• coffee life,  coffee shops,  fountain pens,  journal,  Self-portraits,  writing/reading

    Bitter Cold Morning

    It was 0 (zero) degrees this morning when I left the condo at 6:33 am. As I dusted off the powdery snow from the car I wonder how many neighbors were questioning my sanity. Then I thought about how connected we really are to nature and the part I play in it, how I am bundled up and prepared for the weather, how beautiful this wintery seen is, and most importantly, how good my mocha latte will taste. Yes, there is a bit of insanity in my life. However, there is much less insanity than a few years ago. 😁

    About this image. It was taken by a lovely young lady at Mugs at CSU coffee shop. Unfortunately I failed to get her name so I could give her credit. The overcast sky and light reflecting off the snow gave this a nice light. She did a great job! I want to use it in an ongoing series of images that include myself, the journal, the fountain pen in the act of journaling. I already have images of the journals and pens taken over the years and will continue to add more. But I have very few of them that include me in the act of writing. Some images I can do it with a tripod and timer but this image required another person pressing the shutter button. The purpose is to share why I have been journaling almost daily for over 30 years. Now, if it was just a wee bit warmer, say 70 degrees warmer!!!! Oh, and my toes are cold.

  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  quotes

    Way of life …

    For me photography is to place head and heart and eye along the same line of sight. It’s a way of life.

    Henri Cartier-Bresson

    Cold mornings have kept me snuggled under covers rather than braving the cold at one of the natural areas to greet the sunrise. I’m gonna need to change that attitude and spend time with nature, otherwise you will probably see more images of coffee cups, which could get boring quickly. I must admit sitting in one of the soft cozy chairs with a mocha latte and a good book is good for the soul, and warmer. However, I also need to be touched with the spirit of nature, in the cold. Looks to be cold for the next few days so we’ll see how often I am able to lift off those heavy covers. After all, photography is a way of life for me.

  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles

    Little Bird Bakeshop

    Took my 35mm f2.0 lens and camera for a walk in Old Town yesterday morning. I mysteriously found myself sitting at a table inside the Little Bird Bakeshop with a small mocha and a bostock. Things like that are happening more often. At first it bothered me but now I’m beginning to be okay with them, almost expecting them.

    It had been a while since I was in there and what a make over the shop has gone through. They have done a very nice remodel job making it more inviting and open. I took this image to show evidence of their bakery goods and highlight the latte art by my barista, Leslie. I’ll for sure need to revisit. Loved the blueberry bostock, by the way!

  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  haiku,  lifestyles,  writing/reading

    Tasted Perfect

    simple recipe
    frothed milk and espresso
    gift of latte art

    ms

    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!

  • haiku,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    After Sunrise

    after sunrise
    dropped by a coffee shop
    morning mocha

    ms

    My parents made the decision to sell their house in Phoenix and move into an assisted living facility. So, my sisters, my brother-in-law and I will help them clear out a 1600 sq ft home and move into a 650 sq ft, 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment. This is something they have talked about for a while and been a concern with my sisters, my brother-in-law and I for awhile. My parents finally asked my sister, Marcee, if she would check on everything, the facility and the money. She did a wonderful job of presenting them the options of staying in their house or living in an assisted living facility, then letting them make the decision themselves. It seems we all agree it’s a good decision. I fly out tomorrow for Phoenix. Not sure how long I will be gone so my posts may be sporadic or nothing at all. Enjoy your weekend! Oh, and Happy May Day!

  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  fountain pens,  journal,  writing/reading

    New Journal Today

    Thirty degrees and overcast skies. They finally cleaned the parking lot yesterday, so I found my car. One of the hazards of having a white car in Colorado. Wanted to catch the bus but the city plows covered the sidewalk making it almost impossible to reach the bus stop. Opted instead to drive to the Bean Cycle.

    I was taken back by how much tree damage this storm brought on. The tree trimmers are going to be busy over the next couple weeks. There are piles of snow everywhere, tree branches scattered everywhere. Front End loaders and dump trucks are busy hauling it somewhere. I had the coffee shop pretty much to myself. So, it was a mocha latte, some easy listening jazz and journaling time for myself. Started a new journal today. ❤️Got a haircut on the way home so I’m looking dapper again. 😁

  • Food,  lifestyles,  shadows

    Rubber Legs

    Good morning from Colorado. The COVID-19 numbers continue to rise while our temperatures begin to fall. Only expected to be in the high 40s today and not much better the next few days. Made myself Irish oats with raisins and pecans after quiet time. Noticed the sunlight and shadows on my kitchen counter and shot this image. Love the colors. The cocoa was a gift and sad to say not very good.

    Took the car in for some work so have been without a car for three days now. Rode the bicycle to an eye appointment yesterday as it’s only two miles. I knew part of the ride was uphill but I did not know it was all uphill, a slow gentile rise all the way. Had rubber legs when I got there. Eye examine was good and will see them in a year.