My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
“The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing… not healing, not curing… that is a friend who cares.”
Henri Nouwen
Thankfully, I had the best night of sleep in three weeks. 😊 Awoke to a lovely fog which is not as prevalent in our area as they are in the east. This is taken at the CSU Oval near one of my favorite coffee shops about 10:00. It has a feeling of mystery to it. The sun burned off the fog about 11:00 am offering us blue skies and sunshine. I am in a much better place today with life. It is easy to awfulize the future which is what I was doing yesterday. I find myself with more gratitude today. Hope you have a great day! In reference to the quote, I pray to be that kind of friend.
This morning I noticed a young man in his early thirties strutting into the coffee shopI am aware that I was immediately judgmental of him but this brought up some wonderful questions to ask myself and journal about it. His entrance was noticeable because of his tough guy walk. The demeanor offered a feeling of toughness, don’t mess with me attitude. Nor was I the only one who turned and noticed. As he ordered his drink it was then that I noticed he was packing a gun on his right side. So, the next time I see a police officer walk into a coffee shop wearing their weapons I’ll check to see if they have the same strut.
Anyway, this gave me some fodder for my journaling and also stirred this posting. What or who is he afraid of? Was his reality of life that foundationally scary and insecure? Did he feel the half dozen customers were possible enemies and that he needed to protect himself at any cost? I personally have never in my 20 some years of coffee shop life encountered a wild beast in a coffee shop. I have seen a dog or two. About the only life they could point a weapon at is another person.
My reality of life presents something different. Seems I have more fear, and am at a greater risk, from the driver who is trying to text message and drive at the same time than I do of being shot in a coffee shop. And, I also have more fear of politicians, corporate executives, and the wealthy who will do anything to attain more money, power and control due to the fear they will lose what they have or not attain what they want. And, in all honesty, I have a fear of the person packing the gun and how they will use the weapon under a stressful situation, will they use it with reactionary fear.
To end this post I must say we have no idea of the life experiences, the physical, sexual, verbal, emotional abuse and violence, others have had in life that presents their reality of life as threatening. So in my journaling and writing of this post I find gratitude for the life I have lived, the safety and security my family and community gave me and continue to give me and the innate goodness I see in this world. Reaffirms my belief that packing a gun will not prevent violence or put an end to violence and damn sure it will not bring peace.
wrapped in my blanket in the predawn darkness I read and meditate on words which become seeds for my soul and mind
the new day offers a dusting of snow outside my window so after my quiet time I bundle in warm clothing and grab my backpack to venture to the coffee shop
am greeted by early-to-rise baristas as I enter the door, they make my favorite, an Old Town mocha, extra hot, perfect on this bleak and wet day
notice beads of water forming their own worlds on the patio chairs warning me to sit inside on this wintery sunday morning
Full moon at the bus stop on my way to the coffee shop
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
Rumi
It’s been cold, windy and gusty today. The sun has peaked in and out of a cloudy blue/gray sky. And, when the sun does break through everything lights up, glowing brilliantly. I found it to be a perfect day for reading. I’ve gained enough wisdom to know I’m unable to change the world or the people in it but I’m only able to change how I interact with the world and the people in it, which is far more important. It also follows that when I change, the world is changed in some small way.
Those who are dealing with the power of Nicole please be safe.
According to DIA we had our first measurable snowfall yesterday and through the night. They showed 4.5 inches at the airport while Fort Collins had maybe an inch. Still lovely and refreshing. Roads are clear so I easily made it to the coffee shop. As expected a few regulars there braving the weather on their bicycles. Not me! The sun was shining brightly by 9:00 am which allowed the more hardy souls to shed their jackets. Not me! I tell you this white stuff sure pulls out the fall colors.
I received word this morning that my cousin, Kevin, died of a heart attack yesterday evening. No details on a service but if anyway possible I would like to attend. So, I could be making a road trip to the panhandle of Texas.
“I’m a child of God, and being a child of God, I’m essential, and no one has the right to limit, or the power to limit, my ability to be somebody.”
Ruby Sales
“What would our world look like if everyone believed and were given the ability to be somebody?” Please spend a bit of time with that question. Which then leads to the next question, “Does our inability to believe we are essential lead us to think of others as inessential and treat them as less than?” I find it important to ask myself those questions and then how do I live the answers to those questions? Sorry but I actually asked three questions. 😁
It’s Sunday morning in Fort Collins. Start the day with meditation. Make and enjoy my latte. Watch sunrise from my window. Take a refreshing walk in Old Town. It’s 8:40. Temperature is 46 degrees. Streets are empty. My coat keeps me warm. Hands are in my coat pockets. Camera is around my neck. I breathe and stay present, accepting whatever image is given.
“Always carry a notebook. And, I mean always. The short-term memory only retains information for three minutes; unless it is committed to paper you can lose an idea forever.”
Will Self
Same goes for a camera, otherwise I would not have this image or yesterdays or the day before.
I’ve watched this dog sit patiently as the owner stops in to get her coffee. Well this morning I approached the owner and asked if I could take a photo of her patient dog.it seems this dog waits in almost this same position each morning. The head is supported on the window with little movement while the eyes scan from side to side. No barking. It’s like there is a trust and belief she will return very shortly. So, I’ll just wait. 🙂
