If I had to pick a favorite morning ritual, unfortunately it wouldn’t be a trip to the gym, or waking up and enjoying a nice hot shower, or sitting down and reading the daily news.  In my little world there is no question that a proper morning cannot begin without a creamy, delicious cup of hot coffee. Bonus points are awarded if I’m sipping it outside on a balcony somewhere, and double bonus points if there’s a water view involved. 😉

There’s just something about that first taste… that warmth that travels to my stomach & awakens my brain.  I look forward to it each & every day, from the moment I open my eyes.  Lately, I even find myself getting up extra early so I can savor my quiet cup before anyone in the house has begun to stir.  I head out to the upstairs deck off my bedroom, where I slowly awaken in a perfectly arranged little sitting area that has become my haven.

Not only is the coffee itself precious, but the perfect mug or cup enhances the experience as well.  I prefer one on the lager side, with a comfortable handle & a sturdy bottom.  I love finding cute quotes, beautiful pics or something that makes me laugh.  My son has added a few to my collection, making me a very happy mom in the morning.

 

If addition to the perfect brew & the appropriate cup, location is what really seals the deal. My absolute favorite spot is sitting on a cruise ship balcony, watching the sun come up, surrounded by an aqua blue sea – there is simply nothing better.  Second prize goes to a hotel balcony, looking out at the beach or a cool city view.  But my own little deck does the job as well – providing a peaceful place for me to begin my day.

I don’t recall my parents being overly-dependent on coffee while I was growing up, but I do remember my grandparents’ unbroken morning ritual. I would wake to the sounds & smells of my grandmother’s percolator chugging away… a symphony that would bring their morning to life. To this day, that rhythmic sound surrounds me in warm memories of the times I spent in their many homes, in addition to various hotel rooms, as my grandmother never left home without that pot!

My coffee life began with a very basic automatic drip machine and was eventually replaced with one of the best inventions ever… the Keurig. I can’t tell you the number of times that efficient little device has saved my sanity in the morning!  When I feel fancy, I whip out my French Press, but these days I’ve simply been using the Keurig’s hot water feature to concoct my beloved, Keto Coffee – an actual instant mixture of ground French robusto beans, MCTs oils, grass-fed butter & a dose of collagen, which I blend with heavy whipping cream, cinnamon & a dash of turmeric.  It sounds elaborate, but is really quite simple and the rich creamy taste satisfies like no other.

I usually enjoy just that one cup in the morning, with a possible second if I have the time. Every once in a while I’ll grab a cappuccino in the afternoon from my local Cafe Volan, or a decaf after dinner to settle a particularly heavy meal.  I’m one of those people with a fairly high sensitivity to caffeine, so my “cut-off” time falls roughly around 3pm or I’ll find myself staring at the ceiling at 3am, contemplating all the world’s problems.

I’m enjoying my faithful cup right now as I write this, and am slowly gaining the strength to face the day.  I’m thankful for these quiet morning moments… and hope that everyone who appreciates this delightful brew is savoring every sip!