My online journal sharing interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
I usually arrive at coffee shops as soon as they open the doors, around 7:00 am. At this time they are normally slow which adds to my enjoyment. And at this hour of the morning I am usually the center of the baristas attention. It is much quieter, and during these times of the pandemic, much safer. There was one other person in the shop when I took this about 8:00 am. For this first hour it does feel like it’s just my coffee shop.
simple recipe
ms
frothed milk and espresso
gift of latte art
With overcast and smokey skies this morning I headed to the Bean Cycle for a latte and journaling. My barista, Devan, made a very attractive mocha with her artistic touch. I like how she sprinkles chocolate powder about halfway through pouring the milk then finishes with her latte art. Again, I took this image with that old camera and I think the image turned out decent. But, the mocha tasted perfect. Happy Sunday!
the barista’s craft
ms
carefully pouring steamed milk
grin of success
I have wondered at times where coffee baristas go after making my life a bit more enjoyable? Seems there is always a turnover as many work at these jobs for some short period of time. I find many are college students studying to be a writer, artist, school teacher, archaeologist, forester and more. For many it’s usually not a fulltime job but provides spending money and can be a lot of fun for them. This young lady was not only my barista but also a budding photographer. I took this five years ago and hope she is still grinning and successful.
I’ve never been too excited about Halloween and that’s true today. However, I know that there are many who feel differently and celebrate the day with enthusiasm and style. I’m making another assumption but with masks as a requirement for much of the world we probably will see more people dressed down from previous years, or not. Anyway, enjoy your Saturday and the candy corn pieces.
I felt the cold of the 18 degree December this morning as soon as I stepped out the door at 6:50 am. I questioned why I would leave my warm condo into this frigid temperature and walk to the bus stop, hoping the bus would be on time. Was I insane? No is my answer, because I knew that in a short while I would be walking into a favorite coffee shop and be greeted with a warm and inviting smile from one of the baristas. I knew I would be told “Good morning Monte. Do you want your usual?” Once I ordered and paid, I would then find a comfy place to journal, read or both and enjoy a warm mocha latte. However, on this particular morning, and because of the cold, I decided I wanted one these chocolate eclairs to go along with my mocha. No, I’m really not insane but living a simple life with things I enjoy. Yes, life is good. Stay warm wherever you are!
A barista is someone that specializes in making and serving a variety of beverages. They usually work at a coffee shop, bookstore, or in a bar that serves coffee or espresso specialty drinks. In addition, most baristas call you by name, know what your normal drink is and also dress in costumes pretending to be pirates, beautiful pirates.
I can walk into several coffeehouses and be greeted by my first name. That feels good. 🙂 I also know several of them by name. At some locations I can even have the baristas call out and say, ‘The usual, Monte?” These young people and the coffeehouse can easily become an extended family. We will almost always have some sort of conversation whether started by them or me, asking questions such as, “How was your weekend?” or “What have you planned for the day?” I find it comforting when they let me know I’m a person and not just a customer with money in his wallet.