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

    A New Fountain Pen

    The New Fountain Pen
    The New Fountain Pen

    My new fountain pen is a white Pilot Prera with a medium nib and filled with Diamine Ochre ink. The ink is a nice milk chocolate color and I think works will with my cream colored pages in my Moleskin journal. Not that there are any special words in this pen but the desire to write more is there. Oh, and included in this image is a favorite of mine, a mocha latte, which matches the ink also.

  • Camera Equipment,  coffee shops,  Fujifilm X-E1,  quotes

    Coffee Cup
    Coffee Cup

    You only know your true strength in times of hardship, for no man ever became strong by doing nothing.

    I used the black and white film simulation for this jpeg. I’ve been playing with the different film simulations in the Fujifilm X-E1 to see how they look.

  • Candid Portraits,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street

    Touching Hands

    Hands
    Hands

    Our body language, posture and facial expressions say a lot. They can speak loudly or softly. Through observations we make assessments about a person’s mood or situation. As I left a local coffeehouse I noticed this couples hands. Their backs were to me so I could not see their faces, only the hands. My focus was pulled to the message of their hands as part of their conversation. It’s always a risk when asking people if you can take their photo and not just because you may be told no. We take the risk of interrupting a serious conversation or situation. Her touch suggested the need to comfort, to encourage or persuade. But, I took the risk and interrupted. After asking they admitted it was serious mood. Oops!

    I explained what I observed in the language of their hands and wanted to photograph their hands. They were intrigued about the X-E1, thinking I was shooting film. After a short conversation they agreed to let me take an image. One shot was all I needed. I showed them the image and told them I would probably convert it to black and white. He suggested I make it sepia and so I did. We talked briefly about the camera and then I quickly left so they could finish the conversation. As I left I noticed they were still touching.

  • coffee shops

    Coffee Mugs

    Hanging Coffee Mugs
    Hanging Coffee Mugs

    I walked into a favorite coffeehouse and found a new artist with works on display. It asks the question, “Which one would you choose?” And, there was another rack just like this one on our right.

  • coffee shops

    Goodbye My Friend

    Chai Tea Latte at Starry Night

    Today is the funeral for a good friend of mine. Over the past few days I’ve had time to reflect on his impact on my life. I am amazed at how big that impact has been on me and hearing others say the same. I will miss our conversations and the guidance he offered me. I am grateful for the impact people have on our lives. Thanks, Wayne!