• Candid Portraits,  coffee life,  People/Portraits

    We are all so kool!

    May 22, 2026
    John, one of the regulars and one kool dude

    Someone said it seems that Mugs is the coffee shop that I frequent the most. They are correct. My first reason is because it’s close to my condo. The second reason is they have the best prices. I pay one dollar less for the same drink as I do at Starry Night. The third reason is they also give us a discount if we bring our cup in. Fourth, I have adopted all of the baristas as my grandchildren. Sixth, I have also established a large community of fellow coffee customers, which I refer to as the irregulars. They add to my coffee life more than they know! Seventh, I go to coffee shops because they offer an alternative place to journal and read than my condo. And eighth, I come here for the ego boost this life offers. You see, the baristas and customers, we’re all so kool! Have a great weekend!

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  • coffee life,  quotes,  rain,  street photography

    … and live it!

    May 18, 2026

    “In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it.”

    Barack Obama

    This is looking out my windshield when I pulled up to the coffee shop this morning. I was surprised to see a half dozen people riding bicycles on my way to the coffee shop. They are hardier souls than me! We awoke to overcast skies and this gentle but steady rain, which is nurturing both nature and our souls. I hope they are correct when they say it may rain like this all day. As a beautiful metaphor, I would like to suggest that each raindrop is a symbol of each of us, which in union with other raindrops gives much hope for positive change and nurturing which our world desperately needs. Yes, let’s believe it is possible for us to be the change our world needs and live it!

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  • bicycle rides,  clouds,  coffee life

    The Morning Ride

    May 12, 2026
    Altocumulus Clouds in the west from this morning’s ride to the coffee shop

    When I opened my blinds this morning, I could see the crescent moon in the southern sky and it brought a smile to my face. After some quiet time and cereal I enjoyed an absolutely lovely bicycle ride to and from the coffee shop as can be seen in this image. Meg was my barista which brought another smile to my face. And the conversation at the coffee shop was as stimulating as the coffee. We even stayed longer than normal. I had my monthly luncheon with a few of my classmates later at a park in Loveland. And, again good conversations were shared! After I post this I plan on working on my dad’s photo book, getting in some journaling time and maybe a walk. I loved these altocumulus clouds on my ride this morning. These clouds were along both the east and west horizons and stopping for a photograph seemed mandatory. 

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  • Candid Portraits,  coffee life,  coffee shops,  People/Portraits,  quotes

    This morning’s smile, or grin…

    April 21, 2026

    Here’s a candid portrait of one of the regulars that shows up irregularly. Wait, maybe that’s one the irregulars who shows up regularly. Wait, maybe it’s both! Anyway, he works at campus and was on his way to a meeting so he stopped to grab some caffeine and said “Hi.” What a gift to see him again. He’s a good man! And, now that you know who he is, say “Hi Shawn” the next time you see him.

    “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”

    Marcus Aurelius
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  • coffee life,  latte art,  musings

    Cost of a latte…

    April 11, 2026

    There is a coffee shop that I have not been to in awhile because they are pricey and on the other side of town. They advertise themselves as serving quality coffee and roast their own beans. I must admit I have enjoyed their espresso roast in their Americano. But one day last week I ordered a 12 oz. mocha and was flabbergasted by the price. It was a good mocha and the latte art was good but sure not worth $7.99. It’s a bit frightening to think that someday I could be priced out of my coffee addiction. Then what? Cuz I sure ain’t going back to work! Well… I hope you enjoy your weekend!

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  • coffee life,  fountain pens,  journal,  poetry

    The gift of the poet…

    March 25, 2026

    a poet drinks from the
    well of the people, and
    then gives it back to
    them in a way that may
    help them understand
    themselves and the
    world even better

    Garcia Lorca

    Reading poetry is something new for me, coming in the latter stages of my life, and I must say enjoyable. I have found poetry that helps me understand myself and the world around me. I am drawn to poets who are connected to nature, creation and speak to me about their spiritual life. But there are poets I just do not understand. Yet, I know there are people who connect to them while not with the poets I connect with. I have come to agree with Lorca that in the short period of time I have been reading poetry I have come to believe that poets help us understand ourselves and the world better. I also believe that people can and need to drink from the well of the poet. I therefore see poets as a gift! 

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  • coffee life,  musings

    An Hour at the Library

    March 10, 2026
    Cortado at Mugs this morning

    I spent an hour at the Harmony Library this afternoon. It has been a cold day so the library sounded inviting. I was a librarian my senior year in high school to pickup a credit or two. As I reflected I realized that working in the library today is much different than in 1968. Back then nothing was digital. The old card file system worked just fine and an ink can with an ink soaked sponge and a rubber stamp. Interestingly I watched as librarians helped people with the many desktop computers that they have everywhere. So a librarian needs to be tech savvy now a days. They also have a media center where people can print papers, articles and assignments. My media center back then was a notebook and pencil. As I sat and journaled with my fountain pen, I noticed a crackling and rustling sound as a woman sitting near me turned the pages of a newspaper. Now that’s a sound I don’t hear much any more. I also watched several people carrying stacks of 3-6 books to check out, which means there are still people who read books rather than watch television.

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