"They Love People..."

Becky and I were sitting by the front door, watching everybody come and go at Insomnia Coffee Company tonight. We were both noticing how Tyler, Evan and Amy were always talking with people. Lots of smiles and laughter along with the conversation.

It's fun to watch the hand gestures, facial expressions, and other body language across the room when you can't hear what is being said. You don't need to hear it because you can see everyone is enjoying their conversations.

After watching for a while, Becky mentioned to me how impressed she was with what they have accomplished here already and that they should do well because, as she said, "They love people...it's like a big living room." I agreed, and later thought about that big living room - without a television.



The television, that insidious beast, that Medusa which freezes a billion people to stone every night, staring fixedly, that Siren which called and sang and promised so much and gave, after all, so little. -Ray Bradbury

Doorbells

I'm guessing there's a story behind these bells. After all, there seems to be one for so many of the other details at Insomnia Coffee Company. The one in the foreground must be an extra, because it's hanging on a post next to the door - and I know the story of where the post came from.


Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open. - Alexander Graham Bell

Games, Books, and More

Here's the game shelf. Games to play, books to read, and even an Etch-A-Sketch.

Have fun!



“You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” - Albert Einstein

Yummmmm...

...


Let them eat cake.
-Commonly attributed to Marie Antoinette.
Also commonly accepted that she really didn't say it.

On Stage

Amy, Evan, and Tyler were very pleased to have Brian Gallaway on stage last Saturday. There was a crowd and Brian's performance was a real crowd pleaser.

Evan and Mike started building the stage earlier in the week, but got busy with other daily matters of running a coffee house and just managed to get it done in time for Saturday evening. It really worked out well and was worth the effort.


“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” - Voltaire

Blooming Tea

This is a tea that blooms when it pours - I don't know what they call it. It's really neat and actually looks a lot better in real life than it does in the picture. I might have gotten the color off here.

The counter is getting lots of neat treats like scones, specialty brownies, bagels, cakes, cookies, and even some fruits on it.



“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me” - C.S. Lewis

Full House

Brian Gallaway, acoustic guitarist, played to a full house Saturday night. The music was great, and there was a nice Saturday night coffee house buzz all evening at Insomnia Coffee Company.



It is incontestable that music induces in us a sense of the infinite and the contemplation of the invisible. -Victor de LaPrade

Hillsboro's Finest

Nothing to worry about - they're regular customers at Insomnia Coffee. They like the place, and Insomnia appreciates their business and presence in the neighborhood.

I like the license plate on the Jeep. You may have to click on the picture to enlarge it.

Here's an Insomnia trivia question: In what play was Evan cast as Officer Barrell at PCC in 2006?



“A recent police study found that you're much more likely to get shot by a fat cop if you run.” -Dennis Miller

This Saturday Only

Local artist Brian Gallaway will be performing at Insomnia Coffee Company Saturday only.

The picture above is from one of his album covers. Click for a larger view. And on the right there is a link to Brian's MySpace site.



“Among God's creatures two, the dog and the guitar, have taken all the sizes and all the shapes, in order not to be separated from the man” - Andre Segovia

Cool Light

Another one of Tim's photos. Click on picture to enlarge.

“There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle” - Robert Alden

Condiments

Here is a cool old table at the back wall and a fancy mirror above it. On the table you will find the things you might want to go with your drink. The mirror gives a good view of pretty much the whole coffee house behind you. Thanks to Tim Nafziger for the photo.


“A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy.” -Albert Einstein

Concentration

Total concentration on Evan's face in this shot, #4 from Tim Nafziger. Evan working the espresso while Amy covers the front counter.

They are so into making the drinks right and consistent. It's just like this picture if you watch them work at the drinks - like an artist while drawing or painting, they are totally zoned in on their work and the rest of the world fades out. Then as soon as the drink is done they are back in the world and chatting with the people around them as if they had never left.



"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it" - Henry David Thoreau