My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
“I believe that reading and writing are the most nourishing forms of meditation anyone has so far found. By reading the writings of the most interesting minds in history, we meditate with our own minds and theirs as well. This to me is a miracle.”
Kurt Vonnegut
Someone said it seems that Mugs is the coffee shop that I frequent the most. They are correct. My first reason is because it’s close to my condo. The second reason is they have the best prices. I pay one dollar less for the same drink as I do at Starry Night. The third reason is they also give us a discount if we bring our cup in. Fourth, I have adopted all of the baristas as my grandchildren. Sixth, I have also established a large community of fellow coffee customers, which I refer to as the irregulars. They add to my coffee life more than they know! Seventh, I go to coffee shops because they offer an alternative place to journal and read than my condo. And eighth, I come here for the ego boost this life offers. You see, the baristas and customers, we’re all so kool! Have a great weekend!
“In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it.”
Barack Obama
This is looking out my windshield when I pulled up to the coffee shop this morning. I was surprised to see a half dozen people riding bicycles on my way to the coffee shop. They are hardier souls than me! We awoke to overcast skies and this gentle but steady rain, which is nurturing both nature and our souls. I hope they are correct when they say it may rain like this all day. As a beautiful metaphor, I would like to suggest that each raindrop is a symbol of each of us, which in union with other raindrops gives much hope for positive change and nurturing which our world desperately needs. Yes, let’s believe it is possible for us to be the change our world needs and live it!
When I opened my blinds this morning, I could see the crescent moon in the southern sky and it brought a smile to my face. After some quiet time and cereal I enjoyed an absolutely lovely bicycle ride to and from the coffee shop as can be seen in this image. Meg was my barista which brought another smile to my face. And the conversation at the coffee shop was as stimulating as the coffee. We even stayed longer than normal. I had my monthly luncheon with a few of my classmates later at a park in Loveland. And, again good conversations were shared! After I post this I plan on working on my dad’s photo book, getting in some journaling time and maybe a walk. I loved these altocumulus clouds on my ride this morning. These clouds were along both the east and west horizons and stopping for a photograph seemed mandatory.
Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.
Steven Pressfield
I took my camera for a walk today in Old Town. After a bit of wandering the streets for a while I impulsively decided to stop at Starry Night and splurged on one of their sandwiches for lunch. I sat in one of the old chairs near the front window. That way I had a view of people in the coffee shop and people walking by in the street. I had forgotten how old those chairs were as I felt myself bottom out when I sat down. A moment of panic came over me as I wondered whether I could get up out of the thing. Plus I was about to indulge in a turkey and havarti sandwich.
I was surprised it was not busy since it was close to lunch time. When I entered there was a table of about six people who were laughing and enjoying their time together and two other people at different tables. None of them were on their electronic devices. But it wasn’t long before people began to come in bringing their electronic devices and wearing headsets or earbuds. The one exception was a woman who brought a notebook, colored pencils, crayons, and sat at a table next to me. She was there to create her art and enjoy her drink of choice.
I was glad I went in because I was able to have some good journaling time and in a different place than I normally write. I did make it out of the chair and as I was leaving I asked the artist if I could take a photo of her hands at work. After a short conversation I took a couple photos, thanked her, and then left. She did tell me she was enjoying her art now that she has more time in life. I hope you had a wonderful Friday and enjoy this upcoming weekend!
Here are a few scenes from the spring snow we are enjoying. I cleaned off 5 inches of snow from my car this morning. We need the moisture so I’m pleased with that. It is a heavy wet snow so it will keep the tree trimmers busy over the next couple of days. There are several tree branches down on along the campus on Shields and Laurel and they have the CSU Oval closed. The coffee shop was empty because CSU classes have been canceled. Meg, my barista, made me an Old town mocha and was playing oldies, so I tapped my foot and journaled. The snow is beginning to let up as the sun tries to break through the clouds and the temperature rises. I would suggest you not walk under any trees as you will most likely get snow dumped on you, very wet and cold snow. I am looking forward to meeting my youngest daughter and granddaughter for lunch today. Stay warm and dry and please treat everyone you meet today as a person!
“Evil begins when you begin to treat people as things.”
Terry Pratchett
My God is too vast to be contained by theology, too mysterious to be defined, too holy to be personified. My God neither punishes nor rewards, but invites me into a living relationship that unfolds in the heart of all that is. My God belongs to everyone, and this belonging connects me to the web of all life.
Mirabai Starr
It has been a beautiful day with clear blue skies, sunshine and a gentle cooling breeze. I used yesterday and today to recover from the traveling. I got some grocery shopping done and made tuna salad. This afternoon I spent time at Pineridge Natural Area for the silence, solitude, and journal time. I believe my time at the coffee shop and in these Natural Areas are places where I do connect with the web of life. They are essential in my life! And hope you had a Happy May Day! Enjoy your weekend!
Here’s a candid portrait of one of the regulars that shows up irregularly. Wait, maybe that’s one the irregulars who shows up regularly. Wait, maybe it’s both! Anyway, he works at campus and was on his way to a meeting so he stopped to grab some caffeine and said “Hi.” What a gift to see him again. He’s a good man! And, now that you know who he is, say “Hi Shawn” the next time you see him.
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
Marcus Aurelius
There is a coffee shop that I have not been to in awhile because they are pricey and on the other side of town. They advertise themselves as serving quality coffee and roast their own beans. I must admit I have enjoyed their espresso roast in their Americano. But one day last week I ordered a 12 oz. mocha and was flabbergasted by the price. It was a good mocha and the latte art was good but sure not worth $7.99. It’s a bit frightening to think that someday I could be priced out of my coffee addiction. Then what? Cuz I sure ain’t going back to work! Well… I hope you enjoy your weekend!
It began as a seedling
mws
in the darkness of the soil.
And within that darkness
was found everything needed
to emerge as new life.
I noticed this plant growing among the rocks and wood chips outside the coffee shop this morning. It seemed fitting for today. Also fitting in my life as it seems after some of the darkest times there has emerged new life. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday.