While I was away…
Hi! Is anyone out there?
I’ve been away and I wish I could say it was for an epic summer trip but alas, it was definitely not. Medical emergencies, sick kiddos, and the World Cup have been the cause of my absence; which does not excuse my lack of attention to you lovely humans but I sure do know that you all won’t hold that against me.
My son turned 1 on Monday and although he’s my second kiddo to reach this milestone, it hit me harder than the first. Postpartum also hit me harder than the first - THAT was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through and I want to talk about it. Postpartum depression engulfed my body and soul and it was determined to leave me there to die but somehow I crawled, kicked, and fought my way out of it. Up until recently, I was full of anger and resentment - not towards anybody in particular but maybe at the world? How dare the world not be supportive and uplifting? How dare the world continue to spew out hate when what we need the most right now is love? I later realized that one of the sayings I had heard the most while growing up would be the answer (kinda) to these questions and feelings I was having.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Without writing my memoir out for you all to read in this one post, I will say that I’ve been through some pretty horrible things in my life that I never thought I’d recover from, and despite it all, I am still here and I am stronger because of it. My goal is not to preach or to set unrealistic expectation for yourself in the midst of this crazy life, not at all! Instead, I ask you this - are you showing up for others in the way that you want them to show up for you? If the answer is no, that’s so real. Like I said, i’m not here to judge or preach but I will say this: Do you think that you have it in you to be the change? Be the friend that plans the birthday parties, the one that throws the BBQs, the one that just invites people over for drinks and bonfire (not applicable in this heat but y’know to each their own!) Just start showing up and showing out because at the end of the day, those who value and treasure that quality in you will be the kind of friends you want in your life.
As an older Gen Z, we grew up in the “in between” as I like to call it. In between being totally immersed in technology while also knowing that when the street lights come on, it’s time to head inside and eat dinner. Over the years I’ve seen that community is hard to find; or at least there is an illusion to people my age that there isn’t a community for them. I’m here to tell you that there is a community here for you and for me and for your friends and for your family!
How do you all celebrate your community and do you have any favorite community events that you think deserve more love? Let me know and as always, let’t talk soon!
genuine connections through education
〰️
genuine connections through education 〰️
Meet the Educator
Professor Jennifer “Jenni” VanCuren is an English Professor at Laurel Ridge Community College in Middletown, Virginia. VanCuren graduated from Laurel Ridge in 2006, she then pursued her Bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University, and eventually also earned her Master’s degree from George Mason University. She is a published author and an active (and highly awarded) member of Phi Theta Kappa - an International College Honor Society.
Family is everything. Through family we gain childhood memories, traditions, and culture to take with us into adulthood. These things make it all that much easier (or harder?) for when a.) our family is apart and b.) they’ve passed on.
Sisterhood; not everyone can experience sisterhood but if you’re ever lucky enough to - man is it precious. Professor VanCuren and I learned of our shared experiences in both of the topics above, and briefly, I was able to bask in the moment (which is rare for me - thanks anxiety!) and I realized that we weren’t just a student and a professor… we were two granddaughters missing their grandfathers - and that was beautiful.
That is why I chose to do this blog; the constant reminder of our humanity, our shared yearning for connection, the reassurance that we’re not alone in the world…
***
I know what you’re thinking; Karla doesn’t have a sister? Well, I kinda do. I’d like to think that I have a handful of lifelong friends that I’d consider sisters and if they’re reading this I can bet that they’re nodding along right now. Although I may not have had the experience of living an everyday life with a sister - I feel as if the love and bond we share is one that I would equate to a sister bond. Professor VanCuren is the oldest sister of two younger siblings - one of them being a younger sister. While it wasn’t necessarily difficult being the oldest, it was a challenge finding her role as at first. Fast forward to today, the siblings are as close as ever. She tells me that they have an annual tradition where they go buy books together at the bookstore; then her and her sister gather on a weekly basis during the summer (they’re both teachers) and order takeout and read together all day. The intentional time put aside to spend time together and nurture the relationship they both love and share was really inspiring. It is easy for us all to get caught up in our everyday lives and forget to set time aside for those we love.
***
I took Professor VanCuren’s English class last spring - American Literature - and I found it beyond fascinating. I find reading and writing challenging and mentally stimulating; the reward is even better when the material to write about is given to me - I also love to give an opinion (sorry). I was especially fond of the following:
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce
Emily Dickinson. Just everything Emily Dickinson.
Poe (her favorite). Duh, thank you for bringing Poe back into my life Professor VanCuren.
In the last year since taking Professor VanCuren’s class, I have read more books than I have in the last 10 years! We spoke about my great love of English teachers and how I’ve been blessed with really great ones in my life. Teachers in general, thank you. It’s a hard job filled with long days and sleepless nights but it’s important - vital even. It truly changes lives and I hope each and every single one of you that goes into the classroom with the same mindset that Professor VanCuren does - to support your student’s success - is valued, loved, and supported. My life would be a lot different if it weren’t for the amazing teachers that have been put on my path and for you all, I’m thankful.
“Our number one job as an employee of this college is to support the students… and that can be seen in a variety of ways, whether it’s shoveling the snow so that we can park, or in the classroom, or being the advisor who’s going to help you reach that goal. We’re all here with the number one goal being helping the students.”
***
As a mom, I’ve made it my mission to pass on this love of reading and learning to my two little ones. We read, sing, play and explore on a daily basis; I do this with the hope that it helps them form some love and appreciation for education. I’ve found that learning builds bridges into other worlds we didn’t know existed, places we didn’t know we’d ever be able to access, people we didn’t know we needed to learn about, an inspirational story that motivates us to take the first step into our own… it’s magical and it’s free for all of us to see and experience. My wish for you today is that you pick up a book, old or new, and you take 10 minutes to read it. Just 10 minutes.
Let me know how it goes, let’s talk soon <3
Nikolyn “Nikki” Grant -
Nikolyn “Nikki” Grant -
When I think about Nikki, the first word that comes to mind is real; right after that, a whole bunch of other words such as fun, giving, kind, and brilliant flood my brain as well. I have a strong belief that we should appreciate and value the people in our lives when they’re still with us, when we’re still right in the middle of life together - Nikki agrees.
Nikki, here’s my thanks to you:
When I joined the Cafe Crew, I was in a difficult place in my life. My only happy place was Santi and although eventually I felt like family - at first I had trouble adjusting. The days were long and the menu took me about a month to fully memorize (I still blank from time to time) but I was making friends and the regulars were warming up to me. Before I even knew it, I found myself taking Santi to Sunday brunch regularly and I realized that I wanted to be there because it felt like home. You and Jose have always gone out of your way to be kind to Santi, then eventually Peter, and finally Teddy. I could go on about the endless instances in which you went out of you way for me or my family. I know I can count on you and Jose if I need you and I hope you know that it goes both ways.
***
Nikki is the owner of The Woodstock Cafe, a staple not only in town but in the entire county. The community stands firmly behind the cafe due to its small-town charm and its friendly staff, not to mention their delicious and wide-ranging menus. We spoke about how they came to own the cafe, a purchase made in the midst of grief with no clear intention.
Since taking ownership of the cafe, it has undergone many changes from aesthetic to everyday. Nikki emphasized that it was not an immediate change; it came down to hard work, consistency, and not giving up. They managed to find their footing and take off running post-covid due to a mutual effort from everyone on the staff.
As one of the most successful business women I know, I had to ask what she thought were the three fundamental qualities that a business in her profession must achieve in order to see the success she’s seen. She noted that these were applicable to any business, not just those in her profession: consistency, fairness, and integrity. When it comes to the cafe in particular, coffee taste consistency, fairness in scheduling and days off, and integrity in the dishes served is strongly expected.
“I think those things are the three most important things to me - personally - and the things that I hope people remember about me y’know? Like I hope that y’know, we’re like 90% female, right? I just hope that every girl who’s worked for me at one point or another, left feeling empowered. Like you can 100% do anything that you wanna do. You want a business, you want a business in a male-dominated field, you want to be a stay-at-home mom, whatever it is… I hope you feel empowered. I hope that you truly believe in your heart that you can do whatever you want to do. That’s my hope.”
***
I spoke to Mallory “Mal” a few days before interviewing Nikki. We shared stories while having drinks and dinner at Las Trancas after working a shift together. If you frequent the cafe often then you’ll be very familiar with Mal’s warm energy and infectious laugh. When tasked with providing an anecdote about a time in which Nikki made Mal feel empowered, there were just too many to choose from.
“So I don’t have a story per-say…. I feel like it’s more of… in general, how she can make you feel,” she stated.
In contrary to the norm, Nikki encourages self care and time off. Mal mentions that she often finds herself reminding Nikki of the very same thing. This makes their work dynamic that much better, they genuinely care for each other.
“I think for me, I just really enjoy working with Nikki because we’re very like minded and we have a similar work ethic - we both take a lot of pride in what we do. It’s nice to work along side someone that even surpasses me in that. She’s always the hardest working person in the room, its fun to try to keep up.”
“Sweet piggy with no onions for lunch and any of Jose’s pastas for dinner!”
— Favorite thing on your menu?“I have to lump my whole Japan trip into one, because that was life changing. Oaxaca was the most moving city I’ve ever been to in my life. And probably the first time I ever went to Florence.”
— List your top 3 favorite cities you've visited“Jose’s homemade fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and champagne. That’s what he makes me when I’m sick… or if its a special occasion he’ll get me a little caviar to put on top.”
— Do you have a comfort meal?“Probably…anything by Arianna Occhipinti. She’s my favorite female winemaker; she’s in Sicily and she makes my favorite bottle of wine which is a Frappato.”
— Go to bottle of wine?minea&co
minea&co
minea&co
minea&co
minea&co
minea&co
Often times we think about what our lives will look like a year from now, maybe even 10 years from now if we’re blessed. Think about how much growth a person goes through in a year - let alone 10. All the memories, mistakes, tears, laughs, hugs, kisses.. all just a part of who we are and who we were.
This blog is meant to be a learning experience and while I’m incredibly excited and grateful to have the resources to do this, it is quite terrifying putting your whole self out for the world to experience and judge. Then there’s the other side of the coin; all the good things that can come from this and the connections to be made are worth the risk and the judgment.
My only hope for the future is that love overcomes all, plain and simple.
Thank you to every single person who ever said anything kind to me - you kept me kind too. Starting a new venture is scary but with people like you all by my side, I feel unstoppable. I wish I could thank each of you individually and through this blog, eventually I will.
With all the love in my soul, from my heart to yours. We’ll be talking soon.
— Karla Minea, Founder
June 5th, 2026