My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and asking deep questions.
There are four coffee shops, that I’m aware of, on the campus at Colorado State University. There are several off campus catering to the thousands of students pulling all-nighters. One I patronize is located in the Lory Student Center call Sweet Sinsations Cafe. Of course all you will find are students working the coffee shop and students grabbing a cup on their way to class. And it is cold this morning, 22 degrees right now.
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.
This was taken last week when I met a friend at the Linden Street Cafe in Old Town Fort Collins. We were not sitting at this table but loved the light so grabbed my journal and pen to setup this scene. Would have been a sweet place to journal.
It had been a while since I’d been here. The place is under new ownership and has had some new touches added. I liked it.
“To be aware that you are still alive, that you are walking on this beautiful planet—that is a form of enlightenment.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Took this image last week at a local coffee shop while sitting on the outdoor patio, enjoying the nice sunny weather. However, this morning has presented overcast skies and 50 degrees. But, we call that good out here in Colorado. My to do list has nothing listed and plan on keeping it that way.
“It takes great courage to see the world in its tainted glory and still love it.” Oscar Wilde
“It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity.”
Dave Berry
“The secret of health is not to mourn the past or worry about the future but to live in the present moment wisely.” Zen Proverb