Mondays often get a bad rap. We treat them like a hurdle to be cleared, a starting pistol for a race we didn't necessarily sign up to run at full sprint. But here at Dale’s Angels Inc., we’re reclaiming the day. We’re turning the "Monday Blues" into the "Monday Brews," and we’re doing it with intentionality, a very specific bag of beans, and a reading list that feels like a warm hug for your psyche.
Welcome to the first installment of our June Monday Morning Cup series. This month, we are leaning heavily into Analog Wellness. In a world that demands we be "always-on," "linked-in," and "digitally optimized," there is a radical power in choosing to be slow, disconnected, and present.
Grab your favorite mug. Let’s get into the ritual.
The Brew: Rwanda Single Origin
If you’re looking for a coffee that wakes up your palate without jarring your nervous system, the Rwanda Single Origin from FB Roasters is your new best friend.
Rwandan coffee is legendary in the specialty world for its clarity. When you sip this, you aren't just drinking "coffee flavor"; you’re tasting the high-altitude volcanic soil and the meticulous care of the washing stations in the "Land of a Thousand Hills."
Tasting Notes
This specific Rwanda lot is bright, but not in a "sour" way. Think of it as a sunny morning in a cup. You’ll catch distinct notes of:
- Sparkling Citrus: A hint of lemon zest that cleanses the palate.
- Floral Aromatics: Subtle whispers of black tea and rosehip.
- Silky Sweetness: A honey-like finish that lingers just long enough.
The Ritual: I recommend brewing this as a pour-over. There’s something meditative about the slow spiral of the water, the bloom of the grounds, and the forced patience of waiting for that perfect extraction. It’s the antithesis of the "press a button and run" lifestyle.
You can find this bag and other curated blends at our online coffee shop.
The Read: The Valley of the Soul List
Coffee is the fuel, but literature is the destination. To complement the bright, hopeful notes of the Rwandan brew, we’ve paired it with our newly launched Valley of the Soul list at our independent online bookstore, Far From Beale Street.
The user-curated "Valley of the Soul" list isn't just a collection of books; it’s a roadmap for emotional restoration. As we prepare for our upcoming summer retreat, we wanted to provide a selection of titles that explore the depths of the human experience with compassion and wit. These are the books you take to a quiet corner, away from notifications and pings.
Why These Books?
We’ve chosen authors who understand that "wellness" isn't a destination, it’s a practice. From the resonant prose of Bebe Moore Campbell to contemporary voices exploring mindfulness and heritage, this list is designed to help you peel back the layers of the "daily grind" and reconnect with what actually matters.
When you purchase through our Bookshop.org link, you aren't just getting a great read; you’re supporting independent bookstores and a black-owned business that believes in the power of the written word to heal.
The Theme: Analog Wellness
What does "Analog Wellness" actually look like in 2026? It’s a term we use a lot around the office, but it’s simpler than you think. It’s the choice to engage with the physical world over the digital one.
- Phone-Free First Hour: Don't let your email inbox dictate your mood before you've even had a sip of water. Leave the phone in the other room.
- Tactile Reading: There is a biological response to the weight of a book in your hands and the smell of the paper. It grounds you in the present moment in a way a tablet never will.
- Mindful Consumption: Whether it’s a high-end Rwandan coffee or a deep-dive memoir, give it your full attention. Multitasking is the enemy of joy.
Looking Ahead: The Soul of the Valley Retreat
All of this, the coffee, the books, the slow mornings, is a lead-up to our major summer event. We are heading to the valley for a restorative experience that blends the luxury you deserve with the mental reset you need.
We’re talking about "Tactical Luxury." No, that doesn't mean we’re going camping in the mud. It means we’re using high-end travel as a tool for transformation. We’re curating spaces where you can be fully taken care of, so you can finally take care of yourself.
If you’ve been feeling the weight of the world, this is your sign to pivot. We’ve designed the Soul of the Valley experience to be the ultimate digital fast.
Plan Your Escape
As a contractor for FORA Travel, I don't just suggest destinations; I orchestrate journeys. If you’re tired of the "vacation from the vacation" cycle and want a trip that actually leaves you feeling renewed, let’s talk.
If you are ready to plan your next adventure send an email directly to felicia.baxter@fora.travel with Subject HELP I NEED A VACATION
Digital Realism & Aesthetic Direction. Rendered by our team. Orchestrated by Felicia. Section 31, TN Chapter
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