My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and asking deep questions.
sitting quietly at a table
ms
solitary, head bowed
a coffee and scone
lost in his thoughts
without speaking with him
I created my stories, was he
remembering the past
dreaming of tomorrow, praying?
yet, only he can tell his story.
as I sat alone at my table
with my journal and camera
I began to wonder what stories
about me do others create?
“To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds.”
William James
Even at my age and with the knowledge that fears are mostly bogeymen, they still creep in. Some fears seem quite easy to overcome and face while others can paralyze me. I like how James suggests that we be willing to change our belief system. Seems to be a lifelong process of willingness and I’m okay with that.
Seven years ago I attended a workshop in Denver on portraiture. This lovely woman was one of the two models we were able to work with. Technically I like the outcome of this image but her expression, that smile, glancing look, is what makes this image work for me. And, she’s beautiful! Anyway, I decided to post this image because I don’t want anyone thinking I only shoot distant horizons of sunrises and sunsets, or latte art or fountain pens and journals. 
the barista’s craft
ms
carefully pouring steamed milk
grin of success
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.
“Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again.”
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Contrivance? Now that is a big word for me. So, I had to look it up. It means: “deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously.” For the image above, the microsecond after pressing the shutter button this scene was gone, never to exist as it was in that one moment of time. I see that as a gift given for a short period of time so I must accept it at that moment.
It’s -1 degree right now. Not expecting it to be above 10 degrees until Tuesday. We also have a dusting of snow. Stay warm!
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth.”
William Faulkner
I was given this image on my walk yesterday afternoon at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. They were riding just off the trail so I squatted down and took a half dozen images as she lined up with the sun. Got my exercise in with the walk and enjoyed the sunshine. Hoping everyone had a wonderful Christmas.
long brown hair
ms
bright brown eyes
stunning young lady