My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
A barista is someone that specializes in making and serving a variety of beverages. They usually work at a coffee shop, bookstore, or in a bar that serves coffee or espresso specialty drinks. In addition, most baristas call you by name, know what your normal drink is and also dress in costumes pretending to be pirates, beautiful pirates.
I can walk into several coffeehouses and be greeted by my first name. That feels good. 🙂 I also know several of them by name. At some locations I can even have the baristas call out and say, ‘The usual, Monte?” These young people and the coffeehouse can easily become an extended family. We will almost always have some sort of conversation whether started by them or me, asking questions such as, “How was your weekend?” or “What have you planned for the day?” I find it comforting when they let me know I’m a person and not just a customer with money in his wallet.
Not much to say today but posted an image with some color in it.
“Follow your heart and your dreams will come true.”
And, heres my new mug. I christened it with some vanilla chai and found it to be quite enjoyable. No leaks!
I met Melissa and Katye for coffee today. Nothing better than sitting with two lovely blonde women. Life is good! We hadn’t seen each other for a couple weeks so there was some catching up to do. Behind the two of them was a rack full of merchandise for sale. Always eye catching. They both know I am passionate about my photography, so they also tolerate me. When I found a break I grabbed my camera and took this image of the mugs for sale. Loved the patterns and colors. I also loved the conversation time with the girls. Maybe next time I’ll post an image of them. 🙂
While making my latte this morning I grabbed one of my favorite cups and thought of my friend Beth. I smiled. Since then she has come to mind throughout the day. I remember our talks, the trip to NYC when her daughter sang at Carnegie Hall, the carriage ride through Central Park, seeing the Phantom of the Opera, sharing a bottle of wine and the time we watched the fireworks from the top of her moms house. What a gift those experiences are to me. But what really has touched me today is her simple gift of the four coffee mugs. I’ve had them for 5-6 years now. I like them and use them almost everyday. When I’m in a mindful place while making my latte, I think of her and lift up prayers or positive thoughts for her. And, of course I smile!
I am aware of how family and friends are gifts. They have been there for me and helped me when I needed them. They let me cry with them. They helped me get back on my feet when I was down. They encouraged and supported me. What a gift that is! Yet, today I am thankful for the material gifts they have given me? Those gifts make me smile.
We are moving into the season of giving and receiving gifts. I know a giving a simple gift to family and friends, such as a card, a letter, a phone call or a mug, will help them in times when we are not able to be there with them. Family and friends can touch our lives even while we are separated by 100’s of miles. What simple gifts will we receive this Christmas season? And, what gifts will we give? It can make someone smile!
Thanks, Beth, for the mugs and thanks for all the gifts you have given me! 🙂