Albany – Monte Stevens Blog

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!

Playing Go at Professor Java’s in Albany, NewYourk

Near our hotel in Albany, NY is a small coffee shop called Professor Java’s Coffee Sanctuary. I’ve made two visits and enjoyed my experience both times. The coffee is good and the sandwiches are top-notch. The ambiance is what I liked the most. They have converted an older home into this sanctuary so we have three separate rooms, each with its own feel. I noticed these two gentlemen ordering their coffees and setting up a table to play their game. This was the image liked best. I had taken a couple of images and then just watched through the view finder in anticipation of one of the men to make his move. When he did I pressed the shutter. This was also taken at ISO 3200.