Saturday morning

Saturday morning, during a break between teaching I stopped at a lovely cafe for a cappuccino. I observed the Saturday morning families stepping in and out of the cold, brisk, but sunny morning. A baby kept screaming out of joy in discovering his voice, while other children bundled in puffy jackets and snow hats discovered each other and their parents mingled and adored them. Tons of panetone, traditional Italian Christmas bread, wrapped brightly like exciting gifts begged to be opened. The hand-baked cookies reminded me of Grandma Jean's on Christmas: chocolate dipped with sprinkles, cream puffs, fruit tarts and canoli - each made with care. The scene was similar to the hustle and bustle of Starbucks on a Saturday morning - but so different at the same time. It was warmer, friendlier, more home-made. I only wished that mom, dad or Frankie would have walked in out of the cold to sit with me and enjoy a cappuccino too.