September 4th, 2026
I’ve hinted a bit at a big idea I have and I’ve learned that sharing it with others have brought their brilliant perspectives to it, making it an even better idea. So I’m going to share some details with you now, if you have a minute and want to hear about it.
My idea is a place. When you walk in, it’s a café, specializing in warm things like coffee and soup (why soup? There have been countless days when I have been completely consumed by the void, eaten by despair, and a bite of soup has simply saved my life). There isn’t a pick-up counter; there’s a bar for people to sit and chat at while they enjoy their non-alcoholic drinks and food. The environment and decor and vibe will be chill and comfortable, a place where people actually want to hang out.
But this is only half the idea.
If you keep walking through the café, you will discover a hallway and another room. It will be spacious and have windows to the outside world, and we will hold classes here. We’ll specialize in meditation and yoga (which explains why I’m getting certified in the former), but we could also do so much more: art and writing classes. Cooking or language. Stand-up comedy. Recovery meetings. A room for events when available.
This would be a place for community, somewhere you can put your phone away for just one dang moment. I call this place Present.
This idea came together from all my life experience, the service and connection and art from my time on this planet; I also don’t have any place like this around me, which got my brain storming. I’ve already started thinking of more niche classes, like a service industry meditation night, with practices that specifically help those in restaurants. We have a high rate of addiction and substance abuse in our line of work; I’m not reading stats, I’m living and breathing proof. I’d love to offer a better way for those who are searching for it.
This will probably be a long road. But I’ve already learned so much by sharing it; everyone I’ve talked to about this idea has given me both their enthusiasm and even more ideas. I’ve had conversations with yoga instructors, other small business owners, people have been showing me good open spots to check out (I want Present to be in a high-traffic area, like a strip mall). And I am not scared of someone stealing this idea: please do! This is a place I want in my neighborhood! I’ll be first in line!
Anyway, just sending this out into the universe to let you know what I’m thinking about and what I want to bring into existence. As always, if you’ve got any ideas or support or suggestions, I’m open. It’s early stages, but I literally can’t stop dreaming about it; maybe, someday, it’ll be something more.
The Den 