This is my first installment of Walking West Hartford, where I will write about the sights and sounds, people and places, I encounter in my pedestrian travels throughout town.
It’s easy to write in the winter. Outside is dark and cold while inside is light and warm, so it doesn’t take a lot of willpower to type away on a computer for hours on end. The sight of snow falling only reinforces my good decision to remain indoors. Words flow and deadlines are met. The writing gods are happy.
Today the weather outside is nearly perfect. I have a garden to tend to and a neglected lawn to maintain. Raised Catholic, I feel guilty about staring at a screen while the sun is shining. Neighbors strolling by, occasionally on bike, worsen my temptation to frolic. Yes, I should shut down my laptop and enjoy the great outdoors. I frolic. The writing gods are not happy.
So here’s the dilemma: I have a desire to write and would prefer not being trapped inside my house on beautiful days. I am sure you encounter the same dilemma, whether it is writing, artwork, music, chores, etc. The conflict remains the same. My solution has been walking to a coffeehouse to do my writing. I love a great coffeehouse and I enjoy walking. I accomplish some work while also getting some vitamin D.
What is the best coffeehouse in town? That’s the question I have this week. Obviously everyone has a different take on what makes a coffeehouse special. I tend to work well at Cosi. There are a few seats by the windows (so I feel partially outdoors), and the plugs are plentiful. There is artwork on the walls, which get the creative juices flowing. There are ample food options when I get hungry. I am satisfied, and so are the writing gods.
What coffeehouse do you suggest?
I agree about the artwork. Artwork is important with creativity. I was in the french cafe in downtown WH yesterday. They have some great artwork and a really nice atmosphere. I'm not sure if they have WiFi though...