My online journal sharing interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
Almost bought myself a fedora this past week. While trying on the hat I could see this young lady’s reflection in the mirror. I like her expression as she thinks I’m taking a photo of myself, not knowing I’m taking her photo. She liked the image when I showed it to her afterwards. Enjoy your weekend! And, the hat looked dang good on me!
First Friday Art Walk is a monthly self-guided walking tour that celebrates creativity, culture, and community in Downtown Fort Collins on the first Friday of each month from 6 – 9 pm. From fine to funky, First Friday Art Walk showcases a spectrum of artistic styles to entertain and engage amateurs and art aficionado of all ages, interests and backgrounds. The website says 22 venues partake in it. Some are art galleries serving snacks, drinks and musicians and some are the local bars. This past Friday I made a trip down to Old Town because my friend Don Thurn was playing. In this image he is playing Starry, Starry Night by Don McClean at the Walnut Creek.
This store is a great place to buy and sell unique jewelry, repurposed furniture, boutique clothing, vintage goods and a plethora of other knick-knacks and handcrafted gifts, representing about 80 local artists. If you can think of it I bet you could find in there. 🙂
I made myself go to the mall this past weekend. With clear skies it was an attempt to get in some shooting more so than spending money. This is an advertisement in a window at one of the stores. I thought it was interesting.
It’s good to get out, plain and simple. If we don’t get and take steps to see the world around us then we have missed out sights and experiences we need in life. Sitting in my hotel on this particular afternoon was not going to work. It was cold and cloudy, but no snow. So, I spent some time walking my camera around Church Street in Burlington, VT. And what did I find?
Well, my first stop was at a place called Outdoor Gear Exchange. The “shopper” in me likes to look around, touch all the toys, gadgets, clothes, backpacks; all the things I really don’t need. Thankfully, I walked out without buying anything so it was a good experience.
I then warmed up with a mocha at a place called Speeders and Earls Coffee. It had a good location and was one of those long narrow stores with this lime green color giving it a warm and inviting feeling. They had local artwork on the walls. There were small tables along a wall while on the opposite wall was solid mirrors. The service was wonderful as the young lady made my latte and initiated a nice conversation. I sat down at one of the tables to enjoy the flavor, rest my feet and of course to warm up. The above image is yours truly in a self portrait.
Later on, I grabbed a sandwich at a small restaurant called new moon. They describe themselves as a place to enjoy authentic espresso and creative eating. I had their grilled chicken and brie sandwich with an excellent apricot mustard. Check out the menu to see what other temptations they have. I skipped on their coffee as I had just finished one so I have no idea what theirs are like. The young man making my sandwich as a Nikon guy so of course you know where our conversation went: cameras, digital and film and what we want to do with our photography.
My final stop before going back to the hotel for some much needed rest was a store called Homeport that specializes in furniture housewares and gifts. When I first walked in the door the bright colors caused my trigger finger to start itching. Oh, and the different patterns were causing my eyes to twitch. I found myself standing there looking at the patterns and colors of this row of stacked plates, my mind trying to figure out the composition and exposure. A woman named, Betty, snapped me out of my trance and asked if she could help me. I told her I want to take a photo and was granted permission. I gave her my blog address and picked up a store business card.
I got some interesting images and met some interesting people. I’m glad I got out!
I found a surprise after buying my meager supplies of groceries. When I opened the bag this box of Queen Anne’s cherry cordials were in the bottom of the bag. And, dark chocolate to boot! Now, how did they get in there? I think its a sign that the holiday season has started. Many stores already have Christmas stuff out for a week or so. So I suggest you check your shopping cart before going to the register, the holiday candy can appear out of nowhere. 🙂
Even though some of you didn’t think I needed any therapy, I went ahead and got some: retail therapy. What the heck, they were on sale. Both shirts together for under 10 bucks and at Kohl’s.
I enjoy a slower pace when walking the streets because you just never know what you’re going to find. If that street is in a tourist area then those interesting sights will increase. This small shop had several of these watering pots along the steps leading into the store and along the sidewalk. There were frogs, cats, dogs, squirrels beckoning people to stop look and maybe walk inside. Great marketing scheme. I like this image the best as it shows the roosters and chickens standing guard at the door. I struggledwith the lighting as the front chicken had more light and is not as colorful as it really was. Hope you have a wonderful day.