I met Elena in a coffee shop in December. I was on my way down from Colorado, determined to open my heart again to friendship. I don't know why I chose to go into this particular coffee shop in Flagstaff, I even went back and forth about which one to go to. But I chose itz brought in all my things, bunkered down with an Americano, and wrote in my journal. I noticed Elena right away. Her tattoos, her style, her vibe...she was one of those girls you notice. Then I overheard her talking to a coworker about being a writer, and from there my inner dialogue went into finding a way to strike up conversation. The moment i opened my mouth to chat, we became instant friends. She and I have had many conversations over the months, but some of them recently have really shifted me. I learn from her every time we talk, and I hope you enjoy learning from her as well.