“Coffee shops  
are just tiny  
emotional repair  
stations with muffins.” 
Manoj Pal

I have a wonderful office at home. It has a large desk, a comfortable recliner, a work table, four book cases, and excellent internet access. It even has a view of the redwood trees outside the window. In the past, I’ve referred to it as my sacred space. I have done, and continue to do, the bulk of my writing in this office.

Like most things in life, my home office has both advantages and disadvantages. It’s nice to be able to sit and write in my office while still in my pajamas. Although it doesn’t happen very often, there have been days when I’ve worn my pajamas all day long. Why get dressed if I’m not going out, right?

Working at home also gives me convenient access to the kitchen for meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the day. While this can be a good thing, it’s also one of the disadvantages. Sometimes it’s too easy to bring cookies, candy, or other sweets into my office while I’m writing. I can even throw in a couple of loads of laundry while working in my office. Multi-taking is good, no?

The most obvious disadvantage to a home office is the number of interruptions I experience while I’m working. I use the word interruptions with reservation, however, because I’m talking about my grandkids coming into my office while I’m writing. I don’t like to think of them as interruptions. Their presence in my life, even when they enter my office while I’m busy, brings me tremendous joy.

So every now and then, I like to leave home to find a comfortable writing space. I’ve been to Starbucks, Philz, Peet’s, Jake’s Pizza, Rose Café, and several other establishments where people gather to enjoy a beverage or a bite to eat and to do some writing. One of my favorite spots in the Santa Clara Valley is located in downtown Campbell.

I spent a good part of the day yesterday at Orchard Valley Coffee at the corner of E. Campbell & Central Avenues. I did a little bit of reading and a good amount of writing during my visit. I also enjoyed a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, and hot chocolate. The staff at OVC is hospitable. The food and beverages are excellent. What I like most, however, is the vibe. The clientele here, at least during the morning hours, is mostly people around my age. Some come in with friends. Others bring a book or their laptop. There is a tangible sense of community and camaraderie among the customers. It’s not unusual to see someone offer to move to a different table to accommodate the needs of other customers.

I don’t get to Orchard Valley Coffee as often as I used to, but my visit yesterday reminded me of what a special place it is. Is it, as Manoj Pal claims, just a “tiny emotional repair station with muffins”? Well, that description might well describe OVC, or other coffee shops around the greater San Francisco Bay Area, but Orchard Valley Coffee is more than just that. It’s a special place where many of us experience a strong sense of belonging.