T.M. Shannon

Provided it’s tempered, bipolar has some positive benefits, one of those a whimsical nature where simple things become overly joyous.

(There are also negative sides, but I’m sure my work ethic and be ready on time ideals are of use)

Case in point, an epic cup of coffee I had around 2012/13:

I went on a long drive from home hoping to do some writing as well, and wound up in Bankstown, in one of Sydney’s southwestern suburbs, at the shopping centre.

I was up at the Woolworths end, just rescued someone’s card from the ATM that they forgot, and saw a cafe, where I was served by a lovely lady with a hijab who promised me it was good coffee.

She asked if I wanted baklava or other sweets, and I didn’t know where to start, so she surprised me with two treats that were sugary and divine, and a coffee so hot I actually couldn’t drink it.

I left, went back to the car, found the coffee had cooled a bit, and tried it – and she was certainly right: it was good coffee.

I don’t know why this experience was so profound, but it made up for the negativity that invaded to get me to go home.

But it’s a joy repeated in many things in life and the world, often in my very strange sense of humour – or driving to and from work listening to Gregorian Chant.

As for the writing, 5 chapters to go!