Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of work in coffee shops. I’m not sure why, but I find it stimulating (and not just because of the coffee). I have a nice big house with an office that is bright and airy (although cluttered, and that, honestly, may be part of the problem), but I’ve been able to focus more when I leave the house and set up my laptop in a public place. I can’t explain it. It’s not as if these are quiet spots–most of the coffee shops in the area play music, and usually it’s the music favored by the younger baristi. Plus, when the shops are busy they are a cacophony of conversations. When that happens, I generally tune into my Pandora account and listen to something soothing that blocks it all out.
In fact, I’m one of my favorites right now, Blue Mountain Coffees in the Wharf area of Staunton. I’m under some pressure to finish up some things and I thought it would be a good idea to get out of the house on a Sunday morning and concentrate. It’s working out well so far (except for the break I took to write this post!).
Back to work!