Dear journal readers,

There's just not enough fun to go around, aye? You know, it's interesting the effect one god can have, considering there are multiple deities that rule over the same aspects. What determines the strength of one over the other? It can't be just the amount of territory the pantheon controls. There must be another reason. According to the Oracle, all this mess is due to one god's mourning. If a god is moved strongly enough, does that provide a boost of power, do you reckon?

I ought to make the best of a bad situation, so I guess I'll take this time to eat healthier. If everything's going to taste shitty anyway, I should probably just go ahead and eat the stuff that isn't that great anyway. I can't lie though, the effect on coffee is breaking my heart. My ukulele's having a break as well; a sad uke just doesn't do a thing for anyone, aye.

Give it some time, I reckon. Things will pass or come to light. After all, the gods hate other people stomping all over their domains.

[Private to Ava]

I know you've got a lot on your plate right now, Miss Wright, but we're throwing a little prom for Luz on the 26th, and I thought I'd see if you and Odie would like to come.

[Private to Sydni]

Hey Sydni, how're things? Look, we're throwing a little prom for our friend Luz, since she can't make it to hers. It's on the 26th. Would you like to come? I reckon it'd be a nice way to meet some other demis. And it's alcohol free, so Lex could come along.

[/Private]

Sincerely,

Ari Patrowski

Dear journal readers,

Glad to hear everyone made it through their unplanned trip through the Underworld. Did anyone figure out what the point was? I wouldn't be surprised if a handful of gods were just needing a bit of entertainment. It's mad, isn't it? Well, I suppose it's more than some of get to have a glimpse of life after death. Then again, in this crowd, I guess that's more common than not.

I treated myself to The Muppets DVD. That is one funny movie. Nothing beats the classic humor of the Muppets, aye. I'd love to go visit the Jim Henson Studios. I read that they do scotch tastings there, or have done before. It's not something kids ought to think about, but I reckon Kermit the Frog would defo be a scotch drinker. He's the classy sort.

Anyway, April's almost through. That's 2012 a third gone. Time flies. Anyone have any big plans for the summer?

Sincerely,

Ari Patrowski

Dear journal readers,

I just wanted to extend my sympathies to anyone who was close to Milo. I didn't know the guy very well, but we exchanged comments a few times, and I know he was a good bloke. It's pretty terrifying to hear about this kind of violence happening around us, so I hope everyone is finding a way to cope. Look out for your mates, and stay safe. It's been proven time and again that we're not as protected as we like to think.

That's all for my PSA.

Hope you'll all come into Nectar this week. We've got a gorgeous Kenyan single origin espresso in at the moment, and I've ordered in some really nice Ethiopian Yirgacheffe for microbrewing. Basically that means brewing individual cups one at a time, and it makes a really bright, flavorful cup of coffee. It's a Japanese method, actually. Leave it to them to apply the beauty of brewing tea to coffee.

At least the weather's been nice. Anyone up for some outdoor fun?

Sincerely,

Ari Patrowski

Dear journal readers,

We've got a new blend coming in for March, based heavily on Peruvian beans. It's a dark roast, which you wouldn't necessarily think of for spring, but its earthy undertones really do bring to mind images of newly churned earth and a season for growth. It reckon it'll go over pretty well.

I don't know about anyone else, but I am ready for spring to be settled. This back and forth is always pretty hard to deal with.

Sincerely,

Ari Patrowski

( Private to Mickey )

Dear journal readers,

We've been through a lot of shit. There's no denying that. We've had the most ridiculous and horrifying circumstances forced on us without question or consent. By all rights we ought to be pretty fed up and discouraged. We ought to not even want to get out of bed in the morning.

But you know what? Life goes on. And there are some pretty damn amazing things happening out there, and some pretty damn amazing people making them happen. It makes me remember why I don't just give up or give in to the things that rile me up. Even if I get mad for the right reasons, there's always more to it, and that's what I've got to focus on. That's what I love, and that's why I live.

So you beautiful people, cheers. I owe you one.

Always sincerely yours,

Ari Patrowski

Gus, Brady, Lottie, where are you? Let me know as soon as you can.

I hope everyone is keeping their heads. It's pretty fucked that we're yet again bound by some god's idea of a game. Please, do what you can to get through this. Find the "heart" of your story. I won't lie, I think this is pretty much bullshit.

For the record, I'm in Lord of the Rings as Frodo. I'm not incredibly familiar with the text, so any help would be appreciated. Cheers. Stay safe.

Dear journal readers,

I guess its a pretty typical thing to make a resolution about getting in shape, aye? I mean, to tell the truth, I'm not a huge slouch in that department, but I guess everyone could always do a little more. I just don't get all that excited about weights or running or that kind of thing. Any workout I do needs to have something more of a point to it. Maybe I should join a rec team of some sort. Any suggestions?

By the way, I defo suggest swinging by Nectar if you get the chance. We're phasing out all the holiday stuff, so that's leaving room for some great old favorites. Rachel's got a particularly yum peanut butter banana bread. It's going to be my resolution downfall. We've also got a nice Ethiopian/Kenyan blend in for the coffee buffs. I reckon its top notch.

Winter makes me a bit antsy. Hey Mickey, how about that deal we made? Still up for it?

Sincerely,
Ari Patrowski

Dear journal readers,

Merry Christmas.

Sincerely,
Ari Patrowski

Dear journal readers,

I reckon everyone's pretty sick of Halloween. Let's move on.

So for a lot of guys, including myself, November's a pretty important month. It's a month in which we get to bring to light a very serious issue. Yes, ladies and gents, I'm talking about prostate cancer. It's Movember time!

For those of you who don't know, for the month of Movember, I'll be raising money to support prostate cancer research and treatment. In exchange, I will grow the most impressive moustache I am physically capable of. You can support me by dropping off donations at Nectar. We'll have a box set up at the register. Alternately, I've set up a donation page at Movember.com. Just search for Ari Patrowski to make a donation.

Also, I'm taking recommendations for this year's mo style, so get the ideas in while I'm still clean-shaven!

Sincerely,
Ari Patrowski

Dear journal readers,

What's everyone going to be for Halloween? We've got some rad pumpkin muffins at Nectar to celebrate. They've got candy corn on top. You know, we don't have candy corn where I'm from, but I kinda got into them last year. It's fun to eat the stripes each separately. Anyone got any big plans?

Stay safe too. It's getting pretty creepy out there.

Sincerely,

Ari

( Private to Brady and Gus )

Dear journal readers,

Getting cold in NYC, isn't it? Even colder than normal, aye. You know, I've always really liked how Americans do Halloween. It's a pretty whimsical holiday. It's pretty cool how they've taken something so solemn and made it fun for everyone. Kids in costume are bloody cute too. Are there any parties being planned? There's not nearly enough fancy dress around this place.

I don't mind the cold myself, but it does make me miss some of the warmer climates I've lived in. I wouldn't mind popping over to Thailand right about now. Some surf and sand would be a treat. Maybe that's what you need, Brady, a bit of sun.

We've started selling spiced apple cider at Nectar. So weird that cider isn't alcoholic here. Or not always. What's the point?

Sincerely,
Ari

Dear journal readers,

My name is Ari. I like coffee, breakfast, and the Muppets. I don't really like birds. I'm from New Zealand. I'm not really sure how to make this not sound like a personal ad. Maybe I'll just copy paste over to Craig's List. I reckon you could meet some interesting people, although they might all be fetishists of some kind. To each their own. I saw a guy selling a 1986 Chevy completely covered in faux fur. On the outside. It must've sold pretty fast, since I didn't see the ad up except that once.

Anyway, if ever you're around the Village, stop by Nectar. We've got a new single origin roast in. Ethiopia. Nice fruity undertones. Oh, and we've got some mean banana fritters. Rachel is our pastry chef, and she knows what she's doing.

Well, I reckon that about does it, unless someone wants to share ukulele sheet music.

Sincerely yours,

Ari

mood: content