• Candid Portraits,  coffee shops,  People/Portraits

    Happy Halloween

    Maggie and Jack – Love their smiles

    I’ve never been too excited about Halloween and that’s true today. However, I know that there are many who feel differently and celebrate the day with enthusiasm and style. I’m making another assumption but with masks as a requirement for much of the world we probably will see more people dressed down from previous years, or not. Anyway, enjoy your Saturday and the candy corn pieces.

  • coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  Food,  lifestyles

    Was I insane?

    Nothing like a chocolate eclair to start the morning

    I felt the cold of the 18 degree December this morning as soon as I stepped out the door at 6:50 am. I questioned why I would leave my warm condo into this frigid temperature and walk to the bus stop, hoping the bus would be on time. Was I insane? No is my answer, because I knew that in a short while I would be walking into a favorite coffee shop and be greeted with a warm and inviting smile from one of the baristas. I knew I would be told “Good morning Monte. Do you want your usual?” Once I ordered and paid, I would then find a comfy place to journal, read or both and enjoy a warm mocha latte. However, on this particular morning, and because of the cold, I decided I wanted one these chocolate eclairs to go along with my mocha. No, I’m really not insane but living a simple life with things I enjoy. Yes, life is good. Stay warm wherever you are!

  • Candid Portraits,  coffee shops,  lifestyles,  People/Portraits

    What’s a barista?

    My Pirate Baristas on Halloween

    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.

  • coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  writing/reading

    Being a Regular

    Mocha latte at the Bean Cycle. I'm in the loft looking down on the coffeehouse.
    Mocha latte at the Bean Cycle. I’m in the loft looking down on the coffeehouse.

    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.