• Black and White,  Candid Portraits,  coffee shops,  People/Portraits

    These Tools

    My camera is a tool to capture moments of time, like someone enjoying morning coffee. My journal is a tool to slow down the chatter of the mind, a diary of the days events and an ongoing letter to the Divine. My books are a tool that provide seeds, where words take root within the soul. Prayer and contemplation are tools that allows me to stay quiet, resting in the Presence. These tools help in the transformation of the way I see and live in the world. And, I guess you can say coffee shops and mocha lattes are a tool. What are some of your tools?
  • Black and White,  Candid Portraits,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles,  People/Portraits

    Silly Weather

    Taken on the bus and one of the most common scenes I find on the bus or on campus. Love the light on her face.

    We had a wonderful weekend, warm and sunny. But, it’s cold and overcast this morning. Looking like a fall day rather than spring day. Rightly so as we are expecting a winter storm over the next three days. Rain starting later today and turning to snow through the night. They say it will linger for a few days, bringing a snow and rain mix with temperatures at the freezing mark. I’m okay with the moisture but prefer the mid 40’s temperatures. I think I’ve mentioned that before. I saw this morning a prediction of 3-7 inches of snow and I suspect it will be wet and heavy snow. So you may see another winter scene or two posted. Stay warm!

  • architecture,  Candid Portraits,  Cityscapes/Urban,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles,  People/Portraits

    The Dark Heart Coffee Bar

    I met up with my sister on Sunday morning and tried out a coffee shop we had not visited before, call the Dark Heart Coffee Bar. There was a distinct difference in coffee flavor and probably because they use a coffee roaster out of Portland, Oregon neither one of us had heard of before, Coava Coffee Roasters. We both thought is was on the pricey side but we are also tight with our money, so we are not likely to make them a daily coffee shop but a special occasion place. It’s ambiance was light and airy, with lots of window light. The decor was nicely done, had plenty of room and did not feel crowded due to its open feeling. All the seating was located along the walls which was one continuous bench with separate tables and chairs, except the small high top table this young lady was sitting at. A big plus for me was the quiet, even though they were busy. They also had a nice porch area that would be enjoyable during the warmer weather. I will go back!

  • Black and White,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street

    Matcha Latte

    It’s not as cold this morning, only about -2 degrees at 7:30. We’re already up to 4 degrees at 9:30 and hopefully we will see 32 degrees. Found this couple just outside one of the coffee shops in the Lory Student Center. She seems to be studying a book and he’s on his phone.

    I decided to switch today and have a matcha latte rather than a mocha latte. Matcha powder is loaded with heart-healthy antioxidants, made from chlorophyll-rich green tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder. To make the matcha latte is simple. They place the matcha powder in a cup then add steamed milk to create the frothy latte effect. It was a good choice.

  • Black and White,  Candid Portraits,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  People/Portraits

    Found in the Spotlight

    In the spotlight
    In the spotlight

    I had to take my car in to have brakes replaced, so after dropping it off I walked to a nearby coffee shop.  I noticed this young lady working on her computer and loved the light shinning on her like a spotlight. I went to spot metering in an effort to make her the focus and darken the background. As I raised the camera she spotted me. Caught! I lowered the camera and asked if I could take her photo. After getting her approval I suggested she just be natural. Well, that didn’t happen as she knew I was pointing a camera at her. However, I’m pleased with the image.

  • Candid Portraits,  Children,  People/Portraits,  quotes

    Brother in Sync

    Brothers in Sync
    Brothers in Sync

    On Fathers Day I spent time with my daughters in-laws. Needless to say, I ate way too much. Matt’s twin brother and his family were out from Chicago. Matt has to two boys and his brother has four for a total of six young boys. Grandma wanted to buy the boys bib-overalls, in memory of her dad who wore them all the time,  so photos were taken. During the chaos of pulling together all six boys I happen to catch this image of two brothers. The pose and identical clothes just made this a special image for me.

    “Fix all your attention on your own path, and do not imitate others. Your life is unique, and your karma is yours alone.” Taisen Deshimaru