Make Your Own Rules #5

Rule #5

Rule: Don’t Worry About the Latte Art

Rule Maker: James Brady, Owner Brady’s Coffee

Learn More About the Rule: Brady’s Coffee 309 W. Rusk Tyler, TX 75701

Much of my writing takes place at Brady’s coffee in Tyler, TX. There is nothing fancy about Brady’s I assure you. There are no CD’s for sale, no private equity exchanges being mulled over. There are no uniformed baristas with horn rimmed glasses. There is industrial carpet, local art on the walls, a drop tile ceiling and fluorescent lighting. Most every time I’ve been there the owner himself, James Brady is there as well. Always ready to share one of his poems or just some take on life is “Brady” as he is known to all of us who frequent his shop.

There’s also the aroma of the highest quality coffee, the same faces in the seats that you saw yesterday, last week and last month. There will also be a concerto by Mozart, Beethoven or Brahms slightly above the few conversations throughout the shop. Considering there’s rarely more than a few tables occupied you can actually enjoy the music. At Brady’s it’s all about the coffee. If you get a call on your cell, please take it outside. That’s a rule every patron will see staring at them on the front door as they enter.

One thing you will not find in a cup of Brady’s coffee is what he refers to as latte art. This is the little layered design found on the surface of many fancy cups of latte or cappuccino. Look through Instagram any given morning and you’re likely to see pictures of little swans floating atop coffee mugs. Brady does no such thing. I’m certainly not here to knock latte art because I happen to love it. It leads me to believe I must be drinking a great cup of coffee if it looks that good. However, Brady shared something with me one time that gave me reason to really consider his theory for shunning the latte art.

Brady said, “It’s not the art that matters. It’s what’s under the art. It’s what’s under the foam. The foam will go away.” How true this is. It’s what’s in the middle of the cup we really pay for. I have such admiration for those who spend their lives focused on what’s under the latte art. Those who are more interested in what’s unseen than what’s seen.

I think Brady’s shop perfectly reflects his philosophy. It’s not about hip aesthetics or decor. It’s all about what’s in the cup. Judge his business based purely on the product he delivers.

In the Bible Jesus referred to the Pharisees as “white washed tombs.” By this he meant they were so focused on outward appearances they neglected what really mattered. Of what value is merely looking good when in fact you are a wretch inside? I could list out a bunch of examples of such people but I will spare you. I’m sure you have plenty of names that come to mind in fact you might be one. If so, I suggest you determine to not worry nearly as much about the latte art and much more about what’s under the foam in your cup.

In full transparency, the muse for this post looks back at me every morning in the mirror. I am trying every day to focus more on what is unseen than what is seen. I believe by doing so I will be a better father, husband, son, co-worker and human. Let what’s inside reveal your latte art.

Thanks for reading. You rule!

Jason