Nope, Not the Shower
Here’s where I get my best ideas…
California Kahve in Golden Gate Park is a hidden gem—A great place for yummy espresso, people-watching and inspiration.
I am not someone who gets my best ideas in the shower. I mean—I do math in the shower. How many workshops would I have to teach in order to fund a week in Provence? What about a month in Italy? But genius ideas for my next art project or business venture? Nope. Washing my hair is not synonymous with inspiration.
For me, it’s windshield time. I relish long solo road trips—ideally with the windows down and Keith Urban blaring through the speakers. Something about the change of scenery shifts my perspective.
I was just talking to my best friend about how, when I travel, I always wind up making more money when I return than I spent on the trip. Not because I had sponsors. Not because I posted affiliate links. And definitely not because I worked 10x harder when I got home. Ideas just flow when I’m wandering.
Currently, I’m sitting in Golden Gate Park at California Kaffee, relishing the feeling of being almost invisible. I snagged the perfect retro blue bistro chair and a tiny table.
Here’s what I’m noticing around me: moms with their littles, cajoling them into sitting still for just two minutes so they can savor an almost-adult moment—sipping a cappuccino at a café. An older man with his little portable radio blaring, shaking his head silently as the station regales listeners with tales of the fall of democracy.
Then there are best friends with their dogs—alternating between catching up on their lives and sternly commanding Morrie to lie down while he mischievously hunts for crumbs.
And my mind drifts.
What would life be like if I could come here more often? How can I combine my two loves—teaching and travel?
Oohh. What if I bought a vintage travel trailer and turned it into a traveling coffee shop with journaling supplies? People could connect over really good, thoughtfully crafted espresso drinks—or bring their journals and write. Borrow supplies from the cart as needed. Try new things. Create new art. Dream new dreams.
And just like that, a new idea is born. Who knows where it will take me—but that’s the magic of giving myself space to drift.
