Can you have a coffee with me right now?
Today I’m feeling exhausted.
When I look back at the last six months, it feels like I’ve been in a constant fight—with my health, at work, through union negotiations, at home, and even helping my cats through their own challenges.
The good news is that most of those battles are behind me. Our union negotiations ended with more wins than losses. My health has improved more than I expected—I would say I’m about 80% recovered, and for that I’m truly grateful.
As for the rest… maybe it’s time to follow the Beatles’ advice: “Let it be.” I can’t control other people’s emotions or reactions. I can only control how I respond. I can tell you, that’s much easier said than done. Staying calm when someone pushes all your buttons is one of the hardest lessons I’m still learning.
So today, I’m stepping away for a few minutes.
Just coffee. Just breathing. Just being thankful.
And to my fellow bloggers—thank you for your support, and I’m sorry if I’ve been missing many of your posts lately. I’ll catch up as my energy returns.
I also noticed that I somehow accidentally unfollowed some of you. If that’s you, my apologies! I’ll do my best to follow you back as I come across your blogs again.
Here’s a little coffee stories for today…
Did you know that in 1675, King Charles II of England tried to shut down coffeehouses?
He believed they encouraged people to question authority, debate politics, and spread criticism of the government. The public protested so strongly that the ban lasted only a few days.
So if you’re holding a cup right now… congratulations—we’re taking part in a centuries-old tradition.
On a brighter note, I’m cheering for Canada at the World Cup!
It’s amazing to see how much soccer has grown here. I hope every tournament inspires a new generation of young players.
I love sports because they bring people together across cultures and borders. Sometimes it’s disappointing to see politics influence sports, but I still believe the game itself has the power to unite people.
And here’s my favorite World Cup story…
Before the 1966 World Cup, the famous Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen in March 1966, just four months before England hosted the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
Police searched everywhere but couldn’t find it.
Then, on March 27, just seven days after the theft, a black-and-white collie mix named Pickles was out for a walk with his owner, David Corbett, in South London.
Pickles began sniffing a package wrapped in newspaper and tied with string under a suburban hedge. Inside was the missing World Cup trophy!
Pickles became an international celebrity. He was named “Dog of the Year,” starred in the movie The Spy with a Cold Nose, and received a lifetime supply of dog food.
David Corbett received the £5,000 reward and bought a house.
Life really is stranger than fiction.
Now it’s your turn…
What’s in your cup today?
Which team are you cheering for?
And what’s one small thing that made you smile this week?
With Love,
Angela,
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What a wonderful World Cup story. I had not heard it. I am very pleased today that Belgium won last night! And I shall route for Canada – or England. I am glad to hear that you are recovering and things beginning to improve for you. Union negotiations can be draining – this I know from experience. People too. You are right about letting go though it can be hard. I wish you well. I think King Charles may have been right about coffee houses, long may they thrive!
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Thank you so much! 💙
I’m glad you enjoyed the story. That’s one of the things I love most about the World Cup—it introduces us to inspiring people and countries we might never have discovered otherwise.
Congratulations on Belgium’s win! I’ll be cheering for Canada, too. 🇨🇦⚽
And thank you for your kind words. I’m feeling much better, and yes… learning to let go is still a work in progress. ☕😊
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This sentence is classic stoic wisdom “I can only control how I respond” The world cup lost steam for me after the trump stunt. I wrote about it on my blog yesterday. That was not good. However Canada and the US made big improvements. It takes decades to build a solid pipeline.
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Thank you!
I’m still practicing that lesson every day. It’s much easier to say than to do. 😊
I agree—it’s great to see how much Canada and the US have improved. Building a strong team takes time. It’s a shame when anything distracts from the sport itself.
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Coffee time is a good time to slow down and reflect on the good things. Glad you are getting better Angela. Happy Tuesday. Allan
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Thank you, Allan! I’m enjoying these little moments more than ever lately. A simple coffee break can really help us reset. Have a wonderful Tuesday ! ☕
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Sorry to hear about your travails. I see you made a very stoic comment. It’s well worth reading one of the stoic books. Loved all your historical facts.
Well-written post. Keep going 💪
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Thank you so much! 💙 I’m still learning to put those ideas into practice. 😊 I’m so glad you enjoyed the historical facts—they’re becoming one of my favorite things to share over coffee. ☕
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it is a hard thing to master! and yes I love anything history. Thanks
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Thank you!
Me too! I always enjoy learning something new about history.
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I enjoyed your post, and I’m glad to know that you are feeling better. I’m cheering for England and then France, of course! Take care x
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Thank you so much! 💙 I’m feeling much better now. Good luck to England and France! It’ll be fun to see the games . They are both very strong teams ⚽😊
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Hi Angela
King Charles II was right. The early coffeehouses were places of political debate and of an anti-authoritarian atmosphere.
We suppose it was the famous culture critic Siegfried Kracauer, who wrote that coffee is the drug of the offices.
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Thank you! 😊 I love learning little historical details like these. I hadn’t heard the Kracauer quote before—that’s a good one! And your “Fab Four of Cley” made me smile, especially after my Beatles reference. ☕🎶
Have a wonderful day 🙂
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