• Candid Portraits,  Children,  People/Portraits

    Just Before the Crash

    End of a long day
    End of a long day

    Children are awesome! We can learn much  from them if we take the time to observe and remain teachable. But, that’s for some other post. Anyway, I came across this image while looking for another image. This little gal and her mother were enjoying some together time at a local coffeehouse. Not sure but it seems to me like her very full day is about to hit a wall, sugar and all. Her mom allowed me to take this image just before the crash. Hope you have a great day.

  • Candid Portraits,  People/Portraits,  quotes,  Thích Nhất Hạnh

    Love Her Smile

    Love Her Smile
    Love Her Smile

     “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

    Thích Nhất Hạnh

    I had the privilege to share a conversation with this young lady at one of the local coffeehouses this past week. At times I felt like I was talking with someone much older than she was. There was a confidence in her voice about who she is and no need to try and play some role to impress others. There was enough comfort in our short time together to ask for a portrait. How about that smile!

  • 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.