• coffee life,  journal,  journaling

    Coffee Life

    “Religion isn’t about believing things. It’s ethical alchemy. It’s about behaving in a way that changes you, that gives you intimations of holiness and sacredness.”

    Karen Armstrong

    It’s cold or at least I’m cold. Have been all day. It was 20 degrees this morning when I headed for the coffee shop and I haven’t really warmed up since. However, walking into a warm coffee shop then having this work of art presented to me made it worth bearing the cold. Found a place upstairs and settled in for about an hour of journaling time before meeting Mark for breakfast. Had a pleasant surprise today as my youngest daughter had an electric throw blanket sent to me. I am enjoying it now. I wonder if the mocha latte is a form of alchemy? And, I’m assuming it’s ethical. Stay warm as it looks like much of the US is going to be cool the next few days and behave in a way that changes you!!!

  • coffee life,  fountain pens,  journal,  quotes

    … alive to everything

    For any writer who wants to keep a journal, be alive to everything, not just to what you’re feeling, but also to your pets, to flowers, to what you’re reading.

    Mary Sarton

    In all honesty I enjoy my efforts of journaling my thoughts, my feelings, as well as what I see around me. The practice helps me learn more about both. Interestingly, just taking the journal and pen out of my backpack helps me to really look at the gift of the world around me. Same thing happens when I take my camera out. So, as with photography, my attempts at putting in words how I see the world around me has helped me to see the world around me, with new perspectives. And lastly, I have a desire to be alive to everything and not just glance at the world around me, taking it for granted. Hoping you have a wonderful day!

  • coffee life,  fountain pens,  journaling,  quotes,  writing/reading

    A Grateful Heart

    “Union with God is not something that needs acquired but realized.”

    Martin Laird

    It has been overcast and cold all day. After quiet time and a bowl of cereal I took the bus and walked to Mugs for my mocha which helps me get in my steps and exercise. I was greeted with a big smile from my barista, Jess. Met with high school classmates for our monthly lunch today then met with a friend at 1:45 pm at my place. Had a wonderful phone call with Duane after that. And, maybe snow later tonight.

    I have been reading from a few new authors, and enjoying them, as well as rereading some books. I’ve found it true that we never read the same book twice. And, now that the colder weather is here I will probably be reading more. I have a couple more books coming from new authors which I really am excited to read.

    As I look at this image I realize that it depicts how I’m living my life now. It includes my coffee life, my journaling, my reading and in the background, my camera. The coffee life provides a social outlet for me, time with friends and making new friends. It is not just about the mocha latte, although that’s an important part of it. Journaling is my way of documenting what is unfolding in my day, to continue to ask deep questions, and enjoy the pleasure of writing with fountain pens. It is also a letter to myself and the union with the Divine within me, what Meister Eckhart calls the Ground of my Being. And, I see books as seeds of discovery that hopefully take root and bring transformation within me so that I can become all that I was created to be. The hidden part of my life that is not seen in this image is my camera. It is through photography that I have come to see the world with the photographer’s eye, while accepting all the gifts of living this life. And, finally the essence of this image depicts some of the tools I use on this Spiritual Path I’m walking. Yes, I have a grateful heart this evening. Stay warm!

  • coffee life,  quotes

    To Live a Life

    When your life awakens and you begin to sense the destiny that brought you here, you endeavour to live a life that is generous and worthy of the blessing and invitation that is always calling you.

    John O’Donohue

    This image was taken last week at the Lory Student Center. I go there because it is quiet and I find it is a place for solitude, before students arrive. It is windy this morning, bad hair day for sure. Now it bugs coffee shop on the world. Emma is my barista. She is playing some soft easy Christmas music because she is in the Christmas spirit. I found out that two friends died in their sleep this past Friday night. One younger, one older. They both endeavored to live a generous and worthy life. Today will be a day of processing. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

  • coffee life,  journal,  journaling,  quotes

    The Gift-Experience

    The gifts of journaling and a mocha

    The experience of spirituality involves recognizing new and different realities, especially the qualities of the gift-experience, appreciating not only the gift itself but also the sheer freedom and generosity contained in a genuine gift. We need to give ourselves gifts.

  • coffee life,  journal

    Special touch

    Latte Art

    I enjoy the special touch the Bean Cycle offers with my mocha. After adding the mocha and espresso in the cup they begin pouring the steamed milk. When the cup is about a quarter full with steamed milk, they stop and sprinkle a dash of chocolate powder on top of the already poured milk. Next they fill the rest of the cup with more foamed milk adding those two or three hearts, showing their craft. To me the chocolate powder adds a tough to the looks and I love how the powder mixed with the foam sticks to my mustache. ❤️ So, sometimes I start my morning with this gift. Seems to make the day run smoother. I hope I was able to fully espresso how they make this special touch.

  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  fountain pens,  journal,  latte art

    Flat Tire

    I’m now sitting in a coffee shop across from the tire store. I had to change a flat tire this morning on my way to the natural area. So, I drove over here to get it fixed. Surprisingly this is the first flat on this car in the 11 years I’ve had it. No one to blame I tried to make a u-turn and ran up on the curb. Put a good sized hole in the tire and hope I did not destroy the rim. The mocha latte is good and I didn’t get my pants dirty. Not how I wanted to start this day but I’m adjusting. I needed to have new tires put on before winter and so now is probably the time to do it.

    Hope you have a wonderful day!