My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
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. 🙂
The ProspectorPaul getting serious with that pink spoonHotel Window at the Table Mountain InCatch of the Day
I had the opportunity to pick up the far traveling Paul Lester at the train station in Denver yesterday morning. The man claimed to be hungry so the first needed was breakfast. This was accomplished a t a place called the Rand House Cafe on east Colfax. Paul and I both proved hunger was satisfied. Instead of driving to Mt, Evans we decided to wander the streets of Golden, CO. We picked the right day as they had the USA Pro Challenge bicycle race the day before so Sunday was quiet and peaceful. We stumbled into a yogurt place called Goozel Gourmet Yogurt. We all know the benefits of yogurt. It supplies us with a healthy amount of bacteria and as a dairy product we get a dose of animal protein. Paul and I went a step further and added the nutritional value of coconut, almonds, chocolate chips and any other toppings we could find. Adding a pink spoon for shoveling it in while sitting in a comfy lounge chair makes life seems pretty good. And as two photographers will do we took a few photographs.
We ran across this adobe styled hotel and both thought of Tom Dills and his architectural images that rock.
The streets of Golden were lined with bronze sculptures that added a different touch. We both took photos of this prospector showing off his find. Since this is the hometown for Coors brewery it was no surprise to see Coors written across the prospectors canteen.
Clear Creek runs through the center of town and was a pleasure garden for people. We found tubers, waders and fisherman. All along the banks we could find children of all ages dangling their feet in the refreshing water. We got Paul back to his hotel around 2:00 pm so he could rest after the long night of travel. His return flight was for 6:00 am in the morning so the time together was limited. Paul and I had met previously when Paul picked me up at my hotel in Charlotte and we met Earl Moore for dinner a few years ago. I enjoyed the time and it was good to meet up again.
I am drawn to doors but in this image it the color red that calls out. I find doors with bright colors calling out my name and when they are tall and narrow, I stop to take some photos. However, the red of the doors, the red striped awning, the red sign in the window and the red lamps are what make this image have its power for me. I like the shadows across the sidewalk and the reflection in the window. When you add the customers in the window it all makes for a cool street scene.
