The Three Pines Story
A few years ago, Nick and I moved to Los Angeles to pursue music careers. When we first arrived, we stopped at Handsome Coffee, a new specialty coffee shop located in the arts district.
During our visit, the owner happened to need a handy man. Nick's background fixing cars at his father's auto body shop made him just the man for the job. Perhaps due to Nick's willingness to be helpful, the owner offered Nick a position as a barista.
Nick didn't know much about coffee, but he learned quickly. I would visit him often at the coffee shop, happy to read for hours while sipping on one of the delicious beverages he learned to make.
My mother called me one afternoon. She always has crazy ideas to share with me. I usually take them with a grain of salt. "Meg, you should start an all-girl electronic band that performs only at national parks!" or "Meg, why don't you start an E-bay company that sells used prom dresses?!"
This time she had an idea that didn't involve clowns, sequins, or the use of live animals, so I listened closely. "Utah needs good coffee shops! You are a great businesswoman, and Nick has turned into quite the barista. How about the two of you start up your own coffee company?" Before I could come up with all my usual objections, a quiet voice inside me spoke up...
Why not?
That night at dinner, I told Nick, "So, my mother had this thought..." We both laughed it off, but our conversation kept returning to the idea our own coffee shop.
Within a week, we purchased a brand new espresso machine, grinders, and other coffee gear (worth almost as much as my college tuition!), packed our bags, and decided to move back to Salt Lake City.
At times during our long drive, I questioned our decision. As I stared out at the desert highway, I imagined one of those dusty railroad switch operators off in the distance appearing larger and larger as the train representing my life approached, chugging comfortably down the route it always has. I noticed the blur of his blue cap as I passed him. He saluted me and suddenly cranked a lever, sending the train down a sharp turn into the unknown.
Snapping back to reality with a catchy pop song coming on the radio, I felt a sense of calmness come over me, because I realized that we couldn't NOT try this. Nick smiled at me and squeezed my hand over the center console. Whatever happens, it is guaranteed to be a great adventure, and that's enough for us.
Sincerely,
Meg Frampton
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Photos by Leslie Leynes - Gimenez
