Danielle, owner of Otter Beans Coffee stand, is a joy-giver. And a character. She is a joy-giving character. Also – she makes the best home-made whipped cream in Skagit County. Possibly on the planet.

Whenever I need a lift, I head for Otter Beans. I know I’ll get a smile there and a really good lavender green iced tea, if that’s what I want. Or a mocha. With the home-made whipped cream.

I happened to be there one day when CJ, a delivery driver, was there – and the back-and-forth banter between CJ and Danielle was so quick and so fun it was like watching a comedy show. I told them they should start their own podcast. Seriously. They nodded their heads and said they’d take my idea under consideration.

And today – when I stopped in for a mocha (with the home-made whipped cream), Danielle’s friend, Sarah, was visiting. Again, the banter. Because I am hard-of-hearing, I couldn’t pick up on all that was being said between them – but I got pulled into their laughter, and their joy, and their friendship. I suggested that Sarah should join Danielle and CJ in their podcast. Danielle nodded and agreed that Sarah would be a nice addition.

I admitted that I couldn’t hear all of what they were saying to each other, but I felt their friendship and I felt their fun. Danielle glanced back at Sarah, who was grinning, and said that Sarah had just told her she was going to set up a rival espresso stand across the street and call it “Better Beans.” I, literally, laughed out loud.

I am looking forward to that podcast.