in spirit and they are not facing things on their own.
I know things are different, time has passed, no one is in the same place, things look different now in this stage of life. These are all facts. But… one fact remains. I will always love them dearly in any stage of life that happens and I care about them.
Sometimes I stumble on words. A lot of times I don’t say the right things. All the time… I’m fucking scared to say or do the wrong things. And for that I’m truly sorry. Words can not convey how sorry I am.
My dearest friend. I love you.
Please forgive me for my foolish stubborn heart (although it means well) doesn’t understand how to navigate through things appropriately.
I hope you know how much you mean to me and that I will be right here (even when you don’t ask or don’t want me to) fighting with you every step of the way.
Please be strong and take my love along with you.
San Dimas High School football rules!!!
Sorry, I couldn’t end this on such a serious tone. 😬
Ms. Shirley Manson said it best “I’m only happy when it rains”. Maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I do love a good rainy day. I had a brunch meeting before my work day started and I ran out my door without any packing any food or snacks for the day. I didn’t even time for coffee! Ugh I know … it’s criminal.
A cloudy day downtown
It’s so hard to get out of bed on a rainy day. I could have easily fell back asleep for another couple hours. There is just something about the feel, the smell, the color palette of a rainy good rainy day. Since I drug my ass all morning, I ultimately was running late and had to haul ass out the door to even make it on time for the meeting. Rainy days usually means it’s going to be a slow business days. So… for the next four hours it will be just me, music, and some catching up on computer work. I’m not mad it.
Before you start saying… “hey your work doesn’t pay you to just slack off and hang out”. My answer to that is … of course not.. what am I a congressman? Also, I co-own the business so everyone relax. It’s perfectly normal for me to work and then wander off for coffee, a good gluten free muffin, artisan soaps, jewelry … or just shooting the shit with the neighboring businesses. Sometimes I’m here for 12 hours between working the desk to running an event… it’s a long friggin’ day so LAY OFF!! hahaha! But today… there isn’t many people wandering around and it’s pretty quiet. I tried to get my son to stop by after his shift at the bakery but even he was like…”meh.. I’m going to the library.” Man… even the library is more exciting than what’s going on over here.
Rainy days are meant for cozy blankets, a comfy space, a good movie or album, some tea or coffee, and a slice of pie or a good piece of pumpkin sourdough with lots of butter. I would say soup.. but we aren’t there yet. The temps are still too high for all that but in a month it will be grilled cheese & tomato soup time. Although… it was 102 and I had a grilled cheese on jalapeño sourdough. Not gonna lie.. it’s was pretty damn good. There is just something about purchasing sandwiches or a loaf of sourdough from a local bakery that just tastes better.
What are. your rainy go-to activities? Do you enjoy a rainy day?
Well, I’m gonna actually get some work done but I’m wishing you all the best. Have a great day!
Life is so topsy turvy. It’s hard to see the good sometimes (there is so much shit going on with some horrid people running around the earth) but I make an effort to get up in the morning and TRY to see the good. If not.. I will lose my fucking mind. Anyone else feel like we are in a bad Netflix mini series? I mean.. what the actual fuck? So what is happiness? What makes you focus on the good and not plummet into the bell jar? For me, a good night’s sleep is worth everything. If I’m not sleeping well, I get super crabby the first day and I will cry the second day. After a very crazy summer of small business survival, calling the cops on a crazy obsessed stalker weirdo, a social media blow up for our business, lots of meetings with the city, revelations on the next step in business, and getting ready for our busy season… the last three months have been a whirlwind. These past two days, I have been happy, lighter, more relaxed. I’ve been getting some great sleep (microdosing has been my saving grace). Since I’m an incredible light weight, that tiny dose knocks me out from 8 to 10 hours. Today I woke up at 7:30am, did some social media marketing, worked out, showered, had a cup of coffee with breakfast, got ready and checked in at work. Luckily, Tuesdays are typically my day off. I got to stop in to see my son at the bakery and grabbed an iced tea and then headed home to light some candles and do some computer work. Can I just say… I LOVE living in a small downtown. There is nothing like my little downtown area and the people there. It brings me great joy to stroll into the coffee shop before going to work, chatting with the locals and guests coming in excited to be there, then heading to the local bakery grabbing a treat or tea, and then driving down Main Street listening to music. It’s just… perfect in an imperfect world. I use to be super hyper-focused on making people happy but I think for the first time in a very very long time… I want to make myself happy. Learning what makes YOU happy is a crazy feeling. You should know what makes you happy…. right?
What makes me happy lately: Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” Podcast • Kitties/Puppies * Fresh Flowers * Great Coffee * Great Iced Tea * Simon’s Cakes * Vanilla Candles * A great chunky platform shoe * A cozy oversized sweater * My weighted stuffed bunny * A great nap * People laughing * Putting my hair in braids * Fall and everything about it * Lightening Storms * 80’s & 90’s alternative music * Anything about Taylor Swift or Tori Amos * When the feral stray cats in my apartment complex want to hang with me * A great stick of incense * videos of people getting fitted for their hearing device and hearing for the first time * videos of people surprising their kids with a Disney trip * Give me all the perfume, powders and body oil.. can’t get enough * A great fuzzy blanket on a rainy day * Turning on all the fans in my bedroom on high, climbing under the covers, and listening to my fave sleep channel on Youtube * Coloring books and art supplies * Clouds * Meteor Showers * Sitting on a patio in Sedona and just enjoying the view in the fall or spring * a great sad song with fantastic lyrics… and last but certainly not least… my son and what an incredible person he is.
Sure… this isn’t everything but they are on the top of the list. What’s on your list? When you look at the world and everything going on… what brings you happiness and away from feeling numb to situations happening around you?
Wishing you all much happiness and I hope you are surrounded by people that unconditionally love you. Have a great day!
Let’s have a Coffee Talk. Downtown Mesa, AZ is such a vibe. Many people sleep on what’s going on over here. I love downtown with all my heart, so I wanted to start spreading the word about “what’s good” in DT Mesa.
Of course, I’m gonna start with the topic of coffee. Now before we get started let me just say there are MANY coffee shops in the area but they are all so uniquely different and have their own specialities. The following are in the DT Mesa area (or close to it ) and some of my faves.
Honey Bunny’s Cafe 1454 W. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85201
@honeybunnyscafe
This hidden gem is one you don’t want to miss in DT Mesa. If you loved the 90’s (and started your iced coffee drinking career at that time) you are going to LOVE it! Their coffee tastes like my first latte and the nostalgia it brings is beyond words. Women-owned, cozy, fun, friendly, and they have great coffee and food. They even have gluten-free options. They aren’t open later than 2pm so make sure you get there! This place is easy to pass, and you have to really look for it. It’s in a yellow building, next to a tattoo shop, and in the same parking lot as Doug’s Bugs & Bunnies a spot featuring vintage Volkswagens. Details: Drinks: Hand crafted espressos & lattes featuring customizable options. My fave is the Honey Bunny Latte which is a lavender and vanilla. I haven’t ordered it with a soft top yet. FYI – Their mochas taste like a 90’s mocha… I can’t describe the nostalgia but it’s there! Eats: Fresh grab and go breakfast, lunch items, pastries, and more. My fave the Tommy Boy & Breakfast Burritos. There are also plant-based and gluten free options. I’ve heard their pastries are pretty damn good too! Perks: You can order on Door Dash. Side Note: It is a small cafe. Seating is limited.
Lost Dutchman Coffee House 12 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201
@lostdutchmancoffee
Check out this cozy, western-themed cafe. Very relaxed and rustic atmosphere. The Lost Dutchman Coffee Company has been around since 2014. They have a very smooth tasting coffee. One of the best in Downtown. Details: Drinks: Signature and rich espresso classics. My personal fave is the Caramel Macchiato. Eats: They have gelatos, smoothies, and house made baked goods. My fave, their chocolate peanut butter bar. Perks: If you like their coffee and want to make some at home.. you can! They offer small batch bean subscriptions that you can pick up. Side note: If you are in a hurry, I would opt for somewhere else. It does take a minute to get your items. Lost Dutchman is a great place if you have the time, getting some computer work done on location, or catching up with friends.
The Nile Coffee Shop 105 W. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85201
@thenileshop
This local gem sits in the historic 1920’s Nile Theater building. Well known to locals for their chill environment & a 100% Vegan, but also loved for theirclose ties to the community and local live entertainment scene. With indoor and outdoor seating, this is a great location for work, meet ups, and get-togethers. Details: Drinks: Serving locally roasted coffee brews, handcrafted drinks and tea options. They also have a cooler for grab & go options. Their seasonal drinks are popular amongst locals which are my personal faves plus their lavender rose latte. Eats: Vegan Pastries, breakfast & lunch. Perks: Their Grab-n-Go cooler is usually stocked with drinks and goodies, great if you are in a hurry. Plenty of seating options. This location also has free yoga on Saturday mornings. Their old school Photo Booth is so fun and a must! Side Note: On weekends (especially on downtown event days) give yourself PLENTY of time to order and to get your items. It’s gonna take awhile. Keep in mind when ordering that all their food and drinks are VEGAN. Their hours vary, so keep an eye on their social media for updates.
The Organic Bean Cafe 40 N Macdonald Mesa, AZ 85201
@organicbeancafe
This local spot is woman-owned & independent coffee shop. OBC is perfect for girl’s day out, business meet ups, and to step away from the hustle and bustle of it all. This spot is cozy, charming and gives you the warm and fuzzies. Locals love their organic drinks and they are well known for their banana coffee, gluten free treats, and sourdough options. This is also close to three museums: Arizona Museum of Natural History, IDEA Museum, and Mesa’s Haunted Museum. Details: Drinks: Famous for their banana coffee, turmeric lavender lattes, and seasonal drinks. If you like your coffee strong and need an extra kick …. this is a great spot! Eats: Light snacks and vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly options. My fave is their sourdough breads and bagels. .They are delicious! Perks: Parking right out front. Indoor and Outdoor seating. Friendly staff. Convenient location in the middle of local events. Nearby shops: Novel Ice Cream & Nile Record Shop Side-Note: During events or construction, their street does get shut down. Better to park in the IDEA Museum parking lot or the lot behind Level One & Milano’s music.
LoneStar Coffee Bar 126 W. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85201
@lonestarcoffeebar
Talk about hidden! Most don’t know that tucked in the back of LoneStar Music Depot is their coffee bar. Head through the front door and proceed to the back (just before you hit their record and poster area) and you will run right into their coffee bar. This spot is perfect if you are in a hurry but still want a tasty beverage and for supporting the locals. Details: Drinks: Rotating specialty drinks from coffee, teas, matcha, and punch. They have a signature “Texacano” that is popular which packs a punch. Eats: a selection of Fresh-baked goods Perks: Loved for their laid back artistic environment. Sip while you browse. A fun community gathering spot. Free parking garage behind the business with back door access. Side-Note: Hours could vary. Please check their social media for any updates.
Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea, & Gallery 109 W University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85201
@jarrodscoffeeteaandgallery
Nestled in a historic bungalow in Downtown Mesa, Jarrod’s is full of local love. Local artwork, handmade crafts, jewelry and did I mention that it’s haunted??? Jarrod’s is a local favorite packed with tasty drinks, community events, and a welcoming attitude. Details: Drinks: Handcrafted coffees, teas, smoothies, and Italian sodas. My fave is their blackberry Italian soda and their vanilla chai is very good. Eats: Artisan sandwiches and pastry ( with vegan & gluten free options at times) Perks: A great place for friends to gather, first dates, business meet ups, or a girls day out with inside and outside seating. Paranormal lovers will love the location and hearing about the local lore. Locals love to shop and sip while others attend their community events such as, vinyl nights, comedy shows, art night, and more. Side-note: This is a spot to take your time, unwind, and take in the atmosphere. During event nights it gets busy, plan accordingly. Street parking and there is a small lot behind their location.
Buddha’s Brew Coffee Cafe 710 E. Main Street. Mesa, AZ 85203
@buddhas_brew_coffee_cafe
Under new ownership (The owners of award winning The Guadalupe On Main) This local spot is great place to gather with friends or family with great coffee and delicious eats. Can’t wait to see what the new owners do with the spot, they always have a great vision and “The Guad” is ran with impeccable taste and incredible service. Details: Drinks: Specialty hand crafted drinks alongside classic pour-overs, cold brews and teas. Eats: Great sandwiches with vegan and gluten free options. Perks: Ran by locals who love what they do and it shows. A cozy atmosphere with plenty of seating. The location is great with a local boutique & tattoo shop next door. Side-Note: It’s a little higher priced than nearby cafes but the quality is definitely there.
Not in Downtown Mesa but worth the mention….
The Stand Coffee Co. 1839 E. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert, AZ
@thestandcoffeeco
This little spot is NOT in Downtown Mesa but… close enough! It’s worth the extra miles for sure and one of my faves. Currently they are mobile but are in the parking lot of where their brick and mortar is currently being built out. Do not sleep on this spot. Their coffee is one of my absolute favorites. Details: Drinks: Praised for the rich espresso , energy spritzers, and tasty specialty drinks. Their seasonal drinks are absolutely phenomenal. Worth the hype! Eats: Currently it’s all small snacks & pastries but it will be interesting to see what they do once they move into their new building. Perks: Loyalty rewards & discounts. Discounts for military veterans. Sometimes they pick a random name to get a discount! Great and Fun social media presence and that joy is carried over to their customer service and craftsmanship. Side Note : If you pull up to their mobile spot and see a lot of people … you will be there for a hot minute. If you have time to wait… trust me it will be worth it.
In Closing…. I hope you get a chance to check any of these local spots out. I’m currently obsessed with Honey Bunny’s Cafe and have been going about 3 times a week. All in all.. they all bring something unique and fun to the counter and it’s always awesome to support local small businesses. If you try any of these out, let me know in the comments and who knows.. maybe I’ll even see ya there!
My mom passed when I turned 16 years old. I didn’t have much family, so needless to say when she passed, things got messy and life was much harder.
I fought through it every step of the way. Learning to trust people and making mistakes of trusting people through my journey was such a great lesson and it took me fucking a loooong ass time to put things in perspective & get things right.
I had one dream of my mom when she passed. I was in high school and so angry that she was gone. I was so angry I had to go live with my abusive – pedophile- alcoholic father and his lush of a girlfriend. My brother was so young at the time and I regret not being there for him because he probably was feeling the same. But I stayed away from that house as much as humanly possible. I have a lot of guilt for that but I was trying to survive and was a kid.
When my mother came to me in my dream as a kid, I yelled at her for leaving. I would regret that action for almost 35 years. She never visited me again.
Last night. She was in my dream. It was so profound that I woke up overwhelmed, sobbing, and felt every amount of the pain I felt when she passed release from my body at once. I saw faces of generations before me and she told me “you broke the curse” and they all seemed so free. When I woke up , although a complete emotional mess, I felt free. Many generations of women from my family stayed in abusive & dangerous relationships. They stayed because they didn’t think they could do it on their own. Trust me there are days that I feel like I can’t do it on my own. But here I am, trying. I think just trying makes it right.
So many people just don’t want to try. Is it because they are afraid? Are they just lazy? Do they not feel worthy? Or were many of the women in my family “trained” to feel this way? So many questions that I have no idea what the answer is.
When she outstretched her arms and placed her hands on my face… I looked right into her face. A face I haven’t seen in 35 years. She looked right into my eyes. I’ve never felt so much love and felt so much peace in such a long time. It was such a gift and a moment I will always be so grateful for.
Many of the women in my family didn’t make it past 60. I’ll be 52 soon and I keep thinking about life, its lessons, the obstacles, the wins, the challenges… putting things in perspective. I’ve never looked, thought or listened much. I was also in fight or flight survival mode. But there is this sense of peace that has started to settled in.
I’m suppose to be at my business already. But.. I’ve decided to get there later, let myself sit in this moment, give myself some time & grace today. It’s hard being your own cheerleader, hero, provider, and emotional support person. Sometimes, I just want to stop and talk about 80’s new wave or kittens and maybe light a great candle or incense and break out a coloring book. I’m so proud of the obstacles I’ve maneuvered around and that I made it through some of the hardest hurts … that may sound kinda weird to say… but I really am. I have goals for the last stage in my life. Not sure if they are obtainable but I’ve never back down from a challenge before, and I don’t really see myself doing that anytime soon.
For now… I will cherish the moment i had with my mother last night and hold on to it tightly. It felt like someone was there for me, cheering me on, reminding me I’m not alone, and reassuring me things will be alright no matter what.
My soul really needed a boost. I am so grateful she showed up for me. ❤️
The world has lost another talent. Tim Curry is known and loved for many of his iconic roles. Obviously Rocky Horror comes to everyone’s mind first.
For me… Tim in “Annie” was the most iconic for me. Being an 80’s kid, Annie was like K-pop Demon Hunters in this day and age . And yes… I’m so old that I’m going to start comparing shit from “back in the day”. Everyone brace yourself for this stage in my life.
Annie was iconic. It came to the screen and so many people talked about. I remember getting the album. It was a trifold kinda thing with a bunch of pictures in it from the movie. I feel like there was a poster too but I may have gotten that somewhere else.
I saw Annie in the movie theater and was already immersed in the performing arts at that time. I was a huge Carol Burnett fan but also loved the talent of Ann Reinking & Bernadette Peters. The movie Annie introduced me to Tim Curry. When the number Easy Street came on. I was absolutely floored! I wanted to create musical numbers like this one. It remains in my top 10 of greatest musical numbers.
Fun fact about Easy Street, the movie version wasn’t suppose to happen. They had put in tons of money on the original choreography and set and recorded a huge number. The director… hated it. They had three icons and they were getting lost in the sauce because the set and dynamic was so big. So they trusted their gut , did rewrites, new choreography, and let those three steal the moment. Damn! What an incredible choice.
Dolly Parton has passed and the world has lost a bright light in this dismal world. My heart is broken as many mourn the passing of an icon, a humanitarian, a protector, and someone that had such a kind heart. Dolly’s generosity was incredible. She was known for helping so many great causes and organizations.
I loved Dolly so much. Growing up in the Midwest and listening to her music from childhood to adulthood. She was 80 years old. It sounds greedy but I wish we had her here longer. Today is a sad day but I will remember how much light & joy she brought into to this world.
I leave you today from one of my favorite movies , favorite scene , and favorite songs.
Goodbye Dolly. Now you will be with the love of your life, Carl. Hold each other tight and embrace that love you held on to for so many years. We will miss you so so much
