• coffee life,  landscape,  latte art,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes,  sunrises

    There for a reason…

    January 10, 2024

    “There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them. But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there.”

    Paulo Coelho

    It is cold and the wind continues to blow this morning. Made my way to Pineridge Natural Area for the predawn colors. I watched as the wind scattered the ever changing clouds across the canvas sky. I felt within the sense of drama in nature as she constantly reshaped the clouds according to the wind’s whims. I’m now enjoying my mocha latte at Starry Night then will meet Mark for breakfast as he and I continue our fantasy quest of solving the world’s troubles. I say that with tongue-in-cheek as he and I realize changing the world always starts with ourselves. I feel I am finding that facing and overcoming troubles is much more of an adventure than just an unwanted task. In my past I had the tendency to run from them. Now there is more of a desire to learn from the lessons. Just facing them is a lesson. May you have a wonderful day, overcoming any and all problems while learning life’s lessons! Stay warm!

    Hannah’s latte art – Showing off again
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  • frost,  leaves

    A Cold Blanket of White Frost

    December 15, 2023

    I took these images after leaving the coffee shop and heading to the transit center to catch the bus home yesterday. The sun was warming things up and much of the cold white blanket of frost was melting away. But not to worry because there is the promise of its return. I loved the patterns of the sunlight and shadows at the CSU Oval and felt the calling to walk among them. I soaked up the warm sunshine as I stood in it’s rays then felt the coolness when I stepped into the shadows. So shadows seemed to be the theme but there is always the need to post a few images of the white ice crystals clinging to those fallen leaves. You can click on the images below to see a larger image and slideshow.

    This morning is crisp with no frost and a magnificent cloudless sky. My drive to meet Eric for coffee was directly into that bright sun. So I’ve done a bit of squinting. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  • coffee life,  quotes

    To Live a Life

    December 3, 2023

    When your life awakens and you begin to sense the destiny that brought you here, you endeavour to live a life that is generous and worthy of the blessing and invitation that is always calling you.

    John O’Donohue

    This image was taken last week at the Lory Student Center. I go there because it is quiet and I find it is a place for solitude, before students arrive. It is windy this morning, bad hair day for sure. Now it bugs coffee shop on the world. Emma is my barista. She is playing some soft easy Christmas music because she is in the Christmas spirit. I found out that two friends died in their sleep this past Friday night. One younger, one older. They both endeavored to live a generous and worthy life. Today will be a day of processing. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

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  • leaves,  lifestyles,  Plants,  quotes

    One of those moments

    November 9, 2022

    “Don’t ask the world to change….you change first.”

    Anthony de Mello

    It was one of those moments. The ground around me was changing every second as leaves from the elm trees were constantly descending everywhere. I took three photos before I stopped and settled into just being the observer of the beautiful moment I was experiencing. If you look closely you will see one leaf in mid-descent just to the left of center.

    Had a wonderful lunch with my oldest daughter today. We talked about those questions we all seem to ask, “What do I want to do or be when I grow up?” She is one of many who have attained the career goals, the family, home, cars, money and more. She now asks what else is there? Seems I’ve reached a point where things do not have the value of the past. What’s important are those things I cannot grasp but only experience and live: peace, serenity, love, compassion, family, friends, journaling, photography, and… you can fill the rest of the list. Sounds like changes are about to happen in her life.

    It’s been a cold day. Finished my steps and I’m in for the evening. Will have a Zoom chat with a friend who just moved back east.

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  • fall season,  landscape,  Plants,  seasons,  snow,  street photography,  trees

    First Snowfall of the Year

    November 4, 2022
    CSU Oval

    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.

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  • flowers,  Plants,  quotes

    Be Yourself

    September 9, 2022

    The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.

    Lao Tzu

    Rode the bus and then walked to a coffee shop. I found this yellow daisy among the smaller white flowers and needed to accept the gift of this image. A light rain fell last night. It is cloudy and cool this morning. We may see rain this evening and into tomorrow. Hoping so! May you enjoy your day and be yourself.

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  • flowers,  Plants,  quotes

    There is no normal

    April 19, 2022
    One of the daffodils on CSU campus

    There is no normal. I’ve never met a normal person. The concept is flawed. It implies that there is only one way people are supposed to be, and that can’t possibly be true. Human experience is far too varied.

    Maureen Johnson

    So, are we each abnormally normal?

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