The new
year brought old friends back to Coaching
Corner this morning. This informal group shares thoughts, ideas, and
successes (or failures) with a life coach - continually building our
intentions, goals, being challenged with action plans along with how to avoid
inevitable road blocks. It is a wonderful diving platform for getting the
creative juices up and circulating in a supportive environment.
At the end
of each class we choose a goal for the week – only one as many of us have other
intentions, families, obligations. I chose to visit a coffee shop in which to
write and nestle with my coffee and a treat – Bloom was my destination.
Bloom
Coffee Roasters opened in July 2016 and is located in Old Town, Lansing, an artsy
community. Free parking along the street was a plus in today’s pay per minute
meters. Walking into the building on this windy, snowy day, I was embraced by
the aroma of roasted coffee beans, and welcomed by the friendly manager and her
fellow barista. My first impression was that Bloom appeared to be a pleasant
coffee shop with cozy places to sit, talk, reflect and write.
The manager
assisted me in ordering the kind of coffee I liked to drink, which was a bold
brew – she chose for me Guatemala and her barista prepared my pour-over drink
set in an attractive rugged cup and saucer. As for a treat, with her recommendation,
I decided on a sweet Kouign Amann, a crispy, slightly salty and sweet
croissantly delicate wonder.
I sat
listening to conversations in the background while I sipped at the Guatemalan
coffee, which was smooth and had a nice coffee taste which lingered perfectly
in my mouth. The Kouign Amann was as described – delicious and slightly
decadent.
Bloom’s
simple design includes a few built in angles for wood shelves, woodsy barn wood
plaques on the white walls with pictures hanging from wire. Music is piped in
on wall speakers - I’m not versed in the language of music but would describe
it as contemporary folk, relaxing alternative, a bit international – overall very
pleasant, conducive to writing or conversation, and comfortable.
Old fashioned
lighting hangs from the ceiling with exposed pipe giving the building a funky
yet upbeat appearance. A large black
chalkboard, framed in wood, hangs on the wall with numerous selections of
drinks in which to choose. The simple
white chalk on the board is a clean and organized look for this charming coffee
shop.
