My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
To continue with the coffee shop theme from yesterday’s post I thought I’d mention one other factor that entices me to coffee shops. At most of the shops I patronize there is usually some pastry, breakfast sandwich or breakfast burrito as part of their menu. Almost every morning the Starry Night Espresso Cafe has a tray of freshly made scones on the counter. The aroma from these fresh out of the oven lemon cranberry scones filled my nostrils as soon as I walked in. They place them on the counter right in front of you so when you order you have no choice but to make eye contact with them. (Yes, they do stare.) And, they’re warm enough you can watch the icing dribble down the sides! Yes, there are other factors to my coffee shop excursions besides a mocha latte. Thank you Alyssa for baking the scones and making my mocha latte this morning!
I usually arrive at coffee shops as soon as they open the doors, around 7:00 am. At this time they are normally slow which adds to my enjoyment. And at this hour of the morning I am usually the center of the baristas attention. It is much quieter, and during these times of the pandemic, much safer. There was one other person in the shop when I took this about 8:00 am. For this first hour it does feel like it’s just my coffee shop.
In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.
the barista’s craft carefully pouring steamed milk grin of success
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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.
Right now I have three options available in getting into a Class B. Option 1 would be purchasing a new Class B that would run from $150k to $200k with the options I’d like. Option 2 would be buying a used van probably costing from $60k to $100k for one I’d be happy with. Option 3 would be letting go of this dream and not buying a van which would cost me $0.
My financial history is not something to brag about. I made decent money working as an engineer but had no skills in managing that money. I spent many years spending foolishly while pursuing the pleasures of life. Therefore my retirement years are being spent with minimal cash. For the past 6 years I’ve been living on my social security checks, leaving my retirement funds for when I reach the 72 year marker or for some unforeseen emergency, which I’ve needed to do. My miniscule savings is gone. 😞
With that said, options 1 and 2 would be possible only if I sold my condo, bought the van and placed the remaining small (tiny) equity in some fund/investment or I win the lottery. Selling my condo is not the best financial move and for several reasons.
I have no idea how long I would I travel in a Class B? Since I’ve never done it before, would I like the lifestyle? I’m also over 70 so I’m unsure how long I will stay healthy. If I knew that living in a Class B was something I would do until I took that last breath then I’d go for it. It’s almost a guarantee that someday I will be needing my home back. Soselling my condo is too high a risk for me.
So, at the present moment owning a Class B is a dream that is almost daily in my mind but at the present time is unattainable. I wish I could let it go and live with what I have, which really is enough. Because the life I live now allows me to rise early and greet the dawn with my camera without the need for a van. From a financial standpoint it’s a dream that is not feasible for me unless a large sum of money fell from the sky. And, that’s why I buy a lottery ticket every so often and dream. 😃
Over the past three years I normally start my day by saying three prayers before I place my feet on the floor. Then, I make a trip to the bathroom, get dressed and head to my chair for quiet time. After at least 20 minutes of contemplative prayer and meditation I then like to read some reflection before ending with prayer. When ready I will grab my backpack, place my camera around my neck and make my way to the bus stop. My destination is one of several coffee shops, either on campus or off campus. This is my morning routine. This was yesterday’s snow moon on my walk to the bus stop.
It has quietly snowed all day. Snow began early this morning about 7:00 am. Beautiful big flakes mixed with some rain. The rooftops and grass are white as this storm brings some much needed moisture. The temperature has stayed below freezing all day but does not feel cold. Winter is wanting to give us one more snowfall before allowing spring and summer to arrive.
I discovered a new coffeehouse, The Purple Cup. It is close to home, easy walking distance, and my first mocha latte was spot on. It has big comfy lounge chairs and sofas as well as tables and chairs. I’ll have to give it one more quality check before making it a regular hangout.
