Lattes After Fifties

An exploration of the world around me.

Recent Posts

  • Pumpkin Pie Celebrates Mexican Independence Day

    Pumpkin Pie Celebrates Mexican Independence Day

    If I were in Mexico, I would celebrate Independence Day with my family by having dinner together at night, enjoying a variety of delicious Mexican foods such as “pozole blanco,” “esquites,” “tacos dorados,” “tacos de frijol,” “tacos de papa con chorizo,” “tinga de res,” “enchiladas,” and “enmoladas.” We would also have my mom’s famous cactus salad and, of course, candied fruit for dessert, such as figs, oranges, papayas, and pineapples. To top it all off, I would enjoy a warm, aromatic coffee brewed in a clay pot while chatting with my family about everything and nothing.

    September 15th is special not only for the food but also because it is a day when political differences are set aside, allowing families to come together and celebrate the land in which “it is our lot to live here,” as Cristina Pacheco would say. However, after more than 24 years abroad, I’ve come to celebrate it more symbolically. Typically, we try to cook something like quesadillas (there are many kinds) or guacamole, accompanied by a warm cup of atole. I remember one year we even bought tamales, but they didn’t taste as good as I had hoped. And no, we aren’t going to attempt to make them—we just aren’t that talented in the kitchen. As my friend Stijn might say, we cook “to survive.” 😊

    This year, however, my mind is preoccupied with so many things that I almost forgot today is September 15th! It was only when I called my mom in the afternoon that I remembered the significance of the day. With no ingredients or time to create something that resembles a Mexican celebration, an idea struck me: why not blend the memories of this unique occasion with my love for pumpkin pies? After all, pumpkin season is everywhere here in Colorado, and today the temperature finally feels more like autumn than summer. I go crazy for anything pumpkin-flavored this time of year!

    Thus, as I enjoy one of my favorite pies, I think about my country, its people, and the richness of its culture. In particular, I reflect on my family and friends there, imagining how they will celebrate and what topics will come up in conversation. Who knows? Perhaps in the near future, we can all come together to celebrate over hot coffee brewed with cinnamon and cane sugar in a clay pot.

  • Lucky Coffee

    Lucky Coffee

    I went for a coffee this morning at my local coffee place, which is about a five-minute walk away. I like going there because the coffee is good, the staff are friendly, and it’s nice and cool inside. Indeed, the coffee shop is attached to a hockey arena where people take classes. Although the coffee shop has its own AC, when the staff open the arena doors, it’s very refreshing and maybe a little cold by my taste. Almost two years ago, the coffee place was a small café with sandwiches, burritos and chips. Nothing incredible, nothing special on the menu, plus a very ordinary coffee that didn’t attract many customers. When the new café opened, we were all very excited not only because it was the second coffee shop of a family-run business in the area, but also because it represented a place for the community to get together. And the new coffee shop hasn’t disappointed.

    I’m not usually the type of person who naturally takes the initiative to have a conversation, but I truly appreciate when the staff take the initiative and are willing to chat a little bit more than just “How’re you doing? What can I get for you?” Of course it’s not a thirty-minute chat. However, the one or two extra questions about getting to know you make me feel seen. Perhaps people don’t realize how important those interactions are, but they certainly have the power to make someone’s day better.

    Today, the little chat I had made me feel appreciated as a customer but, above all, as someone from the community, which was a feeling I hadn’t had for a long time. They even punched a new card for me to get a free late and said, “I’m giving you these many punches because I know how often you come.” Lucky me ☺️ 🍀

  • Friendship

    Friendship

    What would this world be without our friends? Near and far, they are always there for us. These past weeks, I have been reminded of how powerful friendships are, especially when you are out of your comfort zone. Whenever I need a hug, a smile, advice, a push, a reminder, and just a little chat, they are always there. I hope I can also be there for them.

“I dream of a communication capable of making us fellow travelers, walking alongside our brothers and sisters and encouraging them to hope in these troubled times. A communication capable of speaking to the heart, arousing not passionate reactions of defensiveness and anger, but attitudes of openness and friendship” (Pope Francis, 59th World Day of Social Communications).