• architecture,  Black and White,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  window

    Routes Served

    “Other voices easily drown out our own before we can really hear it. And this applies whether you hear positive or negative reactions; both are dangerous to us. Positive feedback too soon will stop us moving forward or going deeper. It’ll stop us at the low-hanging fruit and the first, most obvious iterations, and our work won’t have a chance at getting honed.  And negative reactions or feedback can stop us just as quickly when that feedback often only means “this work isn’t for me” and has nothing to do with how authentic or good it might actually be.” David DuChemin

    Took the early bus this morning to campus and now at the Lory Student Center. I came early to have some time to write and a bit of quiet before the students begin dragging themselves in to classes. I will meet a good friend for coffee who teaches philosophy at 9:00. It seems to be a beautiful day, almost reaching 70 degrees before we have rain later this evening.

    I relate to David’s quote as I have for most of my life been one who wants the approval of others. Hopefully, I’ve moved beyond the need for approval of others to validate who I am, at anything. At one time acquiring the comments and likes determined the quality of my images. I’m aware there are times when I post an image too early, before it’s time, looking for approval of a poor image, or I just want to post an image. What I get from his quote is the need to listen more to the voice within in all areas of life. I’m a work in process, taking my own routes, as are my images.

  • architecture,  Candid Portraits,  Cityscapes/Urban,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles,  People/Portraits

    The Dark Heart Coffee Bar

    I met up with my sister on Sunday morning and tried out a coffee shop we had not visited before, call the Dark Heart Coffee Bar. There was a distinct difference in coffee flavor and probably because they use a coffee roaster out of Portland, Oregon neither one of us had heard of before, Coava Coffee Roasters. We both thought is was on the pricey side but we are also tight with our money, so we are not likely to make them a daily coffee shop but a special occasion place. It’s ambiance was light and airy, with lots of window light. The decor was nicely done, had plenty of room and did not feel crowded due to its open feeling. All the seating was located along the walls which was one continuous bench with separate tables and chairs, except the small high top table this young lady was sitting at. A big plus for me was the quiet, even though they were busy. They also had a nice porch area that would be enjoyable during the warmer weather. I will go back!

  • Black and White,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street

    Matcha Latte

    It’s not as cold this morning, only about -2 degrees at 7:30. We’re already up to 4 degrees at 9:30 and hopefully we will see 32 degrees. Found this couple just outside one of the coffee shops in the Lory Student Center. She seems to be studying a book and he’s on his phone.

    I decided to switch today and have a matcha latte rather than a mocha latte. Matcha powder is loaded with heart-healthy antioxidants, made from chlorophyll-rich green tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder. To make the matcha latte is simple. They place the matcha powder in a cup then add steamed milk to create the frothy latte effect. It was a good choice.

  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  Documentary/Street

    Tracks in the Snow

    With restrictions on not driving I’ve had to ask for rides or use the bus system to get to doctor appointments and my coffee shops. A couple days ago I found the bus stop surrounded by geese and the mess they so freely make. They also make some pretty Kool tracks in the snow. Enjoy your weekend!