The Two-O’Clock Cup of Coffee

I’ve learned that I hit the wall at about 2pm. Emotionally. Physically. Creatively. It’s definitely my down-time. If I’m getting cranky, just look at your watch--chances are it’s 1:54. I’m thinking that perhaps I never outgrew the whole nap-time thing (although I’m not a napper by nature).

I used to try and gut through it. You know, press on, keep at that ol’ to-do list. Then came the invention of the Starbuck’s drive-thru. Now, don’t get me wrong, caffeine is definitely one of my favorite flavors, but a mocha latte is more like masking he symptoms than caffeinating the bloodstream. A grande-skim-mocha in the car cup-holder is not a real, true coffee break.

A real, true coffee break, I’ve discovered, is a nice cup of coffee in a pleasant, unhurried surrounding. It’s more about the act of drinking something warm and comforting than the actual beverage. At 2pm, I need to be rejuvenated, not just caffeinated. There’s a difference.

Life comes at us from every angle. Often, the deluge shows no mercy, and it all hits at once. We’d all love to get away for a two-week tropical vacation, but most of us won’t get that chance. The daily break, whenever you discover you need it (even if you need three), is a wise choice. Creatively. Emotionally. Physically.

My hero and heroine in BLUEGRASS BLESSINGS learn this lesson the hard way--by being taken over the edge of their ability to cope. Each of them is looking for affirmation and rejuvenation in places that only mask the symptoms. They end up in the wrong places and require serious u-turns. God loves those, I think. Because He knows the real high-octane of life comes from being where you’re supposed to be, doing what you’re supposed to be doing, surrounded by people who care. Always has.

Stop tomorrow at 2pm and ask yourself “what do I really need?” There’s power in the answer.

Bio:

An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools, and finding new ways to avoid housework. She grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in Speech from Northwestern University, spent fifteen years in the field of professional fundraising, and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing nine years ago has given rise to a career spanning two parenting books, six novels including the multi-nominated MY SO-CALLED LOVE LIFE, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com <http://www.alliepleiter.com> or her knitting blog at www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com <http://www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com>

Back cover copy:
BLUEGRASS BLESSINGS

BOOK 3 IN THE KENTUCKY CORNERS SERIES BY ALLIE PLEITER

Everyone in Middleburg, Kentucky lines up for baker Dinah Hopkins’s cinnamon rolls. Everyone except her handsome new landlord, Cameron Rollings. The jaded city man doesn’t like anything about small-town life--from the fresh air to her fresh-baked snickerdoodles. And he clearly considers Dinah as quirky as her eccentric oven. The way to Cameron’s heart is not through his toned stomach. But the Lord led him to Kentucky Corners for a reason. And Dinah plans to help him count his bluegrass blessings.