Genius Loci: the spirit of place
Genius loci: the spirit of place or a reference point for the creative spirit. Genius loci is at the heart of everything we do. (http://www.geniusloci.co.uk/)
There is a quaint little coffee shop in the heart of the small town, Wyoming, Minnesota. To the average customer, it probably seems just like any other café they’ve visited. It’s typical in the sense that it serves a Coffee of the Day and freshly baked scones. An eclectic collection of coffee mugs are on display and greeting cards are for sale in a wicker basket. There are small tables arranged close together on the wood floor. Three large, comfy chairs sit in front of a stone fireplace. The aroma and friendly environment of the building make people feel welcome and urges them to stay and relax. Natural lighting pours in through the big glass windows; the mood is comforting; the spirit is alive. This is the location of my second home, The Nesting Grounds Coffee House and Café.
As a young sixth grader, my best friends and I would ride our bikes over to the Nesting Grounds. We would scrounge up all the money we could find to buy strawberry smoothies and chocolate chip cookies. I was hired as a barista there four years later. The Nesting Grounds was not only the place where I worked, but a place where I would go to be with my friends. The people I worked with became my second family. We got to know the customers on a personal level as well. We would see them walk in, make their drink and hand it to them before they even had a chance to order. I know that building inside and out. I took care of it, cleaned it and spoke of it like I was the owner.
When I walk into the Nesting Grounds, I feel a sense of security. It is a community gathering place; a place to catch up with old friends, study for a big exam and hold business meetings.
I worked at the Nesting Grounds for two years. In addition to working there, I went to the Nesting Grounds every Tuesday afternoon to chat with my Youth Director and friends from my church. We would sit at the same table week after week hanging out, drinking coffee and surfing the web.
The Nesting Grounds Coffee House has special meaning to me. I can walk in there and instantly feel alive and re-energized. Living away from home, I miss being comforted by the warm feelings and gracious surroundings I know so well. The Nesting Grounds will always have a special meaning in my heart.
