Comments on: i saw coffee breathe

By: nate the finger

nate the finger — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:18:46 +0000

Absolutely!

By: bz

bz — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:19:53 +0000

it’s a most complimentary term

By: nate the finger

nate the finger — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:54:10 +0000

Larry a madman? Maybe. Add him to the list of other revolutionary madmen who have changed our world.

As a facilitator of community, I find him to be a great example of someone committed to helping people come to an awareness of what it means to be truly human. Relationship is at our core and his understanding and redevelopment of third places is one of the greatest quests he could give himself to.

A brilliant facilitator, an inspiring enabler, and a compelling example of grace and goodness. I would gladly lay down my sanity to become such a sacramental madman.

By: bz

bz — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:31:52 +0000

ah, madman. i still like “enabler.” do you object?

i hope the fairly descriptive nature of this post doesn’t mask what is essentially unbridled awe at what you’re doing. you will soon get a meager thanks offering in the mail.

it’s great to see your ripple effects in the comments here. chicago too? cool.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:01:42 +0000

It was a brisk May morning in Chicago. My wife and I offered up our tiny condo as a launch pad for Larry to take on the city that weekend. Larry and I walked across the street to a small coffee and gathering place for the locals, Mo’joe’s. We talked about life, politics, and the need for a “third place”. It was only then that I realized what a unique person the madman really is. I should also note, that he paid for the coffee. Which was huge. Thanks for the wisdom Larry.

By: Phil Proteau

Phil Proteau — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:20:08 +0000

So Larry facilitates a joyful life for all, fair enough.

By: the madman

the madman — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:10:21 +0000

I guess I should come out of the closet and “explain myself”. I am referred to as the madman,and rightly so. I am honored that my experience in the world of espresso and coffeehouse ventures over the past decades can become of value to the amazing passion and talent of the likes of individuals who are part of this blog. Phil’s comment that he is not sure what I “do”. I could say I sell things, like espresso machines,books and such. I could say I create or help people create authentic third places, like neighborhood coffeehouses. I could speak about some big projects like coffeehouse/bookstore/music venues that won awards for best coffee,best espresso, best community center and all that, but that was years ago. The best latte art I do, I do for my wonderful bride of 31 years, in private. I don’t bother trying to compete because I can’t even remember to clean my own steam wand.

Grace and goodness have followed me all the days of my life and I have the good fortune of having been around amazingly creative and courageous humans. This past weekend was an example of a great experience of grace and goodness. Families who know love and abundance of joy came together and celebrated life, and that life included lots of espresso hardware, lots of books, lots of purposeful conversation. The children whose little faces shined with joy and whose little voices called me “bobo” were I must admit, the highlights. The love and hope put into their lives by their parents and friends gave me hope for the future, which certainly can not look good at times… but in their eyes is very good and well.

I will try to become more a part of these kinds of blogs… some very good life is being exchanged and I would be honored to be included in the conversations. I am leaving for Seattle and Vancouver this afternoon with two wonderful friends and we are going to meet up with many wonderful espresso artisans and continue the exchanges. More good exchanges will happen in Cincinnati,and some wonderful new places will be born, where many will experience a deeper life together, where thankfulness and joy like was on the faces of the little ones at 1801 Mills, will abound.

the madman, also known as “bobo” “the walrus” and “templeton” by my little friends and some associates.

By: bz

bz — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:51:29 +0000

nate: it’s sunny, 65 and downright pleasant here today. but just as bad.

jon: i scanned this post a couple times to make sure i wasn’t unintentionally stealing any lewis phrases … a commentary on the weekend if there can be one. but i hope i didn’t.

phil: classic. just classic. the best word i can find find for the guy is “enabler.” because it’s very, very hard to figure out what specifically he does.

By: Phil Proteau

Phil Proteau — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:36:31 +0000

When I met Larry at the Barista Jam in Easton last week I addressed him thusly:

Me “So what are you, some kind of home Barista or Something?”

Jon Lewis “Oh, this is a good story”

Larry “I started off selling some espresso machines a while back”

He then began to weave his tale, which I am still not sure I understand.

By: )on

)on — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:04:31 +0000

As usual, your words, images and metaphor have shaped my imagining of an event (and I was there) into a bless’d other-worldly experience. The snow was real; the coffee, profoundly real; and the relational quality of our time almost ethereal – if not so grounded in the reality of that place… the third place… the fourth corner.

It seems the human blend can only become more complex and nuanced, robust and weighty… sweeter.

By: nate the finger

nate the finger — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:38:00 +0000

Indiana is particularly gray today . . .

Sort of like going back to packaged string cheese after a night of 3 year aged gouda.

Or, tucking in at a reclusive farmhouse after a prolonged visit at the third place.

Thank goodness for the left over Microcosm. . . I find it reminiscently soothing to my nostalgia.

Thanks to all for a glimpse of joy.

By: bz

bz — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:56:21 +0000

a tried and true method of his, it seems. the thing about this place was the wholeness of the team. the madman had his wingmen, and they balanced each other out like some kind of (obvious metaphor) human blend.

very soon, this corner will be a must-visit.

By: Phil

Phil — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:57:50 +0000

I myself spent an evening in the company of the madman just last week in Pittsburgh. He encouraged me to dream more often, and then tell people with money about my dreams (and maybe about any business plans i might have lying about).

He is a good one. He is a help.

I’m glad more like-minded folk are coming together; this is good news for the world at large.