10 years ago, I decided to change the course of my life - I quit my career in the corporate world and got a job working in a coffee shop. It was a big risk for me. I was in my mid 30’s. Went from a 6 figure salary with cushy benefits to making minimum wage with no benefits. I had 0 experience working in coffee. This might have sounded like a crazy/dumb move to a lot of people. 😅 But I knew there was something more that I wanted out of life, something that gave me meaning and that I actually enjoyed doing. I didn’t give myself permission to realize that this kind of existence was an option for me. That there were no rules or time limits. That I could create the life that I wanted for myself.
I took the leap.
Looking back, I can clearly see that one of the biggest missing elements in my life at that point was connection with people. Even in my little introverted heart, it’s my reason for being. Creating @firstplacecoffee and developing the core of its values over the last 7 years can easily be traced back to prioritizing people, community and connection. This is what matters most.
I can’t say that it has been an easy road or hasn’t felt isolating at times to own a business. So much has gone wrong over the years, I’ve got some real horror stories. 😂 But I can say that so much more has gone right. I can see how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned and grown by putting myself out there and taking a risk.
More big leaps to come in 2025…
For years, this skinny white-and-grey feral cat lived on the corner of our neighborhood. He was around when Bodhi was still here, so well over a decade. At the end of 2022, I decided I wanted to befriend him, so I started feeding him and slowly gaining his trust. Whenever he saw us, he made little sounds, so Terrence gave him the name that stuck: SQUEAK. He would come close and hang around with me in the front yard, but I never pushed it. I let things happen on his terms.
One day I noticed he was sick, probably with a respiratory infection. I made him a little bed inside the house, and he came in and slept there all day, probably the best sleep of his life! After that, I could tell he trusted me. He let me pet him for the first time ever. That’s in the second slide, which I filmed to show Terrence the progress. 😂 It was special to know this cat, who lived outside alone for years and never been touched gently or loved before, allowed me in.
From then on, we were official. He was obsessed!😅 I taught him how to give kisses, right smack on the lips. That was our bond for the last three years: kinda weird, pure, and full of love.
Since opening Matilda’s, I haven’t been home much. But every time I pulled up after a long day, he would sprint over to the car and wait by my door. Seeing my friend waiting there for me was something I looked forward to every day.
Recently, Squeak lived his last day on earth. Sadly, we think it was a coyote attack. I found him early in the morning leaving for Matilda’s. It’s a heartbreaking kind of loss that makes you replay everything, wish you could have protected him, and hope he didn’t suffer.
He was still a scrappy street cat, and I know he put up a good fight at the end. But with us, he was nothing but love. I feel lucky he chose me. He was an old guy (12+) and I like to think maybe I gave him a little more time than he might have had otherwise. What he gave me was priceless - a calm heart, joy, and companionship.
It’s not the same around here without him. I miss him and will cherish our time together forever. Rest in peace, my little Squeaker. ❤️
“because where else can you go for dinner these days without having to plan so far in advance” - @devonmcconville on bringing spontaneity back to dinner, without needing a reservation
5:00 ᴘᴍ — 9:00 ᴘᴍ,
wednesday, thursday, friday and saturday
⤷ good food, good music, and even better company
📍 Matilda’s: 822 N. 6th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85003
📸 opening Matilda’s, documented by @eunicebeck
Dublin family vacay! Feeling very thankful that I got to get away and spend precious time with my dad and sister and brother-in-law. Thanks to my Terry for sending me off to the motherland. It was the most fun and heartwarming time. We shall meet again, Ireland. Sláinte! ☘️
