Four mugs hang like silent sentries, standing guard over the coffee maker. They are led by my long time morning companion Blue Mug. Blue, sturdy and thick walled, is the leader of the pack. Its handle spans the entire length of the mug from lip to base. This mug is glazed a bright royal blue, the design on the front a stylized sunburst that resembles a sunflower. An asymmetrical array of petals radiate out from a dark brown center where a simple face is etched in fine lines. On the other side is a similarly stylized crescent moon, pale yellow with a face etched in profile. Irregular orange flame-like shapes radiate from the back side of the crescent. It looks like the moon is on fire. Numerous four-pointed yellow stars adorn the entire surface of the mug. I’m right handed so when I hold it I only see the sunburst, almost forgetting about the moon around the corner.

Last year I dropped Blue onto the granite countertop in our kitchen. I was dismayed when I noticed a thin crack had appeared. When I filled it with coffee and set it down, a tiny brown puddle spread out from the bottom. Was this the end of a long and fulfilling relationship? When ceramic objects like this crack or break, repair is often futile. But I felt I owed it to Blue to at least attempt a fix. I applied a thin bead of all purpose glue along the crack on the outside surface and waited. The next morning I poured my coffee…no puddle! From that day on, every day with Blue has been a gift.

I can’t recall how long I’ve had this mug. Ten years? Fifteen? But I do know that a thousand mornings have begun with this mug in my hands, it’s been the vessel for a thousand steaming cups of coffee. Blue is quite heavy as mugs go. The smoothness of its surface and its heft feel good in my hands. When filled with coffee, the heat from the liquid enhances the grounding effect I feel while holding it. Blue Mug has such presence! As inanimate objects go, it’s quite commanding. Blue stands out and begs to be noticed. That’s probably what happened when I purchased it. Perhaps in some subliminal sort of way Blue was saying to me; “Buy me! Take me home with you! If you give me a chance I know I can become an integral part of your life.” Well, I did and it has.

If you’re a hot morning beverage drinker you understand the importance of the delivery system for your drink of choice. The mug is an essential part of the ritual. I take my morning coffee seriously, not just any mug will do. For as long as I can remember, it’s been me and you Blue. Together we can rise to any challenge, face any adversary. With you in my hands even the most daunting task will seem like a walk in the park…just as long as you’re filled to the brim with coffee.