Coffee Break – Ahhhh….

“Coffee is a language in itself.”    
Jackie Chan

Today was so lovely.  It was sunny, with a very brisk, chilly wind, and the perfect day for a white chocolate, raspberry café mocha.   Yes, I know.  It’s only about a million calories but, once in a while?  Hey, a gal has to enjoy some pampering now and then.

I was just walking by The Coffee Place after running errands and the temptation was just too great!  I caved in and walked in to see this –   an invitation to a little piece of heaven!

Where It Began

Normally, this place is packed, but it was 4 p.m. and most people are thinking about dinner, not coffee.  But not me –

Usually Packed

While I waited for my delicious decadence in a cup, I started taking pictures like crazy.  I’ve made it a habit now never to leave home without a camera (and, no, I don’t have a fancy cell phone camera.)

Ah, So Many Choices

It’s very cozy…

Home-y Décor

Warm Touches

Something old…

Something Old

But none of this, thanks!

Yummy!

I was so happy when my steaming cup of goodness was in hand that I literally forgot to take a picture of it.

So, close your eyes and imagine a steaming cup of delicious coffee with raspberry and chocolate and NO calories – just for today!   Now, enjoy…

 

Weekly Photo Challenge-Reflection

Weekly Photo Challenge – Reflections of City Life

It was a beautiful twilight in Denver.

Lights above.  Lights below.  Reflections of light and  life on the pavement everywhere – from the trees to the lanterns to the people walking by.

All a tapestry of life in a big city full of “reflections.”

(Click on the picture to enlarge it and enjoy the subtleties of the reflections.)

 

Reflections of City Life

 

Shadows by Design

“The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.”
Michelangelo

There are no shadows without light.

Shadows are not to be feared, only looked at for what they are – light creating the art of life.

Light and Shadows

Summer Night Lights

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
~John Steinbeck

Remember those gorgeous summer nights when the birds sang the sun to bed and the stars shone like diamonds in the sky?

I think many people will agree that this year the cold of winter has created a great longing for the “sweetness” of  summer!

Just the memories of summer nights has me already planning and creating fun things for entertaining and enjoying the camaraderie of family and friends.

For example, look at these lovely night lights I’ve created.   They can be used on the patio and placed SAFELY throughout the yard because there is no candle flame to worry about.

I’ve just recycled containers from some old floral arrangements.  I’ve added LED battery-operated Tap Lights to the bottom and covered  the lights with clear rocks I bought at Michael’s in the floral department.

In Progress

Scatter some colorful fake flowers around the arrangement on your table and you have light and beauty and no worries about candles or open flame.   It creates a lovely ambiance – even for an indoor dinner table.

Voila!   Bring on the warm evenings, a glass of wine, and great company!

It sounds kind of romantic, doesn’t it?

Summer Night Lights

Dreaming Big

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.  I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow them.”
Louisa May Alcott

I’m dreaming big and aiming high…and seeing things from a different viewpoint.

Hopefully, there will be great things to share here on my blog soon.

Looking Up

Squirrel-y Friend

“Lots of people talk to animals…. Not very many listen, though…. That’s the problem.”
Benjamin Hoff,   The Tao of Pooh

I’ve always talked to animals and I’m pretty sure they talk back.  In fact, some of the most intelligent conversations I’ve had some days have been with my four-legged friends.

The other day while taking a walk, I was joined by this little fella.

Little Walking Companion

He walked right beside me most of the way for about a mile.  Sometimes he scampered to his hidden stash for some nourishment.

Up a Tree

When he finally found a peanut, I stood only a few feet away and I swear he offered me a bite of his lunch.

Want Some Lunch?

And then we just talked a bit….or rather I talked while he ate.

I’m Listening!

My friends are all precious and fun – and, yes, some of them are even a bit squirrel-y.   🙂

Salt, Pepper and Love

“It is a fine seasoning for joy to think of those we love.”
Moliere

Since I began posting on this blog for the first time New Year’s Eve 2013, my intention then was to achieve a new perspective on life, one based on appreciation of the little things, the overlooked things, the things I take for granted.

Now, with the help of my camera, I see shadows as beautiful, upside-down viewpoints as intriguing, and exquisite beauty in simplicity – as in these salt and pepper shakers.

Once filled with delicious honey, they have been put to yet more service providing the finishing touches to many a delicious meal.

This photo of these recycled honey jars is now part of a beautiful memory of a meal shared in the home of family.

Salt and pepper season our meals.  Love seasons our lives.

Salt and Pepper Love

Bible Park

“We believed in our idea – a family  park where parents and children could have fun- together.”
Walt Disney

While Walt Disney took his idea of a fun day at the park to the ultimate level, I believe children, and adults, just need a place to get away and relax.  Then the fun takes care of itself.

There’s a lovely park in Denver called Bible Park.  There are no rides, no castles, no Mickey Mouse.  Yet, there’s plenty of fun to be enjoyed.

Just ask these children.  They sure looked like they were having fun and so were their dads!

Dads’ Day with the Kids

And then there were the bikers sailing down the canal path.

Bikers in Bible Park

Here are some loyal softball fans eagerly awaiting the opening of softball season next month when this park will really come alive.

Eager Fans

And last, but not least, the four-legged park lovers who always have fun no matter what!

Have you turned off your cell phone and just had fun in the park lately?  I highly recommend it – once you can get there without the snow!

The Fun of the Irish

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  I’ve been crazy busy and will get around to all my blogging friends tomorrow to catch-up!

In the meantime, here’s some Irish wisdom and a collage picture I took to celebrate the day:

“May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been
the foresight to know where you’re going
and the insight to know when you’re going too far.”

Irish All the Way

And just one more  Irish prayer for all my blogging friends now and to come:

“May your blessings outnumber
The Shamrocks that grow.
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.”

Shamrocks!

Busy Birds

“My favorite weather is bird-chirping weather.”
Loire Hartwould

Yesterday was another spring-like day and the birds were singing their little hearts out.

Once again, a flicker was tapping out secret love messages to his beloved from our chimney top, while this lovely bird was checking out real estate upside down very high up in a very tall tree!  I’m afraid this limb is far too alive for a home though!

Without my Samsung 21 x zoom, this picture would have been impossible!

Truly, bird-chirping weather makes the spirits lighter and the days more melodic.

Busy Beautiful Bird