It’s September so Summer is officially over (for the Northern Hemisphere at least)
It’s been an odd Summer for me. I haven’t been able to drink much coffee because of my health taking a nosedive in March but that didn’t stop me visiting coffee shops around me and drinking cold barista made drinks. Instead of latte visits, matcha was my best friend – alongside the occasional cold brew.
I’ve learnt a lot during the Summer as a result of my diet restrictions. Things like how to make cold brew coffee which I attempted with Bag #47 (Coffee Genius, Jaen Peru).
I even started making my own matcha after investing in a small kit. I now own my own including chasen bamboo whisk (with stand), ceramic chawan bowl and furui sieve. I decided to learn how to make matcha as I realised it was important for me to have that protected moment in my day to step away and make my morning drink.
Of course I enjoy drinking what I make it home because it’s tasty – but when the whole process of making coffee was off the table, I realised what an attachment I had to making myself a drink. It’s a moment of self-care and mindfulness; a chance to focus on the task at hand and craft something with your hands with a whole lot of care and attention. That peace and joy seems doubled when I make my matcha. In those moments, I understood some of the beauty spoken about in The Way of The Tea. I may try and find a book to read about the subject in Autumn.
As we enter Autumn; I look forward to watching nature change around me. To watch the leaves on the trees crisp and darken into warmer earthy colours after such a dry and incredibly hot Summer. I’m also excited to get back into pumpkin spice flavours, sweetening things with maple syrup and dusting baked goodies with cinnamon sugar. Of course the drinks become less iced and more warm and if I’m feeling particularly indulgent, I’ll top them with whipped cream. I need to find a good vegan whipped cream because of my stomach issues but that is just another part of this adventure ahead.
Autumn has always been that season of slowing down and putting comfort first: you can start wrapping up in blankets and donning thicker woven layers. The longer nights call for sitting on the sofa and reading books. This is especially welcomed after what always feels like a busy Summer out and about. I am looking forward to the take a moment of respite in the next few months.
Most importantly, the start of autumn will mark a momentous occasion – I get to switch my yellow Gaggia Classic Pro (Bumblebee) back on and make coffee at home again. This is probably the most exciting change in the season.
I look at Summer and say thank you but turn to face Autumn and greet them and say,
Coffee Log 
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