Skip to main content

A Cup of Kindness at BOOTS Bakery & Lounge, Spokane, WA.



 That morning was like so many others - I was running late and frazzled that the coffee drive-thru was annoyingly slow. Fumbling through my handbag, I realized my wallet hadn't made the trip. I pulled up to the window, counting out loose change when the barista informed me the car in front of me paid my bill. Grateful and shocked, I dumped the change in tip jar and blissfully drove away. That random act of kindness turned around what started as a less than stellar day.  That one cup of kindness brought such joy that years later, I'm telling you about it. 
     Let's say I didn't just forget my wallet through, and the coffee I craved wasn't financially possible. How much more would I appreciate each sip? Kindness comes in many forms. It can be random acts done anonymously, specific acts done with intention, boldly with fanfare or quietly from the heart. The list goes on, but one thing is constant, kindness has the a ripple effect and apparently can come in a cup.

     Boots Bakery & Lounge, an indy coffee shop located in downtown Spokane may just be the anti-Starbucks. Bright turquoise facade, soaring ceilings, mismatched chairs, local art, an inspiring vegan menu and a heart. This locally owned gathering place has a serious commitment to what's been coined as "suspended coffee." The way it works is when you place an order, you add on one or more extra coffees. Those extra or suspended coffees are then banked for when someone needs to be spotted for their coffee. No questions asked. For those financially challenged, or simply someone who forgot their wallet, can order a suspended coffee. The ripple effect of kindness envelops this friendly gathering place and is reflected by the staff and the patrons. Boots Bakery & Lounge is riding the wave of the suspended coffee movement as a warm cup of kindness can be counted on when needed.
     In the end, only kindness matters. Anonymous random acts of kindness expect nothing in return. Not even a thank you. The only thing you can do is pay it forward. So, would you buy a stranger coffee? You should try it. It feels awesome for both the giver and the recipient.

Boots Bakery & Lounge is located at 24 West Main Ave. in downtown Spokane, and is open Monday – Tuesday, 6 AM – 6 PM; Wednesday – Saturday, 6 AM to 10 PM; Sundays 6 AM to 6 PM bootsbakery.com, 509.703-7223.
  
Written by Laurie Allen. As published in Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living magazine May 2015



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Marys & Mimosas - Booze for Breakfast

Bringing Back The Breakfast Drink                  Marys and Mimosas

Both the Bloody Mary and Mimosa make it socially acceptable to drink before noon.  While this can be a problem if the drinking continues all day, on its own, a Mary or a Mimosa is a beautiful thing.
The Bloody Mary can be a meal in itself - a healthy sounding one at that with a slightly morbid name. Bloody Marys traditionally are made with vodka and tomato juice which is then heavily spiced and garnished. Some say this drink was conceived in Paris in the roaring 20's.  Others trace it back to the 30's as a cure to the dreaded hangover. Either way, this breakfast cocktail has evolved with many twists being added along the way.
The Mimosa, on the other hand, is a mainstay of the classy champagne brunch with a straightforward recipe: champagne or sparkling wine and orange juice. Yes, this is a drink you can make yourself. It was supposedly invented in back in 1925 at a Parisian Hotel. As with most cocktails, there a…
Post a Comment
Read More...

Are some wines more romantic than others?

Absolutely! Port for instance is a seductively slow sip that vies for the title of most romantic wine. Additionally, Port is ideal for winter thanks to the warmth of brandy added during the winemaking process. 
I’m thrilled about receiving the highly anticipated release of Quinta de la Rosa’s 30-Year-Old Tawny Port. This collectible port celebrates the thirtieth anniversary since the Father/Daughter team of Tim and Sophia Bergqvist started Quinta de la Rosa in the Douro. This beautiful amber color port is aged well for three decades. Respectfully, slow down and don’t rush this. This is definately a bottle you need to spend some time with. It has enormous elegance and complexity. 

Winemaker’s Notes: On the nose, slightly dried fruit aromas with touches of balsamic vinegar, coffee and exotic wood being just some of the components. On the palate it is simply delicious, almost light but with incredible intensity of flavor, soft, mouth filling with great persistence. Food Match: Best served…
Post a Comment
Read More...

Urban Living - Spokane Style 

This was fun! Our story and loft was featured in the Inlander Health & Home magazine. Thank you to Blythe Thimsen, writer and Young Kwak, photographer. We are also very grateful to Heather Hanley of the Tin Roof for helping us design our space. Our ensuite coffee lounge even made the cover. Additionally, the other featured urban space was one of my downtown listings. ♥️

Laurie and James Allen’s new home in Kendall Yards offers lots of light and quick access to all that downtown Spokane has to offer.

A Vibrant Downtown Lifestyle is Luring Residents Back to Spokane's City Center.
"A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage!" Used in the 1928 presidential campaign, and attributed to President Herbert Hoover, the idea of a car in every garage planted a seed that took root. Over the years, along with it came the idea of the spacious house with a yard, the white picket fence and the happy, quiet life in suburban America.
Fast forward to 2018, and nowadays trading in th…
Post a Comment
Read More...