Did you ever want something so badly you could taste it?
While driving home from a retreat last weekend, I thought, Umm…chocolate and cappucino might be nice right about now!
Never mind that the entire weekend, we were served outrageously delicious food at the Greenwood Hills Conference Center.
Normally, I’m too busy running around forgetting what I forgot, so I miss out on breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
NOT THIS TIME!
On the way home, I was weary, tired, and falling asleep at the wheel, so I stopped off at this adorable coffee house in New Oxford, Pennsylvania.
As I stepped through the doors of this charming place, I was reminded of the movie, “Chocolat.” If you haven’t seen it, there won’t be any spoilers here, but the movie is not so much about chocolate as it is about people.
Immediately, I was greeted by Pam who said, “Hi, what can I get for you this afternoon?” 
I gushed over the display case of delectable goodies and asked, “What’s your favorite?”
Pam pointed to a luscious four-layer coconut cream cake and said, “This is it! I think we’ve made 200 of these cakes since we opened in September.”
I thought, Okay, that’s 20 laps in the pool, 45 minutes on the treadmill, and 232 crunchies!
“Sure, I’ll take a slice of that, but could you please put half of it in a to-go container?”
Who was I kidding?
“Oh, could I have a cappuccino with that too, please?”
This is the part where I always change my mind…
I gazed longingly in the display case and found some to-die-for chocolate tarts when Pam asked, “Would you like your cappuccino with non-fat, one percent, two percent, whole milk or soy?”
Decisions, decisions, decisions…
“I’ll take it with 2%. No, make that one percent…I mean non-fat!”
Pam smiled warmly without flinching, “Sure thing, a skinny cappuccino and a slice of coconut cake with the other half to go!”
Wow, this woman has her act together!
I took a seat at one of the corner tables and admired the cozy surroundings.
A few minutes later, Pam served the coconut cake on a lovely flowered plate with my cappuccino in a mug. I felt right at home with the dark mahogany wood, rich leather sofa, and warm iridescent lighting.
Maybe I’ll just take a nap here, I thought.
People came and went.
I watched as Pam treated everyone like family. A father-to-be came in and bought the last two chocolate tarts that I had my eye on.
Before he left, Pam asked, “Have you picked out a name for the baby yet?”
“We’re going to call her Olivia!”
“That’s beautiful! Be sure to bring her in so I can meet her.”
For the next hour, there was a constant stream of cappuccino seekers, coffee connoisseurs, and chocolate lovers.
It was busy, but Pam found time to talk to everyone.
Pam was “different” in a good way. She talked about how she never dreamed of starting a coffee house, but when the property went up for sale, she felt God leading her to buy it.
Ah-ha! That was the difference…a woman who felt God’s call to pursue her passion.
As I alternated bites of cake with sips of cappuccino, I listened as Pam shared stories about her first customers: an elderly couple in their eighties, who came in every week, ordered Earl Grey tea, and shared a cookie between them. Afterwards, they walked out holding hands!
Ahh….
Her eyes sparkled as she talked about a young couple on their first date. “They sat right over there and chatted for hours.” Pam pointed to the yummy leather sofa and sighed, “That could be my son in a couple of years!”
Pam’s eyes filled with tears as she recounted the story of an impeccably dressed woman in her 70’s with silver gray hair, who came in every week and ordered two coffees and a blueberry scone in a to-go container. Afterwards, she went outside and sat in the car with her husband.
How odd, she thought. Why didn’t they just come in together?
A few weeks later, the same woman returned and said, “Do you think you could help my husband get out of the car? I would love for him to see this place.”
Pam responded, “Absolutely!”
As she moved the tables around to accommodate his wheelchair, the couple sat together—talking and laughing—enjoying each other’s company. They were no longer outsiders looking in.
Pam’s dream came true, but in a different sort of way. She thought she was opening up a coffee shop, but instead she had created a gathering place.
At the New Oxford Coffee Company you will find delectable chocolate desserts, a coconut cake to die for, and the best cappuccino around. But it’s what you can’t buy that makes it so special.
Pam realized it wasn’t about the chocolate or the coffee, it was about the people.
If you’re ever in New Oxford, Pennsylvania, (just outside of Gettysburg), you have to stop at The Coffee Company. You can’t miss it (take the first roundabout at the center square).
Be sure to tell Pam that Connie sent you. You’ll be glad you stopped by for some “coffee and chocolate”!
24 Comments
Connie
sounds like my kind of place. I love coffee and chocolate, of course, but the owner of that place is what makes it special. I’m going to be in Pennsylvania in September (flying into pittsburg, I believe, but driving up to near Erie??). Will I be anywhere near it?
thanks for sharing and great photos!
I’m actually in tears!! What a special post this is…You just seem to find these incredibly wonderful places and people as well….
Love, Jeanne
I don’t like coffee, but I LOVE coffee shops. For me, it’s a cup of hot chocolate with half the cocoa, whipped cream, and peppermint shavings on top. mmmmm. : ) Then I sit back and listen to the music, and enjoy the conversation.
Great story Connie. Some people can just make your day with their smile and attitude. I met a grocery bagger yesterday at the commisary who was just that kind of person. I didn’t have many groceries but she insisted on taking them to my car. I know they only work for tips there so I agreed. On the way to my car, we talked like we were old friends and she commented on how lovely the day was and how much she was just glad to be working. After she put my three bags in my car, I reached in my wallet for a tip and then thought: why not. I handed her a five and said; “have a wonderful day.” I watched as she skipped back to the store.
Great story Connie. Some people can just make your day with their smile and attitude. I met a grocery bagger yesterday at the commisary who was just that kind of person. I didn’t have many groceries but she insisted on taking them to my car. I know they only work for tips there so I agreed. On the way to my car, we talked like we were old friends and she commented on how lovely the day was and how much she was just glad to be working. After she put my three bags in my car, I reached in my wallet for a tip and then thought: why not. I handed her a five and said; “have a wonderful day.” I watched as she skipped back to the store.
I hope this doesn’t duplicate. I got an error when I hit send
Oh that sounds WONDERFUL. I can just see you making yourself at home. Makes me wish I lived closer so I could stop in on Pam. Maybe I’ll start a search for a place like that closer to home.
Hi Everyone:
I was a the gym doing my laps in the pool (Wed. is now gym day). If I keep finding these adorable coffee shops, I might be destined to keep up my gym routine. Do you know what, I wish that coffeee house were closer too. Pam gave me her business card and said, “If I’m not working when you’re here, please give me a call and I’ll meet you!” Can you imagine?!?
Keri: Erie and Pittsburg are on the western side of PA (where my son goes to school). I would love to meet you (it’s about 6 hours away). It’s my son’s senior year at Grove City, so we might even be there about that time…e-mail me–okay?
Okay, so I did an “oops” and clicked out and had to log back in…let’s see, where was I?
Jeanne: My dear friend, it’s time we took a little road trip…it’s only about an hour from my house. Let’s wait for April 21st, my “Celebration of Life Day” and maybe we can take a car tour of Gettysburg (I love that place!). How’s that sound?
Suzie: You know what I never liked coffee either, but as a BC survivor I realized I’m going for “quality” not “quantity,” so I allow myself that special indulgence. You can’t live in Italy for six years and not get hooked! Did you realize I had a dream about those two chocolate tarts that got away? How crazy is that…dreaming about food?
Greg: I love your story…you tipped the bagger! Do you realize, she will be telling that story the rest of her life! You made her day. It’s great to have you on Boomers…we love your input!
Flea: It’s raining here today and I’m tempted to take my laptop, get in my BUICK, and drive there. But that might “undo” what I just did at the gym! And let me tell you, I’m not too excited about getting in the pool again…I was so tired, I accidentally wandered into the men’s dressing room by mistake and SCREAMED and said, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?!?!” I’m not going to repeat what THEY said to me! I really think they have the dressing rooms mixed up…women’s should always be on the right (am I right?). Anyway, I’ll be sure to do the RIGHT thing next time!
Where are our other bloggers? I’ve missed their voice this week! : )
Connie, as a breast cancer survivor I also look for indulgences. Coffee simply isn’t one of them. I always feel deceived. It smells so good and then tastes like an old boot. But hot chocolate? Different story!
Hey Connie girl, I’m sorry to agree with Suzie on this one, I’m a hot chocolate girl at heart, but when I grind the coffee beans at home and brew a cup for my hubby, it smells divine. It just doesn’t translate to my taste buds, although Jim is bound and determined to make a coffee lover out of me one day…
I loved your coffee shop story. What a nice little place. If we ever get out to Gettysburg with the kids, we’ll have to stop by. And the girl who owned the shop, she sounds wonderful. How good it is when we find that place to where God has called us. There are different seasons of life and different places God has us, but every season is an important part of our journey.
Love ya,
Susan
P.S. You looked pretty in you picture on the retreat. I love that color jacket on you.
Suzie and Susan: I agree, I never liked coffee until I was 26 (my frist introduction was in Italy). Until that time, I thought coffee tasted like “dirt.” Ugh! But in Sicily, there was this drink called “fru-fru.” It was made up of a drop of espresso, mixed with sugar until it made a froth (almost like meringue), and steamed with milk. Oh my, that was a new chapter in my life! Making cappuccino in Italy is an art form…it’s more fun to watch than it is to drink.
“Oh where, oh where did our boomer babes go?” I can’t talk, I missed last week too (I couldn’t get my pictures to post; that’s like talking without my hands. No can do!). So I gave up!
Susan, the green jacket I got in California at one of my sister’s consignment stores (oh my, am I spoiled with no tax on clothes in PA). I couldn’t afford to live in California! NO WAY!
Speaking of which, my brother is getting married and my son is in his wedding. Check out the website: http://www.10-4-08.com
David is my BABY BROTHER. We’re 15 years apart (I’m more like his mom!). This is his second wedding and he’s the WILD CHILD! More on that later…
HUGS!
wow, this sounds like my kind of place too. you’re so right - it’s not about the coffee or the food as much as it is about the people. people who get that just tickle me! and this place sounds doable to me . . . i’m in pittsburgh (don’t forget that “h” on the end, otherwise you’ll be in kansas I think!) and keri - are you speaking in Erie? that’s about 2 hrs. from me i think - i would love to come hear you if you’re speaking!
just spent the day with my mom at the hospital. my dad had quad bypass, somewhat unexpected. he is doing well though and it’s a miracle he did not have a heart attack. God is so good. anyways, how refreshing to come here and share a smile with you all - thanks Connie! (and my vicarious enjoyment of the cappucino and coconut cake were quite calorie-free!!)
i cannot let this go! “was” - my enjoyment “was” calorie-free. would you believe, i were an english teacher!
Oh Dianne, I had to laugh. I come from California and there’s a Pittsburg, CA near my parent’s home. So when we moved to the East Coast, it has taken me just about 18 years to learn to add the “h” onto Pittsburgh. But depending on what “state” of mind I’m in, the “H” keeps appearing or disappearing!
I’ll be praying for your dad (wow—quadruple bypass!!). I meet with my prayer partner tomorrow in Delaware and so we’ll add you and your family to our list.
I’m glad you enjoyed dessert without the calories! I just made something for my hubby (I’m not a cook) and we both spit it out! If I’m going to eat calories, it has to be worth eating!
A HUG AND A PRAYER!
Connie
OMG!!! I laughed SO HARD when I you said you went into the men’s locker room! And asked what they were doing there!!! I hope no one dropped their towel in shock!! TOO funny. Of course, it wouldn’t be funny if it were the other way around.
It would be nice if there were less distance. Shoot, if all the Boomers lived within two hours of each other. But it’s so much fun this way, hearing about y’all’s adventures all over the country.
And I’d like to hear from Eva Marie soon. Not that my little voice will get her on here or anything. But it WOULD be nice to hear from more of the group!
And Suzie - I’ll have to make you a cup of coffee sometime. Yes, some coffee tastes like old boot, but it’s just not done right!
Dianne and other PA gals…
I’m going to be speaking at the Women’s Christian Conference of NW Penn. in Saegertown Sept. 12-13. (they recommended flying into Pittsburgh, even tho Erie is closer, because they’ve had delays thru Erie sometimes…)
I’m pretty sure anyone who wants to can attend the conference. I’d love to see any of you when I’m there!
FLEA: I worked in the medical field for 15 years, so there’s nothing NEW under the sun (but still I couldn’t figure out what they were doing in the WOMEN’S LOCKER ROOM!). Can you believe it? It wasn’t until I realized I was outnumbered that I was in the WRONG place! Just follow me around for a day, and you’ll have enough stories to fill an encyclopedia! I have no idea where the other boomer babes are hiding; I guess you’re stuck with us, Flea!
KERI: Awesome! Yes, I agree, fly into Pittsburgh. Remember last year I got stuck in that lake effect snow in Erie. The weather changes on a dime in that area.
Okay, girls, this has been fun, but I’m driving to Delaware tomorrow, so I need to get to bed.
HUGS!
A wonderful post Connie.
Sometimes we think we have to be in a certain place doing certain things to be in the frame of mind that would generate a smile of even just an attitude of friendliness. But that is so wrong, so unchristian.
You know the sayings by Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and another that says something like, “Shine where your are.”
Pam and others like her, are doing just that - being the change and shining right where they are.
We would do well to ask ourselves if we are enriching the lives of the people we meet everyday.
I’m with Connie right now and we’ve had a wonderful luncheon at the Hotel DuPont to celebrate my birthday. What a wonderful friend she is to me. I just praise the Lord for allowing our paths to cross. She has such a sweet personality and God’s love radiates through her. May the Lord continue to use Connie to touch the lives of women through her compassionate heart.
Thanks for being my friend!
Love ya lots!
Lor
CHERYL: I always love your comments and your blog “Perspectives on Life.” We all need to “bloom” where we are planted, and you are definitely doing that. Thank you for the fresh perspective you give to Boomer Babes. I had another interesting discussion on the way home from Delaware this evening with a Mayflower truck driver in his 80’s…can you believe it it? He’s still driving. I asked him if he was ever going to retire and he said, “Why would I do a foolish thing like that? There’s a lot more miles left in me and places I haven’t seen yet.” Isn’t that awesome?! I find a new friends wherever I plant myself! I think you’re that kind of person too!
LOR: I got home safely! What a fun day and your mom and dad are so special. I felt like I was back in Italy. Give them: “tanti cari abbracci per me–va bene?! Ti voglio tanto bene cara mia sorella in Cristo. Ci sentiamo presto. Buona Pasqua!”
CIAO..CIAO…CIAO!
Concetta
Yuhoooooo! Connie, I haven’t been around in a while. You know how Dotsie the slave driver is…gee wiz! AnyHOO…I thought “fru-fru” was someone who put on too much perfume…no? I can remember my son’s going out on dates and walking by me…holy cow…they smelled like they dip themselves in cologne. Ew. I use to accuse them of not taking showers, just slapping on extra “fru-fru.”
I love this story…Pam has the type of spirit that is infectious and makes one want to “pay it forward.” Just reading the story makes me want to do something nice for someone. You know? Do you ever think that God puts these people and stories in your path as a gift? I do. After I’ve received one, I always say, “Thank you Lord. Can I have another one?”
She’s lucky to have met you…and as my son use to say, and Vice the Versa….hugs, JJ
Queen Jaw-Jaw,
I’ve missed you!!!!!!!!! Although I perfectly understand that you’ve been “missing in action,” I’m a NABBW member and I can see from all the e-mail that you are kept mighty BUSY!
Did you realize after I posted “fru-fru,” I had to go downstairs to see if I could still make it. You need an espresso maker and LOTS of patience (and I might add–a good arm!). The latter of which I don’t have anymore, but it wasn’t too bad…almost like I remember. Ahh…the memories!
HUGS TO YOU!
This post reminds me that we all need to do business with small businesses. They make all the difference in the world.
Connie, remember the coffee shop I visited when we got together in Hershey? I would think it might be similar to this one you write aobut.
Oh Dotsie,
I seem to collect coffee shops, like I do experiences in life…for me they are one in the same!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!