Coffee, Creativity, and Core Memories: How My Morning Latte Became a Lifeline
- Catherine Gunarso
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
I didn’t truly become a coffee person until I became a mom.
Sure, I’d enjoyed lattes before—but it wasn’t until I was six months into motherhood, sleep-deprived and running on fumes, that I realized I needed more than just caffeine. I needed a ritual. A reset. A way to feel like me again.
☕ From Survival Mode to Morning Ritual
My son was waking every two hours for the first six months of his life. IYKYK. I was beyond exhausted—zero sleep, zero energy, zero capacity to function.
We had a Keurig, but it didn’t feel right. The plastic pods and the idea of hot water shooting through plastic every time? Not the vibe.
So I took a leap: I bought an espresso machine. A real one. Plus a grinder and some freshly roasted beans.
And honestly, it was a lot. Home espresso isn’t quick—it’s a full-on process. Adjusting grind settings, timing the shot, steaming the milk just right. It felt kind of ridiculous for someone who could barely keep her eyes open.
But strangely, that ritual became my self-care.
It was the one thing I did that was just for me.
It didn’t involve diapers or dishes. It was focused, quiet, intentional.
🍼 The Morning That Became a Core Memory
One Christmas morning, when my son was two, I made him a tiny latte (mostly steamed milk with a splash of espresso). He took a sip, got milk foam all over his lips, and burst out laughing.
That moment? Core memory.
Now, whenever I start making coffee, he wants to help—scooping beans, pressing the grinder button, tamping like a tiny barista. We cheers our lattes and eat breakfast together. It’s become our thing.
🧘♀️ Reclaiming Myself, One Cup at a Time
When he started daycare, I finally had little windows of time to sip my coffee while it was still warm. Sometimes I’d paint. Sometimes I’d read. Sometimes I’d just sit in the quiet and breathe.
And that little moment—just me, a latte, and a little creativity—helped me come home to myself.
🌿 Why This Matters at Lines & Littles
That feeling—that slow, comforting moment of self-reconnection—is exactly what I want to create at Lines & Littles.
A space where you can walk in tired, overstimulated, maybe even a little touched out…
And find something that’s just for you.
At Lines & Littles, you’ll be able to grab a creative kit, sip your coffee, and make something—just because it feels good to make it.
No pressure, no perfection. Just a moment of presence.
Because sometimes, your latte is more than caffeine.
It’s a ritual. A reset.
A tiny act of reclaiming joy.
💛 Come As You Are
Whether you’re in the thick of newborn life, chasing toddlers, or navigating your next chapter—we see you. And this space is for you.
We’re building Lines & Littles to nurture both your body and your creativity. To offer warmth, connection, and a little magic—one latte at a time.
Want to follow our journey or be part of our founding community?
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