Keep alive the dream; for as long as a man has a dream in his heart, he cannot lose the significance of living.
Howard Thurman
Significance of Living
-
Coffee shop living -
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!
-
Tasted Perfect
simple recipe
ms
frothed milk and espresso
gift of latte artWith 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!
- Black and White, Candid Portraits, coffee life, coffee shops, Documentary/Street, haiku, lifestyles, writing/reading
Grin of Success
the barista’s craft
ms
carefully pouring steamed milk
grin of successI 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.
-
Getting Better At It
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.
-
The act of creating …
I am a man of solitude who enjoys and relishes the silence I find away from the crowds. Yet, I’m aware the journey through life is not to be traveled alone. There are times in life we will need to walk alone while at other times we will travel with others. Some of those travelers will be family, friends and some will be strangers. Some will share similar visions and dreams. Some will support us in times of need while at other times we will support them. My hope in this time of unrest that is we do not see one another as “other than” and erect walls. For when we’re free from the shackles of our fear of others we will not need to build walls.
“May we believe that as we create relationships with all of creation we are also in the act of creating our world.”
This is Annette’s latte art. Not too shabby!
-
Starting My Year Right
Derick pouring my first mocha latte for 2016 yesterday “Life’s gift to you is your unique vantage point. Your gift to life is expressing from it.”
Alan Cohen
The final work of art just before consumption -
Rosetta
MIchelle’s Rosetta 
Latte art is a method of preparing coffee created by pouring steamed milk into a shot of espresso and resulting in a pattern or design on the surface of the resulting latte. Latte art is particularly difficult to create consistently, due to the demanding conditions required of both the espresso shot and milk. You most likely will not see latte art at Starbucks. Their system is to get you in, collect your money and send you on your way. Small shops are more prone to take their time, make it personal and make the presentation a work of art. Thanks Michelle for showing us your Rosetta.
David Hyde mentioned in a comment on one of my posts last week that turned out to be a good lesson for me. He asked what prompted me to “make choices of what to make sharp and what to let blur.” To be honest it blew me away as I had not even noticed my focus. What i remember is when I started to take that earlier image the pitcher was not in my viewfinder. I was focused on the cup. After taking a couple of shots Krista started to steam the milk. I just never changed my focus.
A couple days ago I went back to Cuppys and asked Kate to setup this shot, placing the focus on her hands this time. I like this image better. Another lesson learned from other photographer.
