• coffee life,  latte art,  quotes

    Intrigued By Mystics

    Theologians may quarrel,
    but the mystics of the world speak the same language
    and the practices they follow lead to the same goal.

    Eknath Easwaran

    It is a beautiful day here in Colorado. with blue skies and sunshine dominating. After my quiet prayer and meditation time I rode the red steed to Mugs. I loved the ride along Spring Creek Trail, cool, invigorating and offering the freshness and exercise my body needs.

    I am intrigued by mystics. I enjoy reading the mystics and who they are from the past the contemporary of today. They speak to me in a language of the heart rather than the head only. Mystics live the life of being whole, healthy and wanting peace in our world. They do not quarrel or they are not a mystic. May you have a good week!

    At the present time my domain name montestevens.com is being directed to montestevensqrnvz.com. Hopeful that will be switching over within a day or two. Again, feel free to roam around and report any issues you encounter.

  • bicycling,  coffee life,  Food,  latte art

    Bike to Work Day

    Today is Bike to Work Day in Fort Collins. They have nearly 90 morning stations and 12 afternoon stations, hosted by over 150 local businesses and organizations, who are planning to pop up all around Fort Collins. Breakfast will be available until gone or between 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and afternoon stations will be open from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. As Jeff and I sat at Mugs we got to watch and notice all the colors, shapes, and types of bicycles as well as colors, shapes, and types of bicyclists. Dogs riding in baskets, kids pedaling as fast as they can, old codgers meandering along, Tour de France wanna-bes, tandem bicycles with one rider (in the front seat), an incumbent tandem bicycle, some first time riders and old geezers who don’t ride to work anymore. I was surprised to see the variety of bikes and people. Bike mechanics were also available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

    Today was our barista, Dean’s, last day at Mugs. She is moving back to Omaha where she is from. We are sure gonna miss her, her smile, and her latte art. Thundershowers are predicted for this afternoon. Hope you have a wonderful day!!

  • coffee life,  quotes

    A Love Affair

    I’m having a love affair with my coffee life.

    mws

    I was awakened during the night by rain gushing down the rain gutter outside my window. It sounded like a river but we only received about a quarter of an inch. This morning it is still overcast, looks threatening, and more rain is possible. The high today is only expected to reach 56 degrees so about 20 degrees cooler today. Tomorrow is expected to be the same so I have makings for cream of chicken noodle soup for the crockpot in the morning. It does not feel like June which made my Old Town Mocha seem like just the right medicine I needed. Thank you Dean!!

  • coffee life,  latte art

    Rosetta

    After prayer and meditation I made a smoothie, fed my soul with inspirational reading, and then journaled. It’s pretty much how I start every day for the past several years. I was scheduled to meet a friend for coffee this morning but she’s not feeling well and had to cancel. Instead I rode the bicycle to Mugs. We have overcast skies, 50 degrees and 100% humidity. Needles to say the ride was invigorating. Dean added her latte art to an Old Town mocha making life just a bit richer for me. I’m back home and laundry is started, which was the only thing on my to-do list. Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

  • coffee life,  latte art,  quotes

    Being Alive Makes a Difference

    Whether we’re a preschooler or a young teen, a graduating college senior or a retired person, we human beings all want to know that we’re acceptable, that our being alive somehow makes a difference in the lives of others.

    Fred Rogers

    Dean was showing off her art this morning so I’m showing it here. It is overcast, cool and rain predicted later this afternoon. This is CSUs last day of graduations. Dorm parking lots are empty but parking lots at Moby Arena and Lory Student Center are full. I have one graduation party this afternoon for Adriana, one of the baristas/managers at Mugs. I want to attend because knowing her has made a difference in my life! I’m grateful for her presence!! I wish the best for her in all of life. Congratulations, Adriana!!!

  • coffee life,  latte art,  quotes

    The mystic knows…

    Lets me know I’m loved

    The mystic knows that what really matters is the inner connection of the heart in which our heart opens and cries. It is something so simple and yet so easily overlooked. Prayer is a way to be with God.

    Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

    It was 37 degrees and 82% humidity when I rode to coffee life this morning. Needless to say it was also cold coming home but so invigorating. My barista, Winter, made me a lovely heart this morning on my Old Town Mocha, and lets me know I’m loved.

  • latte art,  quotes

    Our Code Word

    Rosetta

    God is our code word for everything that is wondrous and mysterious and hidden at the heart of our deepest heartache, and most childlike delight.

    Mirabai Starr

    If I really want to stretch Mirabai’s definition I could replace “God” with “Old Town Mocha” or “coffee life” or “latte art.” I hope that assumption comes across as childlike and not childish! Either way Adriana did a great job on this rosetta.

  • coffee life,  latte art,  quotes

    The beginning of love…

    The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. If in loving them we do not love what they are, but only their potential likeness to ourselves, then we do not love them: we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them.

    Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island