We arrived in Albany, NY last night just before the clock struck midnight. As I walked down the hallway towards my hotel room, I could hear the bed inviting me to much needed sleep. And, I slept well, even sleeping later than normal. This morning after a shower and a bit of quiet, I journeyed over to Professor Java’s Coffee Sanctuary located near our hotel. I’ve enjoyed my previous visits to this establishment for several reasons: the ambiance is comforting to me in style and feel, the exceptional service of the young people working there and because the coffee is good. My taste buds this morning were focused on a cafe mocha. While standing at the counter over the freshly baked scones, I weakened and succumbed to the temptation of a freshly baked pecan scone. Life is good.
I located a small table near a window that offered wonderful light for me to write and read. I find it important to keep myself present to where I’m at, to visually see, hear and experience the world around me. Photography has helped me in that area of my life. I’ve always been able to be present  in nature when waiting for a sunrise or sunset but not necessarily within the hustle  and bustle of city life. Being a dreamer, I fly off to distant worlds rather than noticing all that is around me. As I stayed present this morning, I noticed the young man in the image above as he dreamed, or planned, or studied within his coffee sanctuary. I could hear the two women behind me sharing events of the Christmas holiday season within their coffee sanctuary. It’s easy to identify those regular patrons as they came in for their daily dose of caffeine and are warmly welcomed by their names. I could smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tempting smell of the blueberry, cinnamon and pecan muffins. Life is good. And, ya gotta love the craftsmanship of the girls when they brought over my cafe mocha. A work of art! I really do like this coffee sanctuary. Hope everyone has a great week and finds a sanctuary.
PS: My sister informed me that mom is going home today. Yeah! Recovery is moving right along. Thanks for your prayers!
12 Comments
Mark
Nice image of your relaxing ritual Monte, and good to hear about your mom.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Mark! Yes, we’ve had good about mom.
Earl
Monte, a genuine warm post which felt like the sharing of a moment, or perhaps the sharing of a sanctuary. Thanks for this gift and glad to hear you mother is doing well. Nice start to 2011.
Monte Stevens
Glad you like the image and my sharing. It notice I’m posting more about what I see each day in life. Sure not posting as many nature scenes and I miss those.
Paul
What a nice work of art on that mocha. I could almost hear the silverware clink in your description. 🙂 Also, glad to hear your mom is heading home after being all fixed up. Great news!
Monte Stevens
Even though you don’t indulge in coffee they had plenty of teas to choose from. Not sure if you are in to hot chocolate but any of the coffee drinks at these shops make them without coffee. Have a super day, m friend!
QPB (Mary Ann)
Very lovely and well-documented as usual. Love the written words as well as the photos. Have a great week, Monte!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Mary Ann. I also hope you have a great week!
Chris Klug
Great news, and stay warm, Monte!
Monte Stevens
I’m sitting a coffee shop with my coat on and I’m still cold. Maybe I need to find a beach somewhere way down south. 🙂
Anita Jesse
I have never spent a great deal of time in coffee shops. Your post, however, makes me think that I am missing out on something very special.
Monte Stevens
Anita, they are a world of their own, each with it’s own character. I must say you have a home that many would love to live in. It also has its own character. I enjoy seeing and hearing about your world.