My First Cup of Coffee
Every novel begins with a white sheet of paper, every movie starts with an empty screen, and every blog begins with an emptiness that is as much intimidating as inviting.
I’ve called this place The Velvet Café because that’s what it looks like in my imagination: a small and cosy café in red velvet style, barely lit up by the dampened lamps, a handful of armchairs and sofas, looking as comfortable and inviting as a cinema from the good old days.
I often go and see movies alone, which actually is quite nice, as long as you don’t care about social conventions. It’s only as I’m on my way home that I feel that something is missing.
It is as if I don’t get access to the full experience of a movie until I’ve processed it a bit further, put the thoughts and emotions it evoked into words. I have to get it out of my head, somehow, before I can see it.
After the introduction of hands free mobiles, talking to oneself out in the air is quite a normal thing to do. But, conventional or not, I still can’t bring myself to do it. And that’s the reason of existence for this place.
This will be my virtual home, where I shamelessly can think aloud as much as I like without worrying about being annoying, ignorant or plain boring to listen to.
When the show is over and I walk out into the night, I’ll make habit to make a stop at the café to calm down, relax over a hot cup of coffee and ponder upon what I’ve just been through before heading for my bed.
This is not a consumer guide website where I rank movies in a serious, insightful manner.
This is not a place for education or information or the latest news from the World of movies.
The Velvet Café is just me, a middle-aged film loving woman talking to herself about film and anything related to it over a cup of coffee .
The starting point of those ramblings will usually probably be something that has to do with movies in one way or another, such as the most recent one I saw. But since I don’t have any obligations to anyone, I’ll also let my thoughts wander as they like, enjoying the freedom of writing for fun, out of enthusiasm rather than for a living. The Velvet Café is all about my own enjoyment.
Nevertheless, if someone happens to pass by, getting curious about what’s behind those red velvet drapers, attracted by the soft, forgiving light and the smell of freshly made coffee, please go ahead and don’t be shy! Join me at the table, have a drink of your liking, speak up and throw your own thoughts into the conversation or stay silent, just listening. The choice is yours.
And so it begins.
I’ve just finished my first cup of coffee at my new place and I have the distinct feeling that I’m going to like this.
The Velvet Café 
Hello there, nice to meet you.
I like what you have done with the place. Reminds me of a certain Inn. A place where I once spent many an evening chatting with friends beside the fire.
I think i’ll grab myself a cup and stick around a while.
Dechion
July 21, 2011 at 9:44 am
Make yourself at home!
It’s not that crowded, but the sofas are cosy. I miss the fireplace though. I figured there’s no such a thing in a café. But maybe this is the exception? Perhaps there is one after all?
Jessica
July 21, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Welcome back Larísa! And already all of this has such a “PPI feel” to it. =)
I love the sleek design and omg wordpress – so nice! /sigh
Looking forward to read more of you again and yay, first comment!
Syl
July 21, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Hello Syl and thank you for the warm greeting! I’m sorry it took a while for the comment to come up. I’m a WordPress newbie and I’m still trying to figure out the settings. I still think Blogger is easier to understand when you start out as a new blogger, but there are some very nice features in WordPress, such as the possibilty to reply to each comment individually, so I thought I shoud give it a try this time around.
Jessica
July 21, 2011 at 8:25 pm
I believe I would like a caramel latte, with perhaps a shot of Bailey’s…and now I shall settle in the velvet armchair, cross me feet on the ottoman and peruse your offerings. So nice to see you again!
Imraith Dos Santos
July 21, 2011 at 3:23 pm
A very good choice of drink, sir! It’s wonderful to see you too.
Jessica
July 21, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Good to see you again. This place looks cozy, I think I’ll stay a while.
Jasyla
July 21, 2011 at 5:16 pm
You are so welcome!
Jessica
July 21, 2011 at 8:23 pm
So glad you opened up the doors of your cafe to guests that had visited you previously at the Inn. I already started a list of movies I want to see based on your reviews, looking forward to more!
Welcome (back) to business Jessica
elle
July 21, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Thank you! I can’t guarantee you’ll like the same movies as I do; in the end it’s a matter of personal taste. But if find that you disagree with me, we can at least talk about it over a cup of coffee!
Jessica
July 21, 2011 at 8:20 pm
I look forward to it!
elle
July 22, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Coffee? Cozy sofas? Non pretentious film-talk? I’m IN!
Bristal
July 21, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Yep, at least that’s my intention. You won’t see me talking very much about “protagonists” and “exposition” and I refuse to praise a movie just because it’s considered a “classic”. But on the other hand I tend to prefer the smaller productions to the major blockbusters, which might appear a little bit snobbish. In any case I’ll try to remain simple and straightforward and I hope you’ll enjoy your stay.
Jessica
July 21, 2011 at 8:18 pm
From Inn to Coffee Shop! I’ve always love coffee shops. I’m so glad to see you’ve kept writing, I’ve missed your voice very much.
Ophelie
July 23, 2011 at 6:15 pm
/wave! Nice to see you around!
I just couldn’t stay away from blogging in the long run. Got the bug you know. There’s no cure for it.
Jessica
July 23, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Here’s how my morning went:
I drowsily opened my eyes, reaching out for my iPod. When tired, I often like to do a bit of blog reading to help me wake up. As I went through my bookmarks, I decided to check PPI, *just in case* there would be a post.
And there was! And what a delight to learn that Jessica would be opening a cafe! A pleasant warmth immediately spread through me, and I daresay that seeing your face around these parts has made my day 🙂
I will stay here a while. And I’ll be sure to return tomorrow 🙂
Clovis
July 24, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@Clovis: Awww! I don’t know what to say. It’s absolutely amazing that you kept checking PPI after all this time. I’m SO glad to have you around.
/hugs
Jessica
July 24, 2011 at 11:31 pm
OI!
This must be the place that the little pink-pigtailed gnome down by the lake told me about! I was passing by and she must have seen I could use some warmth and food. I told her I had actually came to the forest to spend some time at my usual haunt but the Inn had been boarded up. I peered between some cracks and saw, with the help of some sunbeams passing through the Elwyn trees, that all the bottles had been emptied. Oh woe!
The little gnome told me about this place and gave me some directions. Said some good food and pleasant company might be found.
So, here I am.
Now, what’s on the menu?
gigahound
July 27, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Hello there!
Please make yourself at home. We’ve got coffee and tea of course, but also some stronger brews to accompany it if you so wish. Let’s see… cake… pie… cookies… and a lot of random thoughts about movies. Or a comfortable armchair where you can doze for a while, if that’s what you need. Enjoy!
Jessica
July 27, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Hmmmm, see a lot of the folks I recognize….
The sofa DOES look comfortable….
No fireplace. No worries, where I’ve come from lately it’s been too hot for a fireplace anyways…
Just wondering, is there a seat open in the corner facing the door? I have had some problems in the past with sitting with my back towards doors – seems like some roguish types enjoy sneaking in and tickling the tips of my ears when I’m not paying attention. Oh, by now you’ve probably noticed, I’m an elf – they ARE welcomed here, yes? If so, I’ll take a coffee with a hearty dose of Irish Whiskey. Better yet, hold the coffee and just give me the whiskey while I check the place out.
SpiritusRex
July 28, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Hey there! That was some quick travelling! I know about the lack of fireplaces and it’s botherming me a bit. I’ve never seen a café with a fireplace, but maybe I should be the first one? Don’t worry about your ears. Movie visitors are used to far more peculiar looks and won’t even notice.Enjoy your whiskey. It’s on the house. It’s really great to see you again! Cheers Jessica
Jessica
July 29, 2011 at 7:44 am
Lar,,,,,ahem….Jessica,
Thanks as always for the warm welcome and courtesy. I, of course, will be reading up on your musings. Really good to have caught back up (but not in that weird sort of way ) with you! Glad to see the muse hasn’t lost it’s shine.
As always,
Spiritus
SpiritusRex
July 29, 2011 at 8:19 am
Hello there Spiritus! I’m glad to see you around! I can’t guarantee that this will be your cup of tea, but you’re most welcome to try a sip. ❤
Jessica
August 7, 2011 at 8:04 pm
I was an infrequent visitor to the pink pigtail inn. Hope to follow you a bit more closely ( not in the Rogue sense )
mepiii
August 5, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Hi there mepii! Frequent or unfrequent, you’re always welcome to step inside and take a seat whenever you need a little rest for your mind.
Jessica
August 7, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Jessica, I disappeared for a while, and missed your farewell party at the Inn. I love what you’ve done with your new digs, and wish you every success and happiness as always.
Cheers,
E
Eccentrica
August 10, 2011 at 7:01 am
Hi there Eccentrica! Thank you for your wellwishes! You’re always welcome to pop in here for a cup, be it tomorrow or in a year. 🙂
Jessica
August 10, 2011 at 8:18 am
Heard about this place from an orc I know. How he found out about it, I’ve no idea…he’s not the sort to hang out in coffee shops if you know what I mean.
Very nice ambience, but before we know it, the winter snows will fly, and a fireplace would be nice. If you want some help laying bricks, it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. Might even convince the orc to help carry ’em!
~The blogger formerly known as Kestrel
Steve Hall (Kestrel) (@_steve_hall)
August 12, 2011 at 6:21 pm
Hey there! We have a fireplace! I just installed one towards the very end of my latest post. I felt clearly that something was missing. A café that is situated in the neighborhood of the theatres probably is somewhat more sophisticated than an old fashioned fantasy inn. But then I thought to myself: “so what. It’s cold in here. We need a fire.” So here it is. I just hope the velvet drapings on the walls won’t take fire.
You’re very, very welcome, Steve.
Jessica
August 12, 2011 at 6:34 pm
I just start reading your blog and I´m a bit confused now actually. Despite the fact that I´m 38 (oh yes, soon 39) and you´re 43 we seem to have a lot of things in common (I´m not writing perfect english though ;)).
I also love to go to the movies by myself, I have always done that and I see it like a little bit of self-therapy, a chance to be on my own for a couple of hours and only think about myself and the movie I´m going to see. Not a single “must-do” in sight.
I´m glad I´ve found you. We´re not a huge crowd we female middle-aged moviebloggers. 😉
Fiffi
September 9, 2011 at 11:36 pm
To be honest, I think 38 or 43 (44 in December, and that is FAR away ;)) isn’t such a big difference. We’re both hopelessly middle-aged I’m afraid.
And yes, I really feel at home at your blog as well. My English is far from perfect to be honest and sometimes I envy you because you write in Swedish and can stretch your writing in a way that I can’t do. I’m happy if I can come across at all. But I’ve chosen English as my blogging language for various reasons, so I shouldn’t whine about it. Take the bad with the good, wasn’t that how von Trier put it in Riget?
I’m so glad to have found you too. Alone you’re vulnerable, but in a party of two we’re ready to conquer the world.
Jessica
September 9, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Apologies, I’m a little late to the party, I stopped frequenting the Inn some time ago when I stopped passing through Elwynn. I recently decided to poke around wordpress and dabble a little with blogging, and thought I’d go poke around some old haunts, only to find the inn all closed, it’s still standing by the way – they don’t make them like that anymore. I like what you’ve done with the place here though, and if there’s any spare tables left, I think I might just pull up a chair, and enjoy the company and the views awhile.
azaboon
June 22, 2012 at 2:08 am