• coffee life,  coffee shops,  lifestyles,  quotes

    No Suffering

    February 27, 2022

    The resistance to the unpleasant situation is the root of sufferings.

    Ram Dass

    Here’s Alyssa’s latte art. Not bad at all and tasted delicious. I have switched to ordering their smaller latte, going from a 12 oz. cup to a 6.5 oz. cup. Same amount of espresso so it provides more coffee flavor and reduces the amount of chocolate and milk. I find it a more pleasant coffee experience, so no suffering as I enjoy Alyssa’s latte art. Expecting a warm trend but still 13 degrees this morning. Have a great Sunday!

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  • Anne Lamott,  coffee life,  coffee shops,  quotes

    Believing in Love

    January 25, 2022

    “Hope is not about proving anything. It’s about choosing to believe this one thing, that love is bigger than any grim, bleak shit anyone can throw at us.”

    Anne Lamott

    I began writing this post yesterday after returning from the coffee shop where I enjoyed the above mocha latte. Felt the need to write with this keyboard and not just in my journal or bring what I journal to these pages more. Anyway…

    After quiet time I drove to Pineridge Natural Area to enjoy the predawn colors. I never took my camera out of the bag but sat in the silence taking in as much as I could. Guess you could call it recharging. The eastern sky was cloudless with the exception of one fluffy patch to the north. They predicted snow to begin overnight and continue into today. They were right on as it is snowing now.

    I’ve read a couple of Anne Lamott’s books and find her able to express in words some of the bleak shit of my life experiences better than I can. But, I also find that true with other authors I quote on this blog. Not everyone will relate to their words or mine and I’m beginning to feel comfortable with that. Hoping you can bare with me as I continue to put my words and images out into the cyber world. And hopefully you may notice some improvement in both my writing and photography. After all, my barista did not make latte art like this on her first attempt.

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

    Little Bird Bakeshop

    December 4, 2021

    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!

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

    Tasted Perfect

    July 25, 2021

    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!

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  • Black and White,  Candid Portraits,  coffee life,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  haiku,  lifestyles,  writing/reading

    Grin of Success

    March 30, 2021

    the barista’s craft
    carefully pouring steamed milk
    grin of success

    ms

    I have wondered at times where coffee baristas go after making my life a bit more enjoyable? Seems there is always a turnover as many work at these jobs for some short period of time. I find many are college students studying to be a writer, artist, school teacher, archaeologist, forester and more. For many it’s usually not a fulltime job but provides spending money and can be a lot of fun for them. This young lady was not only my barista but also a budding photographer. I took this five years ago and hope she is still grinning and successful.

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  • coffee shops,  lifestyles

    Getting Better At It

    August 18, 2020

    Mocha latte from the Bean Cycle

    Last week I visited the Bean Cycle in Old Town. As I’ve mentioned before I don’t go down there much due to the pandemic and my budget can’t afford a mocha latte everyday. But, sometimes you just have to venture out. In the background is Penny, one of the owners and who made my drink. I like to go upstairs where I can find a bit more quiet and a soft cozy chair. She filled it to the brim with her latte art which makes it difficult to carry up stairs without spilling but I’m getting better at it.

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