• coffee life,  latte art,  quotes

    Intrigued By Mystics

    Theologians may quarrel,
    but the mystics of the world speak the same language
    and the practices they follow lead to the same goal.

    Eknath Easwaran

    It is a beautiful day here in Colorado. with blue skies and sunshine dominating. After my quiet prayer and meditation time I rode the red steed to Mugs. I loved the ride along Spring Creek Trail, cool, invigorating and offering the freshness and exercise my body needs.

    I am intrigued by mystics. I enjoy reading the mystics and who they are from the past the contemporary of today. They speak to me in a language of the heart rather than the head only. Mystics live the life of being whole, healthy and wanting peace in our world. They do not quarrel or they are not a mystic. May you have a good week!

    At the present time my domain name montestevens.com is being directed to montestevensqrnvz.com. Hopeful that will be switching over within a day or two. Again, feel free to roam around and report any issues you encounter.

  • bicycling,  coffee life,  Food,  latte art

    Bike to Work Day

    Today is Bike to Work Day in Fort Collins. They have nearly 90 morning stations and 12 afternoon stations, hosted by over 150 local businesses and organizations, who are planning to pop up all around Fort Collins. Breakfast will be available until gone or between 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and afternoon stations will be open from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. As Jeff and I sat at Mugs we got to watch and notice all the colors, shapes, and types of bicycles as well as colors, shapes, and types of bicyclists. Dogs riding in baskets, kids pedaling as fast as they can, old codgers meandering along, Tour de France wanna-bes, tandem bicycles with one rider (in the front seat), an incumbent tandem bicycle, some first time riders and old geezers who don’t ride to work anymore. I was surprised to see the variety of bikes and people. Bike mechanics were also available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

    Today was our barista, Dean’s, last day at Mugs. She is moving back to Omaha where she is from. We are sure gonna miss her, her smile, and her latte art. Thundershowers are predicted for this afternoon. Hope you have a wonderful day!!

  • Art,  Documentary/Street,  Food

    Malasadas

    There is a small alleyway in the town of Windsor that is used as a gathering area. They have pavers laid down with tables and chairs for people to eat at and converse. I discovered this one Saturday morning while waiting to meet with my friend Eric. A sign caught my eye that said Ollie’s Malasadas. I watched a couple enter the door so I needed to find out what a malasada was. Turns out they are a Portuguese-style doughnut, known for their rich, fried dough and sweet, sugary coating. Now we’re in trouble! Actually, I haven’t tried one, yet. But, I did get a photo of the mural on the building’s wall. We are expecting severe storms beginning around noon. I hear there were heavy storms last night just east of here, Milliken, with large sized hail. Hoping we don’t get any of that.

  • coffee life,  latte art

    Rosetta

    After prayer and meditation I made a smoothie, fed my soul with inspirational reading, and then journaled. It’s pretty much how I start every day for the past several years. I was scheduled to meet a friend for coffee this morning but she’s not feeling well and had to cancel. Instead I rode the bicycle to Mugs. We have overcast skies, 50 degrees and 100% humidity. Needles to say the ride was invigorating. Dean added her latte art to an Old Town mocha making life just a bit richer for me. I’m back home and laundry is started, which was the only thing on my to-do list. Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

  • coffee life,  latte art,  quotes

    Being Alive Makes a Difference

    Whether we’re a preschooler or a young teen, a graduating college senior or a retired person, we human beings all want to know that we’re acceptable, that our being alive somehow makes a difference in the lives of others.

    Fred Rogers

    Dean was showing off her art this morning so I’m showing it here. It is overcast, cool and rain predicted later this afternoon. This is CSUs last day of graduations. Dorm parking lots are empty but parking lots at Moby Arena and Lory Student Center are full. I have one graduation party this afternoon for Adriana, one of the baristas/managers at Mugs. I want to attend because knowing her has made a difference in my life! I’m grateful for her presence!! I wish the best for her in all of life. Congratulations, Adriana!!!

  • Art,  flutes,  quotes

    The Flute

    “As the sunrise brightens each new day,
    so the sounds of the flute chase the gloom of night away,
    and awakens our soul.”

    Ron Stutz (from his website – Native Sunrise Flutes)

    This is my new Native American style flute made by flute maker Ron Stutz out of Highland, Utah. I chose to purchase one of his flutes because it has a professional build quality, is customizable, but also is a work of art. There is something within me that wants to be able to make magical sounds that feed my spirit, use it as a meditative tool, and allow it to become a part of my spiritual practice. The Native American style flute is also known as the Love flute or Courting flute. And no, I’m not courting anyone.

    I purchased this flute through the Horizons Flute Store. When ordering the flute you get to choose several options. You get to choose the key it’s made in: this one is in the key of A. You get to choose the type of wood, either Spanish Cedar or Sapele: I chose Spanish Cedar. You also choose the style of flute, either Canyon or Woodland: I chose Canyon style which has a set of petroglyphs found in Nine Mile Canyon in Utah and has a manufactured broken and burned end for a distinctive look. You have four choices of totems to choose from: I chose the animal kingdom because of its simplicity. You choose between two mouthpiece shapes, round or tapered: I chose rounded. We will see how that works out for me. And, finally, you can choose from the standard 440 Hz Concert Tuning or the alternative 432 Hz Consciousness Tuning: I chose 432 Hz because I will be playing this flute in nature and it has more of an earth tone.

  • coffee life,  latte art,  quotes

    The mystic knows…

    Lets me know I’m loved

    The mystic knows that what really matters is the inner connection of the heart in which our heart opens and cries. It is something so simple and yet so easily overlooked. Prayer is a way to be with God.

    Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

    It was 37 degrees and 82% humidity when I rode to coffee life this morning. Needless to say it was also cold coming home but so invigorating. My barista, Winter, made me a lovely heart this morning on my Old Town Mocha, and lets me know I’m loved.