My online journal sharing interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
The thing about kids is that they express emotion. They don’t hold back. If they want to cry, they cry, and if they are in a good mood, they’re in a good mood. Eddie Murphy
Even as an adult I have mood variations. What sets me in a down mood is allowing my mind to enter into commentary with thoughts that are not reality. When I’m able to release those thoughts, letting them drift off and stay present, I experience greater serenity. I’m therefore in a better mood.
That’s Jacob hiding behind the chair and was taken 13 years ago. He is a senior this year and will be going off to college next fall. He was a starting linebacker on his high school football team which one the state championship this year. Oh, how they grow up.
Met my friend Larry for lunch this past week and, yes I have two of them. Larry has been into photography for many years with a love for film photography. Needless to say lunch lasted a good three hours. He was given a digital camera but prefers to use his 4×5 or 8×10 on a tripod that weights as much as his car. He does pull out his phone camera and take a quick snap shot every once in a while (new granddaughter). He took this image while playing with my X-E1 and using the Velvia film simulation. It’s straight out of the camera.
I have been using the city’s bus system to save fuel and because it can offer interesting photo opportunities. The city also offers seniors a discount at $25 for a year of unlimited rides. I bought one and plan to use it. I don’t think it takes any longer unless I need to change busses. And, now that I’m not needing to get to the office by 8:00 I can just mosey along.
Today is also my youngest daughters birthday. So, Happy Birthday, Monica!
I’ve mentioned before of a small bakery in Old Town, one of those places I have come to patronize. It’s name is Little Bird Bakeshop. It has that European feel to it, which is a draw for me. I sometimes pass by as ride my bicycle to Old Town for my morning exercise and a latte. There are table outside are on the north side so they receive nice shade on a summer morning and throughout the day. I patronize this shop because it’s locally owned, offers some very nice pastries, cappuccinos, lattes, is a nice respite in the shade and, as you can see in this image, some mornings you’ll find nice legs.
A welcoming smile can sure start the day right. I had two special smiles on ‘sunday morning. First I stopped at a local coffeehouse where one of my favorite baristas, Myra, greeted me with her smile. Dang, makes me wish I wasn’t old enough to be her grandpa. 🙂
The next smile you’ll find at Rocky Mountain Bagel Works in Fort Collins. As you come in the door a hallway leads you to Brittany, or one of her co-workers, who greets you with a smile and warm welcome. Once you recover from her smile you must now decide what you want from the menu. An assortment of bagel flavors and cream cheeses, breakfast or lunch bagel sandwiches, coffee, lattes, smoothies. 🙂 It is a great way to start your day and fits the small budget and they’re local!