My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
“I believe that reading and writing are the most nourishing forms of meditation anyone has so far found. By reading the writings of the most interesting minds in history, we meditate with our own minds and theirs as well. This to me is a miracle.”
Kurt Vonnegut
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!
“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!
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.
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
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!
I needed to capture a photo of the rosetta Annie made this morning. By the time I grabbed my camera and took this photo she was already working on the next drink. Hope You all had a good day!
I have often been sorry that I have spoken, never that I have been silent.
Benedicta Ward, The Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
Trust in what you love, continue to do it, and it will take you where you need to go.
Natalie Goldberg
a poet drinks from the
Garcia Lorca
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
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!