Barista, small bookshop owner, lounge singer, and photographer are all second career choices that I consider every now and again. Because it's never too late to re-imagine yourself in a new career. Right?
In fact, I like to fantasize about each of these "paths not chosen that could still be considered" in detail. To the point that I know what conversation starters I would use when I take your order for a small cappuccino with an extra shot. I have book recommendations a mile long depending on your interests. And finally, songs to be performed in my first set at the dive bar, have been selected and are practiced regularly.
With this same sense of dedication, I pretended this week to be on assignment for Midwest travel magazine, documenting the amazing beauty of Cercis canadensis.
Also known as the eastern redbud.
It is the state tree of Oklahoma. In case you were wondering, Kansas lost the arm wrestling contest when state tree's were being decided and that's how it got stuck with the cottonwood.
This tree elevates the appearance of any house or alley, merely by it's presence.
You won't notice them much on most days, but in the early Spring, they will knock your socks off.
Or, take your breath away.
Either way, you will stop in your tracks.
I did not get paid for this assignment, but it sure was fun. I hope you have something planned for your upcoming weekend that will get you out amongst the trees. Eastern redbuds or whatever variety happens to be blooming in your part of the world.
Wait a minute--the state tree of Missouri is the dogwood. Is this another rivalry between Kansas and Missouri?? Beautiful photos of redbuds. When you open your coffee shop of which you are the barista, you can hang your photographs on the walls and perhaps you could sing while brewing your coffee and serving it up.
Posted by: Janet | 04/28/2018 at 06:17 AM
Love the redbuds. We had lots of them where we lived in OK. You would be the best small book store/coffee shop owner!
Posted by: Diana | 04/28/2018 at 08:23 AM
I love them! We have a weeping redbud in front of our house. Another redbud we planted did not make it. They're much smaller here in MA. Did you know they are also called Judas trees? Supposedly, it is the tree from which Judas hanged himself after the betrayal.
Posted by: Chris | 04/28/2018 at 08:37 AM
For a multi- tasker such as yourself you could combine two would be new careers. Bookshop and coffee. I would leave my chair in Phoenix for that.
You could add living above the shop , which is my dream.
Posted by: karen | 04/28/2018 at 09:54 AM
Terrific, again, Carol! I am sure you would flourish at any of your also professions, but your photography is always amazing!I'd write a rec anytime! ;o)
Posted by: jacki long | 04/28/2018 at 11:38 AM
Redbuds are nice and they were everywhere when i lived in Indiana who made their state tree the Tulip Poplar whose wood makes horrible flooring in old houses (sorry, it was so soft the dogs nails used to scratch it all the time). Here in Maryland now we have the stately White Oak. Of course, i can't tell you where there is a white oak (except for the town of White Oak) within 50 miles of me that is "majestic" b/c they were all cut down for flooring.
Yup, me and wood floors.
Posted by: Claire | 04/30/2018 at 11:23 AM