Starbucks Lovers by Lisa Eckmyn

I sat drinking tea in a downtown Seattle Starbucks the other day. I was writing, waiting for a friend and listening as k.d. lang sang “Hallelujah” in the background.

My attention kept wandering back to a couple at the next table. She had long dark hair and he was tall and casually dressed. Her back was to me, but I could see his face. In fact I had trouble keeping my eyes away from him. He stared at her with such rapt attention. He smiled and laughed softly. He was so clearly engaged with her and he sent off this warm energy that expanded beyond the two of them.

Now, I have rarely been accused of being romantic, so it was not the type of thing that would usually catch my attention. But his emotional presence was so strong I was drawn into it.

Like My Father Before Me… by Mark Frein

I am an educator, like my father before me.*

A Hockey Game Reflection by Lisa Eckmyn

I sat at my only Olympic competition in a sea of Canadian Red as I watched my first ever hockey game, a confession I make with some chagrin since I am a 43-year-old third generation Canadian. Canada was playing Switzerland and the crowd was happy, vibrant and charged. Red maple leaves were everywhere, including on my kids’ hands. Flags waved, people cheered, and pre- and post-game, small groups spontaneously burst out in song – our song, our Canadian Anthem.