Why Write By Night And Muse About Matcha?
Why does a writer write at night? Good question. You should ask one.
Oh wait, that’s me. Yes, I’m a writer by day. A “senior writer” actually. That means I’m getting old. It also means that I write a lot. Like, all the time. It’s a big part of my job.
So why write at night? I mean, I don’t need to be a mild-mannered guy by day who turns out to be a superhero defending the populace by night. That would be cool, but I think someone already came up with that idea. I also can’t outrun trains, stop bullets, or fly. And, as far as I know, there is no man cave under my house full of wonderful toys fit for a caped crusader.
But shouldn’t I be chilling this evening instead of continuing on with what essentially is my work? I mean, there are new installments of Star Wars: Maul-Shadow Lord to watch. Or classic West Wing episodes. Why write?
Well, I’ll get to those shows. I have Disney+ after all. I also own the entire West Wing series on Digital Versatile Discs. Again, I’m old… classic, even.
Writing Helps Me Focus
I write because I enjoy it. I also write because it focuses my thoughts. Always has. Some people think best when they talk (and talk and talk and talk and…). I’m better when I write.
For example, right now I’m looking out the window of a local coffeeshop at at sunset. I have a number of ideas going through my mind as I observe its soft reds and yellows accentuating the shadowy beauty of a few nearby flowering trees. One of those thoughts is, unfortunately, that I really should admit to you that I am not at a local coffeehouse. It’s Starbucks. I’m sorry! It was just convenient and (other excuses).
Ah, hang with me, ok? The thing is, I wouldn’t have zeroed in on that confession (and had a little fun with it) if I wasn’t writing.
Writing also helps me learn.
According to StrengthsFinder (now CliftonStrenths), I am a “context” guy. That suggests I “enjoy thinking about the past” and “understand the present by researching its history.” Check and check for both those boxes.
Writing then pushes me to do my research as I muse on things like matcha (more to come below). I check references and even intentionally go down some tangential rabbit holes. Even though much of what I find won’t make the final cut as I focus my thoughts “on paper,” the exercise expands my context—my known universe.
So writing forces me to evaluate ideas. Toss some. Use others. Sock the rest away in my own personal cloud (meaning my brain… and sometimes even my heart). After all, a tangential idea today could end up in another piece tomorrow. Or maybe it just makes me a more well-rounded person. I’m good either way.
Now, I do hope that as I start this blog my musings may go a little deeper than reflections on where I’m having coffee or what immediately grabs my attention in my stream of consciousness. But they don’t need to, right? You’re still reading after all. You may be judging my coffee loyalties, but you’re still here.
Which brings up another question… why are you here? And why should I share my thoughts with you?
Well, I should ask you. But, for now, I’m just going to hope that maybe I might occasionally write something that is as interesting to you as it is to me. And, if it’s not, give me some grace and take a look at one of my other posts.
A Moment for Matcha
Before you leave today, though, will you reflect with me on matcha for a minute?
Why matcha? Well, I’m looking at the menu here at Starbucks, and it’s telling me to have a “matcha moment.” And if I go to the grocery store later, Trader Joe’s wants me to know that the green tea powder is “so hot right now.”
How can I say “no” to that? After all, my wife is now one of those matcha enthusiasts. So, if I am what I eat (that’s what Timer taught me during Saturday morning cartoons when I was a kid), then consuming these leaves of the Japanese Camellia sinensis bush will add to my hotness, right?
Seriously, I should be a prime candidate to go green with matcha. I am, after all, all-in on some natural magic, like the power of real essential oils. I’m not referring to the watered down (or worse) ones you may find at your local grocery store. I mean the high quality Young Living kind for which my wife is a real guru. I was a reluctant convert, but that is a story for another blog post.
In any case, maybe it’s time to put on my inner kimono and join the green tea party.
Except…I get that matcha has antioxidants. I love that. It also has a really cool name. MAT-CHA! But one article told me it might boost brain function, support heart health, help me lose weight, prevent cancer, and do my taxes for free.
Ok, yes, I made up that last one. But count me as one who is a little skeptical. After all, BBC reported last year that matcha is even making its way into donuts.
I want an excuse to eat donuts like anyone else, especially if I someone implies I might be able to shed a few pound while doing it. But perhaps this fad is getting a little overbrewed.
The Future is Bright
Thank you for taking that minute to muse with me on matcha. Starbucks should be proud. I feel like we had a real “matcha moment,” and the future is bright. We may even become matcha mavens together before all is said an done.
Moving forward, I may not always reflect on things like matcha. I may go deeper, at least sometimes. And I may not always be so hilariously witty.
You are laughing, right? Right? (Tap, tap) Is this thing on?
Until next time.
Photo by Seren Le on Unsplash
