I love coffee. Especially when I’m writing. There is just something about having a steaming cup of coffee sitting next to my computer as I type away. Or clutched in my hand as I’m about to pull out my hair attempting to determine exactly what my characters are trying to tell me. It only gets better if it is a rainy day…or as in Minnesota, a snowy one.
But as much as I love coffee, I think I love coffee mugs more. If I had endless cupboard space, I’d fill it with mugs. Even at my non-writing job, I have about 5 mugs stashed in my office. Always important to be prepared for whatever mug mood I’ll be in. And if I happen to have a cappuccino or my favorite Gevalia Caramel Macchiato (it is heavenly…see below how yummy it looks), I will need my oversize white cappuccino mug. It wouldn’t taste the same without it.
Then a couple years ago, I found it. The almost perfect mug. It had a handle that seemed to be made for my hand. It was red and had large multi-colored snowflakes. And even with its winter theme, I used it year-round. About a year ago, my oldest son accidentally broke the handle off (he felt bad so I didn’t cry). Instead of it being the death of the mug, I painstakingly super glued the handle back into place and it was like new again…plus a few cracks.
After that the mug continued to hold my coffee and got me through many days of writing (when a different mug mood didn’t strike). Then last week happened. There were a couple things that led to the disaster. First, our 8 year old dishwasher went kaput. Second, since I’m incapable of making a quick appliance purchase decision (enter days of research and mind changing), I had to resort to washing dishes by hand. *gasp*
Finally tragedy struck. The hot water combined with the length of time I let the mug soak, softened the glue and the handle fell apart in my hands (I know, I also thought super glue could survive Armageddon. Apparently not). But no worries. I’d glued it once, I’ll glue it again.
Well, the mug must have thought it was time to say farewell because instead of the handle sticking in the perfect position, all I managed to do was glue my fingers together…and to the mug. The unavoidable staring me in the face, I said good-bye to my old friend.
Not one to morn (and let’s face it, it was a coffee mug), I moved on. I still had other mugs to step-up and do their duty, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted a new mug.
Enter perfect idea!!
Why not put my new release on a mug? I’ve seen others do it for promotions. Why not make my own very special mug to showcase one of my greatest accomplishments? And seriously, who wouldn’t want Gabe’s face on a coffee mug?
So I did it. I opened Photoshop and went to work. This is what I ended up with.
The order has been placed and I’m awaiting its arrival. Hoping that it will look as great in my hand as it does on my computer.