Tiny Building, Big Flavor

Is this a thing where you live, too? Little tiny coffee establishments? There always seem to be long lines of cars around them. Here's one over by the Patty Jewett, and from what I hear it's some of the best coffee in town. I'll  have to try it someday. I'm really kind of boring when it comes to coffee, I just like a good pour-over and nothing fancy, no froth, no syrup, none of that stuff. How about you?

Hang 'em High

I met a friend for coffee at Jives in Old Colorado City today. There was much chatting, and when I finally left, it was late in the day. I stood on the sidewalk in front of Jive's, looking for something interesting to take a picture of, but nothing really caught my eye until I looked up. The sky was so blue! The lights strung back and forth across the street had a kind of geometric appeal against the organic cloud formations above.

A Nice Reminder

On a day when I had too much to do and not enough time to do it, this handwritten encouragement in the Starbucks drive-through lane was a great little pick-me-up! The googly eyes stuck to the pictures of their breakfast offerings didn't hurt, either. 💓

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The signage for Story Coffee on Bijou Street looks great in afternoon light.

Hidden Gems (Part 1)

Pat had the great idea of showcasing tiny local businesses that are either off the beaten path or hiding in plain sight. I love it! This little cafe, Kawa Coffee, can be found in the Audubon Shopping Center at Union and Van Buren, toward the back of the breezeway between the two buildings. It's definitely not visible from the street, but it looks inviting and I can't wait for a chance to check it out.

Sunday Style!

Mismatched eyeliner: red on one eye and blue on the other. Look closely to see it. This barista was creative with the superhero theme that all of them were wearing that day. I like her style!

Gratitude

The governor is talking about starting to slowly and cautiously "reopen" Colorado soon. This is good news, as long as it's done as thoughtfully and safely as possible. Just like everywhere else, all our local restaurants and bars have been closed except for those who've been able to eke by on takeout service. The businesses with drive-through service, like fast food restaurants and Starbucks, seem to have weathered the storm best. I myself have not been working but Pat has, and I've made nearly daily visits to Starbucks to pick up his favorite coffee drink for him. The location nearest our house has been steadily busy and they've been showing their appreciation for their customers by displaying words of thanks and encouragement in their drive-through.

A Bad Accident

I was on a coffee run the other day (Starbucks stores are still open, for limited drive-through hours), and happened to catch this accident at Union and Boulder right after it happened. As you can see, the black SUV is on its side. That must have been scary! I hope no one was injured. I saw on the news the other night that people have been driving faster and more recklessly lately because there are fewer cars on the road. Be careful out there, people!

Art-O-Mat!

I had coffee this morning at the Ivywild School with my good friend Lori, and I'm glad I brought a camera because I've been meaning to take a picture of this Art-O-Mat for a while now. Do you remember cigarette machines? They were once a fixture in every bar, but now they're pretty much outlawed everywhere I think. Art-O-Mat cleverly converts them into art vending machines. How awesome is that?!? For $5, you can buy an original piece of art instead of a pack of smokes. Love it! (I would have bought some art but I didn't have five bucks on me. Maybe next time.)

There are over a hundred Art-O-Mat vending machines all over the U.S., two in Canada, one in Austria, and one in Australia. Maybe there's an Art-O-Mat in your city! Visit their site HERE to find out where.

Backseat Driver

Pat and I spied this cute pup while waiting in the drive through at the west side Starbucks yesterday. What an adorable copilot!

Stone cold

Pat and I had coffee at Rico's on Sunday morning, and as we were leaving I noticed this note on a car parked in front of the building. At first I thought it was a love note (after all, it's paired with a red rose, albeit a mostly dead one), but when I got home and pulled it up on my computer monitor, I saw that it was a breakup note! Here's what it says:

"Dear CC,

This situation tears me apart for more than one reason. I have chosen to remove myself from the picture. I hope you find what you are looking for. I will cherish the memories we made together."

What in the hell?!? Who breaks up with someone like this, and so publicly? Especially with calligraphy on what looks like handmade paper? Very strange! If it's really a breakup note, this CC person is probably better off if you ask me! Perhaps the writer means Colorado College when they say "CC" -- did they have a crummy time at school? Does this car belong to a CC administrator? I'm dying of curiosity but I guess we'll never know the answer!

And now, for your viewing pleasure, the Sex and the City episode where Berger breaks up with Carrie on a Post-It note. "Read it and weep, my friends!"

Edit: On second reading, to me it almost reads like a suicide note, and I certainly hope that's not what it was! That would be unthinkable!

Edit again: I think I'm being melodramatic. When someone writes "I will cherish..." a future is inferred. Perhaps my overactive imagination needs some sleep 😵

Sunday Style!

I'm a little late in posting today. My apologies! Pat and I spent the last few days in New York City (more on that in a moment), and whenever I travel, I get sick. We got home at about 2:00AM this morning and, as you can imagine, we were quite exhausted. And sure enough, I woke up sick! I've been napping on and off since the afternoon.

Anyway! Here's a guy I saw last week downtown. I thought he looked great in his snappy suit. I also grabbed a picture of him at Starbucks (below) -- note the large faced watch. Many people don't wear watches anymore, thanks to cell phones. Personally, I love watches and have several but can't wear any of them because they break! I'm one of those weird people that causes analog watches to run backward and stop working. Alas! So whenever I see someone wearing a great looking watch I take notice.

About New York: I armed myself with a small but very capable pocket camera, and shamelessly stalked the many, many stylish people I saw all around me on the streets of Manhattan. It was great fun! I got so many pictures, I'm going to have to spread them out over the next few Sundays! I can't wait to share them, so make sure to tune in next week!

Motorcycle down

It's been very windy lately, which is typical, but last Wednesday was particularly gusty. I went to Starbucks to pick up a drink for Pat, and when I left the store, one of the two motorcycles that had been parked in front was lying on its side. Bummer! As I took this picture, I almost ended up lying on my side! Actually, a strong gust nearly blew me into another pedestrian. It was so windy!

Sunday Style!

I caught this stylish lady out lunching/brunching/coffee-ing/shopping downtown with her girlfriends earlier today. She looks great and I love her neutral grey tunic. Nice chic, comfy outfit for casual Sunday activities!

Sunday Style!

Who's the kid with the million dollar smile? His name is Mehki (proununced meh-KYE), and he took my order yesterday at Dutch Brothers Coffee. I liked his hair so much, I asked him for a picture. The great smile was an added bonus 😃

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A view from our table at Urban Steam a few days ago. I like Urban Steam. Great coffee and atmosphere. I wish I could have their building for a studio -- such wonderful light!

Sunday Style!

This is Sophie, a barista at a Starbucks near our house. I like her asymmetrical red bob, watchman's cap, and infinity scarf, but I especially dig that cat's eye swoop of black eyeliner. Chic!

Behind the times

A street scene captured on January 17th. This is Tejon Street between Pikes Peak and Colorado. I'm so behind the times -- when did Pikes Perk become The Perk Downtown? I never noticed!

Sunday Style!

Here's a snapshot I grabbed while on a coffee run downtown a couple of weeks ago. The rest of this woman's outfit was cute too, but I especially liked her leggings and boots. Way to stay warm while looking cool!

The dog walker

I was in Denver late last week to hang out with a good friend who was in town on business. Here's a shot I grabbed from a downtown Starbucks as I was about to head home. I like to sit near a window whenever I'm in coffee shop. It's excellent for people watching.