Commingled Caffeinated Beauty

The summer is here. Let the iced coffee begin!

Today while pouring the organic half-and-half atop of my homemade treat, I noticed how wonderfully the white of the cream danced with the ice and the deep dark deliciousness of the coffee. I snapped a quick picture and thought, "Now that's the real spirit of finding beauty in the everyday."

And so it is; so here it is!

Wet and Wonderful

I believe that the phrase "Water is life" is an accurate and safe statement. As the nourishing womb of life on earth, it is vital and essential beyond virtually all else.

It is also beautiful and that beauty had attracted us to it in myriad forms. Whether a pool, lake or ocean... a waterfall, stream or river... you describe the form and inevitably, it attracts human attention and a desire to be nearby. It is no wonder that waterfront property is inevitably among the most desired and valuable land in the world.

On a spectacular sunny afternoon, it took a few moments to become consciously aware of the wordless comfort of sitting in a plaza of a Long Island outdoor shopping mall, drawn there by the peace and good vibes of a fountain of dancing water. It attracted young and old alike, relaxing and smiling as it worked its magic; Beauty on display in one of its purest forms.

Contrast Exemplified

 

This moment couldn't have made itself more plain in demonstrating the beauty of contrast. There are few places more frenetic than midtown Manhattan.West 40th street near the Port Authority bus depot and the main office building for the New York Times might be the epicenter of that energy.

And then there's this simple fruit stand, directly in front of the entrance of the Times. And people stop to check out the fruit and haggle. It's a beautiful thing.

It's Where You Find It

This is a new inspiration that occurred to me today as I was driving into New York City by way of the "scenic" New Jersey Turnpike. Although physically inside my car, my mind was wandering 4,500 miles away in the tropical paradise of Maui. Having just returned from vacationing there earlier this week, the beauty of the island both haunts and overwhelms me when I think about it. It is a smile that is available to me at a moment's notice.

But then another idea, an old phrase, announced itself; Beauty is where you find it.

Considering that life is always in the "now," then beauty must always be present in that space. It is simply a matter of becoming attuned to its constant presence. How often do we find ourselves living life in a more or less unconscious state? How much beauty are we... am I missing by not being more aware?

There is beauty in everyday life and I declare myself open and available to witnessing it. This blog is dedicated to the simple beautiful things that surround me and call for my attention. The fun part is that the more that I notice them, many more will make themselves known to me. I appreciate that idea in a way that delights me to my core.

Today was as good a place to start as any; lower Manhattan.

I needed to go there for work to observe and lend sales and training assistance to a project that advertises, demonstrates and sells on the street from an electric vehicle. The concept is pretty cool as we play with TV, internet, tablets and smartphones in an unlikely setting, a very busy street near a large residential complex.

I watched a man wearing headphones walk towards us with his dog and then tie the leash to a nearby tree so he could run into a store to pick up some fast food. This street is bustling with people and this dog was as cool and beautiful as a dog could be, waiting for the return of his person. I admired him and thought how really beautiful this pooch was. The inspiration hit and I snapped this picture as the owner, still wearing the headphones and now carrying his food, returned to continue on with his canine. Notice that the leash is completely off and the dog is just hanging loose, cool with it all:

Simple and beautiful, right before my eyes - a great dog in a great moment in one of the busiest cities on the planet. I appreciate him and the moment and I share it with you.