First of The Year

It’s PSL Day, kids. The first day you can order a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks and to some people, it’s a big deal. Even prestigious news organizations like NPR are devoting space to it. And so am I. (Mainly as a joke to a friend of mine who informed me of this yearly milestone the day before.)

You are probably wondering “why the fuck is he writing about this shit…” And I will tell you it’s for a few reasons. I need something that’s not work related to expend some energy on. If you’ve been on my close friends instagram feed fuck me I feel stupid writing those words you know that i’ve been cooking a lot more over the past few months. I’ve got a pile of food-related photography, links, notes, recipes, audio recordings, musings, prophecies, etc. etc. related to food. I also need to get to know how to use mailing lists and marketing tools in a venue that isn’t work related in case I make a mistake. So that’s what this space is. Something to focus on that’s not super critical but that I can learn from.

So all of that will go here, starting with a photo of my first pumpkin spice beverage of the year. Check back whenever you like, or signup for an email alert. (Newsletters a kinda fun and I want to explore that format. I found a few during lockdown that I enjoyed like this one.)

I will not post links to this content anywhere. You’ve just got to know somebody who knows the password. I don’t care if you share anything, just don’t publicly post links.

But anyway, back to this special day.

I drink a lot of coffee.

A lot.

And it’s always black.

Except when it’s pumpkin related. I have a huge thing for pumpkin related food and beverages. So, way back when Starbucks first released the aforementioned coffee beverage I was very much a fan and also very much about keeping it to myself. All these years and I had no idea this drink had become such a thing. From a favorite piece I used to assign my journalism students as a warmup:

There is no inherent failing in that cinnamon-tinged cup of steamed milk and coffee product. The only failure is one of perspective.

Read The Pumpkin Spice Latte Is Just a Hot Milkshake on Eater. It’s fun.

I know everyone is busy. So no worries if you don’t care. I just need something to work on sometimes and I prefer distractions that either make something or that I learn something from. Thank you, friend, for reminding me of the importance of August 24th, you know who you are. It’s another sign that we are moving toward the Fall, which is often my favorite time of year. Even if it’s just a little early, like Christmas songs before Thanksgiving.