Place: Huckleberry, 1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tea of Choice: Chai Tea Latte & Chamomile Tea
Giraffe Rating (out of 5 | for tea): 4.27
Read whilst watching: A Sand Volleyball Game at the Beach
A Haiku about Smiling
You can catch a smile,
they're wildly infectious.
Case in point: Davis.
There's quite literally magic within a smile. The science of happiness, formally known as positive psychology*, is the field of study devoted to understanding the mystery behind the simple yet powerful gesture. After wading through all the scientific jargon, here's the layman's summary for the chemical happenings:
"Each time you smile, you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. Your body produces more endorphins causing the skin to glow, and your eyes to get more water, not tears. You feel confident, your energy levels rise, and you become more receptive to the outside world. When you smile, people treat you differently, you’re viewed as reliable, relaxed, and sincere (1) (2). Moreover, the benefits of smiling positively affect those around you too".
Pretty neat, right? I think that Davis has cottoned on to something by learning how to display his genuine self in mastering the Duchenne smile. In my opinion, one thing that would make the picture a little truer to self, was if he had a pair of glasses perched on his nose and a newspaper in his hands because he's actually a 60-year old man, but you'll just have to use your imagination for that part.
When I asked him to describe himself in three words he said:
Smiling
Witty
There should be a descriptor added to the second word (thus staying within the strict** 3-word limit): Authentic.
An authentic smile translates, in this case, to mean an authentic person. Whether he's recounting tales of his late Grandfather, leading Community Group or telling awkward dad jokes, there's a thread of sincerity mixed with humility laced throughout. From what I have gleaned, Davis listens carefully, thinks deeply, transposing it outwards to add value to the lives of others, and remains true to his personality, spirit, and character.
As I said, he's authentic.
"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight" - Phyllis Diller
Pros: I made a rookie mistake. The original place we were supposed to go was closed. So first and foremost, I appreciate that Huckleberry was open; high praise indeed. Also, recently, I've been doing this thing where I get overwhelmed when I see there are too many menu options (how I've made it in the States this long is beyond me), and order whatever I blurt out under pressure. On the last couple of occasions, this has resulted in cups of Chai Tea Lattes. While I am not usually partial to the Chai Tea Latte (please don't ask why it's my flustered order, I am as stumped as you) I did enjoy the smooth, subtle spice blend that Huckleberry had to offer. The bakery looked AMAZING and I believe everything is made in-house. I did not sample anything, but I will be back to try everything or at least some things, but really everything. THERE IS FREE PARKING IN THE BACK, so rare, so precious.
Cons: It was a little busy when we first arrived, and the acoustics of the venue make it difficult to hear one another from across a table. However, as the people started to dissipate the noise subsided and the cafe made for a pleasant place to spend one's Saturday afternoon (con turned pro?).
Thank you for coming to TEA with me, Davis.
*In case you forgot, I'm technically a science major.
**I made the rules, so I can bend and break them as I please.
NB: It should be noted that I am not Australian, so the validity of what I've written is questionable at best.
Until next time,
BG
(1) Widrich, L. (2016). The Science of Smiling: A Guide to The World’s Most Powerful Gesture. Buffer Social.
(2) Riggio, R. (2012). There’s Magic in Your Smile. Psychology Today.