An online journal sharing my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, spirituality and asking deep questions.
Red sky at night, sailors’ delight.
Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.
The red sky as I left my condo this morning reminds me of the above ancient rhyme often repeated by mariners. Clouds have moved in, temperatures are dropping and snow expected to start about 9:00 pm. May see 3-8 inches and probably wearing socks tonight to bed.
Generally speaking, I’m not one to advocate photographic rules, but I do think it helps to take off the lens cap.
Catherine Jo Morgan
The above image says a lot about my life/lifestyle. I use both a camera and a journal to record what I see and what I experience around me. I have carried both for many years on a daily basis. I enjoy the feel of both when they are in my hands. Both are an art form and require some skill in using them. We only get better when we practice them regularly. I thought the above quote was comical and is true for both the camera and the fountain pen. 😂
When I was younger we would always have homemade ice cream on July 4th. So, I decided it would be good to have a DQ Blizzard. Dang, they were closed. I immediately took tail spin into anxiety. In a moment of clarity I drove to Coldstones and bought the Founders Favorite. After a few minutes the anxiety receded, I got my ice cream fix, sanity returned and no one got hurt. Whew!
Heard someone say they wish we’d change this day from independence day to interdependence day. Seems we need more of that in the world. Menu today calls for jalapeño cheddar sausages and potatoe salad. Have a great day!
I went to Mugs at CSU late yesterday morning. This is probably the coffee shop I visit the most but something was different. The ambience was not the same as when I normally go. I’m sure you’re all aware that going camping in the same tent at the same location as last week is not he same if you throw in a mosquito. Don’t get me wrong Mugs is still a favorite coffee shop. So is camping. But something was different.
They say ambience is a feeling or mood associated with a particular place, person, or thing. So what are the factors that go into the feel of a coffee shop that draw me in or out? Warning: If you don’t like lists then now may be a good time to stop reading and go eat another chocolate eclair. If you’re a glutton for punishment or need to verify my insanity, then read on.
Here are some factors that are important and some that are insignificant that I came up with for me. The time of day, the day of the week, the weather outside, temperature both inside and outside, the season, the baristas, the customers, the piped music. I also notice the decor, the seating, is it crowded or spacious.
The food: do they serve pastries, sandwiches, burritos, salads, chocolate eclairs (a winner every time). This morning they were cooking up bacon. Love the smell of cooking bacon! The drink: is my mocha latte hot enough, meet my taste buds preference? Does my mug dribble? Important stuff here!
The biggest factor is me: what’s my attitude, how rested am I, where’s my emotional and spiritual condition, are my pants too tight (due to pastries)? Did I come to write or read? How well did the barista and I connect when I came in?
And, I must confess that I’ve left coffee shops because the ambience was just not what I wanted or needed. I will end with this. I know there is no perfect coffee shop. And, if there was then I wouldn’t go or it would not be perfect anymore!! See, I am insane! Happy Sunday!
I met a friend for coffee this morning and could not pass up this sign as I walked in. So I wonder are they selling loud ones, silent ones, squeaky ones and of course the smelly ones? Maybe all the above. Kinda makes you wonder what yours are worth. Great way to advertise for a Fine Art sale. Have a super day!
The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human can alter his life by altering his attitude.
William James
When I live my day with a positive attitude the day does go much better. Seems I have a better attitude when I start every day with quiet time, prayer and meditation. And, I must also add that I enjoy hanging around people who have a positive attitude rather than a negative attitude. When our attitude is selfish and self-centered then we’re not going to be a lovely person to be around. One of many reason I don’t hang around politicians.
Had to stop and take this photo because those rows are almost perfect. Shows the differences between natures idea of perfection and man’s idea of perfection. We are expecting snow today. I can already see it snowing in the higher foothills. Stay warm!
There was a lot of chatter going up there as these Canada Geese flew over me. Had to chuckle as I imagined what they are honking up about. Do you suppose they are just like we are when we get in our cars and head somewhere? Were some complaining the goose behind them was following too close? Were some wanting to fly faster or slower? Were some being backseat flyers? Were some wanting to land here or fly on farther? Were some trying to control the formation, shouting instructions to others because the formation is not what they wanted? Do I even want to know? Not really but I had fun with my imagination. Have a great week!