In 2013, my husband and I moved here in search of community. I wrote a letter then headlined “Durango community delivers.” The inspiration behind it was the incredible support of the Carver family we experienced around the tragedy of Peter Carver.
Now, three years later and totally wrapped up in this community we now call home, I’m sitting in Steaming Bean on its second-to-last day. Maybe it’s the plaintive bluegrass music playing in the background or maybe it’s just watching the bodacious, radical, Steaming Bean owner, Erica, flit around like the dynamo force of nature that she is, getting hugs and well-wishes and empathy and sympathy from patrons and friends, that has me downright sad at the loss of this third place.
My thoughts go out to Erica and the baristas who make this place tick, as well as the folks who call this fine establishment a place for business and networking, a place for people watching, a place for reading, a place for hookups and breakups, for politicking, for art and inspiration and a place for those who just need a place.
So. Thanks, Bean, for being such an essential part of why Durango community delivers. Can’t wait to see how your irrepressible spirit will soar over this frustrating opportunity-in-disguise. If in doubt, remember those lines of coffee addicts and supporters that flow out the swinging front porch door – even if that blessed door opens to a Main Avenue that’s heading in a disenchanting direction. May we find a way to steer it back toward the vision we all seek.
Joy Martin
Durango
