Wandering Cafe

I spent my glorious Friday afternoon at the Wandering Cafe in Wasilla. It was raining pretty hard that day, and it seemed like there was no end in sight. So I packed up my backpack with my laptop and my current read (Rabbits by Terry Miles) and set forth. I got to the cafe at around 1:30. I know, lazy morning. Usually I’m there by 10, reading or studying. I parked right out front of the building and noticed the beautiful, rich red colored flowers. “Those must have been new,” I thought to myself as I gripped the door handle to let myself in. Instantly, the smell of freshly brewed, dark roasted coffee takes hold of my nose. I look around for my favorite table, seated by the window that opens and where the light comes streaming through. I set down my backpack, pull out my laptop, journal, and book. I place my journal in front of me and begin drafting ideas for my next blog posts. If you would like to know, I’m trying to catch up on some book reviews and hiking posts. After I get settled, I go to the ordering counter. I wasn’t particularly hungry, so I opted for their new special they have listed on the chalkboard: blood orange Hawaiian punch lotus. It was easily in the top three lotuses I have ever tasted. It made me a little nostalgic, reminding me of those days when my mom would take me and my brother to the local swimming pool when I was 12 years old. Coming out of the pool, looking for a drink, and spotting the Hawaiian Punch flavored Kool-Aid. The taste of summer.

I ordered my drink and took my table number. I thought it was funny that they gave you a table number for drinks. I sit down and start making a plan for the time I am going to spend there. About 30 minutes in, I was able to complete two book reviews and journal some more ideas for future blog posts. It was a very non-distracting space, and I appreciated the quiet guests. They also have an outdoor setting available, but unless you hate your laptop or really enjoy the rain, this probably is not a great idea. After a while of writing in my journal, I look up and scan the area. I notice some local art and pottery, there is a dresser full of seed packets for your choosing, and a nice loveseat in front of an electric fireplace. I just know this place is going to be cozy here in about two months. I stand up to go take a closer look at the pottery. They had a beautiful baby blue mug with a bright red sculpted mushroom pocking out of the side. I admired the embroidered hats and shirt as well. Local photographers hang their photos up on the walls, hoping to get some commission or at least their name out to the world. Soft music plays in the background as I walk back to my table, sneaking glances at other people’s plates and already choosing out my next meal for my future visit.

I sit down in my chair and open my current read at the time, Rabbits by Terry Mills. Now, without giving too much away, since I have yet to do my book review, this was a 4-star read (I finished it the next day). I was thinking about changing it since I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the book, even a few days later. It follows the MC named K, who has a lifelong obsession with the mysterious, underground reality game named “Rabbits”. This book takes us through the ideas of quantum physics, being able to time travel, dimensional tears and shifts, and secret societies. Now, don’t freak out, I didn’t understand some of the writing either. The author tried to portray his ideas and explain his story as best as he could, but it did fall short in some aspects, which is ok! Because in the end, I understood what was happening and was easily able to follow along, hence the four-star review.

When I read in a public setting, I always feel like I’m holding a massive secret away from the world. It feels like what I hold in my hands is a portal to a whole different world, while everyone else around me is just going about their day. Ordering coffee, talking with friends, meeting with a club, etc. But here I am, sitting in the corner with the window open and light on my face, riding dragons, slipping through dimensions, being princess of a whole planet, or something dramatic like that.