Michael Harford's most recent banner at his 'Coffee Messiah' blog
Note: This is the third entry in an ongoing series that honors bloggers who have really made a difference, raising the bar for quality and productivity on the cultural front.
by Sam Juliano
While blogging means a number of different things to its often tireless players, and it’s more often than not a running archive of reviews, trailers, and industry information that covers film, theatre and music among those with cultural interests, it’s a rare treat to encounter a true renaissance man with just the right world view and effervescent demeanor. Michael Harford, who presently resides in Indiana with his wife, is known in the blogosphere as the ‘Coffee Messiah‘ and this disarming title not only defines his passion for our national beverage, but in the spirit of ‘coffee table’ discussions, he brings way more to the table than most. Michael is a seasoned veteran with endless creativity and an astonishing appreciation for anything from history to the arts, to politics, to nature and to philosophy. The ‘Coffee Messiah’ blog is unlike any other place in the blogosphere, combining song ditties with graphic art, collage, montage, philosophical quotes, sage advice, and a free-spirited approach to whatever message, value or appreciation one can derive from any aspect of the multi-faceted presentation on display.
Michael was born in San Francisco, and lived there for 44 years, where he won a scholarship to the Academy of Art in 1971. He and his wife opened a coffeehouse, which he ran for four years, and even spent a little time at Starbucks, giving him an acute understanding of various blends and how to brew a peerless cup of java. If ever an online pen name fit its protagonist to a tee, Michael Harford is such a case. But coffee is only a small part of the equation, and anyone whose interests aren’t rigidly etched in a singular focus, there’s a wealth of enlightenments and challenges that await those who click on Michael’s blogsite, where invariably they will always see a healthy number of regular commenters, who have always connected with the Coffee Messiah’s special brew of positive thinking and a deep appreciation of beauty and creativity, nurtured over years spent on the west coast in all kinds of educational interests. I knew from the very first time I clicked on Michael Harford’s blogsite that I was in for something special, as his free-wheeling approach and affable demeanor matched his special appreciation of the subjects he broached on at least three new posts per week. Michael isn’t like some of the rest of us with our severe obsessive-compulsive disorders and stringent approaches to blogging, and his interests have a healty diversity and a seeming appreciation of life and all that it offers. Another great thing about the ‘Coffee Messiah’ blog is that it’s a veritable treasure chest of unexpected jewels from all directions. The grab bag approach gives the place a freshness and vitality that’s maintained from day to day, week to week, and month to month.
Michael admits his original aim was to discuss politics after a short stint as an audio sharing blog (which began in 2006), but he slowly segued his blog into a more generalized approach, where he would post “whatever I felt like putting out there.” This allowed him to unearth various tidbits and priceless anecdotes, which always illustrate there is nothing to match experience and travel. I’ve had the great pleasure myself (as others have) to speak to Michael by e mail, and he’s one prince of a guy, as genuine and as real as the guy next door. He’s probably among the brightest guys online, but he’s not here to impress or to embrace snobbery. Rather, Michael Harford reveres the continuity of community more than anything else in the blogging experience and friendship online or otherwise is what he treasures before all else. Not surprisingly, my first contact with the effervescent Coffee Messiah was through our own dear Dee Dee, who had been a long-time commenter at his site. It took a while -far longer than it should have – to become a regular, but it’s truly one of my own blogging joys to visit his divine abode, a place that combines the beauties and wonderments of art, music, history and philosophy all in one place, and encourages you to adrress any one or all of these concerns, whatever suits you mood or interests. Hence, you never feel like you need to “perform” at Michael’s place, or to keep pace with the intellectuality of your fellow bloggers, but rather to just be yourself, and say whatever comes into your mind, or relate an experience you’ve never forgotten.
It’s his cognizance of the overriding worth of his fellow blogger, and a sustained humanistic outlook that makes Michael Harford and his ‘Coffee Messiah’ blogsite regular destinations in the often hectic blogging experience. When you meet Michael Harford, you know you have a friend for life.
Music washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life.
I’m actually floored by the grace and poetry-like quality of this essay. Describing Sam’s feelings about the site in question opened up a window to the kind of man responsible for it. I’ve browsed through the MESSIAH’s site and can attest to the validity of Sam’s praising passages here. This is a fine, heartfelt essay about a man who can be described with those same words. This essay made me smile…..
Dennis, this is one of the most beautiful comments you’ve ever made at the site, as it captures the essence of this special man.
Hi! Sam Juliano,
What a very nice post…about a very nice man!
I really don’t have too much to add because you have summed up C.M., and his blog very well…By the way, I haven’t posted on C.M.’s blog that long (I know what you meant…I have known him longer than you have known him…) and I met him through my friend and fellow blogger, Megan’s wonderful blog.
Thanks, for sharing!
DeeDee
Dee Dee, you pick your friends well, and I dare say you’ve never made a bad choice. Thanks as always for your undying support and kindness.
Sam, I must say, your writing style is amazing. That’s what caught me the first few times I looked in, along with the others who post. I never thought about films like what is written here, and have learned about many films I have not seen, and have a list to seek out at some point.
You’re too kind and have surprised me in great length.
Cheers! ps: I’m not so bright ; (
Michael, you really deserve some kind of recognition, even if this forum is insufficient. I appreciate greatly all that you have done.
I must agree with everyone here, but I’ve been saying this right along. You are one heck of a great writer, and this piece provides the evidence. I’d say the style is ‘dynamic’. I guess what is most amazing is that you seem to have written the whole thing off the top of your head.
The Coffee Messiah seems like an amazing guy, and I’ll be sure to pay his site a visit. It’s people of sincerity like him that make up for the young snobs with no personality that pass themselves off as film experts that malign BloggerWorld.
Frank, the offer for you to be my agent is still in place, though I’m getting older, and opportunities have eroded! Ha!
That’s a bit harsh on the ‘young bloggers.’ Admittedly there are a few talented ones who continually keep their distance, but I’ve moved on at this point to accomodate my true friends. Most of the “young” bloggers I know are great people too.
Thanks as always.
Yeah, this is incredible writing.
I’d be interested in knowing what Mr. Harford’s favorite coffee is, and if there is a nationwide chain he prefers.
I must also say that the name ‘Coffee Messiah’ is brilliant.
It’s a great name for sure Joe! Thanks!
Wow, this is one killer sentence—-
+++But coffee is only a small part of the equation, and anyone whose interests aren’t rigidly etched in a singular focus, there’s a wealth of enlightenments and challenges that await those who click on Michael’s blogsite, where invariably they will always see a healthy number of regular commenters, who have always connected with the Coffee Messiah’s special brew of positive thinking and a deep appreciation of beauty and creativity, nurtured over years spent on the west coast in all kinds of educational interests.+++
This man does seem like someone very special. As a school custodian, I think I know how important coffee is in all our lives.
Ricky: Thanks a ton, but I fear it’s a run-on!!!!
LOL!!!!
Yes, coffee in the schools in an American institution!
The excitement in your tone and the flow of your writing really keeps the reader aboard. It’s a great testimonial to someone who stands out from the field, and as Dennis says, it brings a smile to your face. I guess Michael is running a coffee establishment now in the Hoosier state.
David, I really do appreciate that great comment.
I bet he can brew one mean cup of coffee!
Karen, I’ve already received a few great mixes from him in the mail in fact! Great product!
A loving homage to a fascinating person. He appears to make coffee-making an art!
Yep, Maria, it’s an art with Michael, bless his heart!
I know the Coffee Messiah’s father and he too is an amazing man. “The acorn does not fall far from the tree.”
Thanks so much for that Mary, and for visiting the site!!!
My apologies Sam, for being MIA for so long. I’ve been busy at home with house renovations, but it’s winding down. I see there’s some great posts that I need to read, not least of which is this glowing consideration of the Coffee Messiah. I’ve seen some of his comments at the site, and was immediately taken by his wide range of experience and interests. The use of coffee as a catalyst for a number of life’s concerns and artistic appreciations is ingenious. But I still don’t dispute the man’s passion for a drink we can’t do without. I just looked at the Coffee Messiah blog, and agree it offers so much by way of wistful observation, and it’s imbued with a classical context.
I salute you, Michael Harford.
Peter, you really put on a show at the site today, and I can’t thank you enough! This particularly here is a great comment.
Don’t want to hijack this, but thought I’d best respond here to those who commented:
dennis: I think Sam could make a waded piece of paper sound good, after reading this.
dd: Think it was TT. When a topic pops up that’s interesting, I’ll probably join in again.
frank: Hey, Thanks. I try not to go outside my comfort zone and try real hard not to ever be something I’m not. It’s easier to remember.
joe: Do not like chains at all. Had a short stint at SB after we closed our coffeehouse, only thinking we could get back to the west coast. Sadly, it was an experience not steeped in much coffee, mainly fraps ; (
We use a French Press, Cold Press and have a small espresso machine. I enjoy a darker roast, Italian/French, but also enjoy Sumatra. There are so many varietals, it changes depending on what’s available.
ricky: I’m sure kids these days keep you on your toes.
david: We did, but closed after 4 yrs. It was in a small town, and once you reach a peak, there’s no way to get higher. And these days, we’re glad we still don’t have it. As we all know, it’s a hard road out there anymore.
karen & maria: Thanks.
peter: Thanks so much and 4 stopping by!
And Sam, there’s an email on it’s way.
Thanks again, but you shouldn’t have!
I’m thrilled you stopped in here to respond Michael! I had my fingers crossed that you would!
I will be checking my e mail momentarily!
MICHAEL-I agree. I think this post by Schmulee really backs up something I was telling him over the phone. I don’t necessarily think it has to do with Sam’s ability to write. He’s an excellent writer, easily one of the most proficient and grammatically correct on the net. What differentiates Sam as a writer of true merit are the subjects of his essays. While Sam has a keen eye, and hard tastes, for film, its not his preferred venue for writing. I’ve know Sam now for almost 20 years. We’ve fought, we’ve lamented and laughed a whole lot over that time. I can honestly say I know him like I know the back of my hand. So, when I say his two biggest passions in life are HIS FRIENDS and THE STAGE (not slighting, in the least, his family, wife and children), I think I’m validated when I comment his greatest writing is that which is fueled by his biggest loves. It comes AS NO SURPRISE to me that this loving testimonial to a revered blogger or his piece on SOUTH PACIFIC are anything less than truth.
Dennis, I think music might hold a very narrow edge over the stage, but both are really interchangeable.. After people read this comment they will gear up to throw rocks at me. LOL!
Still, I won’t renege on our agreement. I have raised the offer to $50 for each glowing appraisal, perhaps more after negotiations. I’ll have the loot ready for you tonight.
I stick by my words as I stated above…as for the money, you can leave it in the satchel by the front door…as you are an honorable man I know it will be there. However, considering the massive ass-kissing I do under Allan’s posts, I think he owes me about $200,000!!!
LOLOL!!!!!
dennis: I have felt the same through our few interactions here and through the emails.
And Sam, you’re never too old (besides, you’re not even close) to be doing what moves your soul.
We’re still trying ourselves, we’ll make it one day!
Aye Michael, the timeworn adage that “you’re only as old as you feel” is nonetheless an astute one. Thank You!
Kudos’ to Sam for a fantastic piece and to the Coffee Messiah for a fascinating blog. I visited CM for the first time today, I am a now a self admitted caffeine enthusiast.
John, it’s indeed an addictive place; you’ll find that out with re-visitation! Thanks as always for your precious responses here!
Thank you for a great write up about my Big Bro- it is well deserved no matter how modest he tries to be.
It is nice to see his creativity getting some acknowledgement.
Thank you for that and Big Bro- keep up the great work.
I love you!
It’s a great honor to have you here, and it warms my heart to hear that Sharlene! Although some of us have only now or recetly discovered his creativity and wealth of experience, his own blog seems to attract a sizable community, which is one surefire barometer of success. Michael’s popularity is absolutely well-earned, and your feelings here are just what I’d expect.
Thanks so much!
Count me in on the Coffee Messiah celebration. I looked at his blog and see a truly abstract place, where nothing is concrete, and much of how we respond is based on feelings and how small things add up to the whole. He sounds like a guy I’d love to meet myself. Wonderfully written with great conviction.
Oh yes Bobby, that’s a most accurate report, and I am thrilled at the overall response, which again is most deserved.
……….Congratulations to the Coffee Messiah! An inspiring guy!………
Yep Frank, he is that for sure!
Whatever happened to the days when people brewed their own coffee? Seems like everybody’s always on the go, and all the business is in Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and the diners.
I too like the idea of building ideas past and present around the central coffee motif. Michael appears to be quite the gentleman. Congratulations.
Stephanie, thanks so much for making your first appearance at WitD. Much appreciated. And you’ve chosen a very special post to dive in with. I’m not sure what Michael thinks of your assessment here, but I’ll have to agree that home brewing is on the decline. I remember the old days in the 60′s when my parents wouldn’t be caught dead buying coffee on the outside, and I remember the tin cans of “Savarin” as the seeming brand of choice. As a youngster I hated the smell and taste of coffee, and even resented that flavour in ice cream! Times changed, and I took to it in my mid 20′s, though only once a day in large measure, usually in the morning.
I agree that the coffee motif is a brilliant one, as it’s one product with universal appeal. And Michael has the tools to carry it through.
Thanks again.
bm: Hey, Thanks!
frank; )
stephanie: Purchasing whole bean coffee fresh, unless economics leave you short once in awhile, is the only way to go, and home brewing also. Although, when you are out and about, uh, er, chains are a heresy, unless a good local shop happens to be around. We continue to explore and find some good ones. Thanks for stopping by this blog and hope you continue to comment when time allows.
There’s something down to earth and soulful about this man’s blog. There are entirely too many sites where the writer is obviously aiming to impress. An ego thing. When you look at the Coffee Messiah you do sense it’s all about cameraderie.
And that’s refreshing.
Terrific observations Bill. I’m so happy you decided to stop in, and hope all is well with you.
My stomach won’t allow me to indulge anymore, but there was a time I was a five cup a day consumer. Now I opt for tea, which doesn’t bother me. Michael’s personality shines through with all these lovely testimonials, including his own family. This was a very entertaining and beautifully written feature, Sam.
Thanks so much for stopping in Rosemary, and I agree that tea is generally more soothing on the stomach, as I would Michael would testify to. Thanks too for the very kind words.
Yes it’s more soothing, but coffee is much tastier!