I’m a sucker for cities on a weekend morning. With nobody rushing off to work, the restless streets are hushed and vacant.
I started a new Saturday morning tradition.
I drag my ass out of bed, then get dressed in mismatched Yoga clothes. I wander over to the boulangerie right when they open, before the line goes out the door.
I grab a fresh chocolate hazelnut croissant and a latte. Their comforting smells warm me.
This morning I felt inspired to capture my awakening city.
I took the kind of photos I could never take during the day, without people thinking I’m Crazy Stalker Lady.
If any of the local businesses in my neighborhood look at their security cameras, they’ll either think I’m planning a heist or just another starry-eyed tourist.
Let them think what they want. I had to share this beautiful secret.
Sleepy bakers are preparing for the pandemonium, not yet cloaked in flour or sweating beneath their aprons. Though that will all change soon enough.
A couple shares a quiet cup of coffee together, enjoying the empty cafe before they begin their day.
The library on the corner awaits the invasion of eager minds. The chairs sit still, watching over the books as they sleep.
Cutlery echoes from the restaurant opening for brunch. The sandwich board sign is set out, directing crowds inside for hot food and cozy conversation.
The tavern is unusually silent and clean. Liquor bottles rest against one another behind the bar. The old fireplace is cool, but you can still catch a hint of wood in the air.
Slowly, darkness succumbs to morning light. A runner flies past me, more cars ease down the street, and doors swing open to welcome the day.
My city is awake.
Britt Skrabanek 
I like that the chairs look over the books. So sweet. There is something special about those early weekend mornings. The black and white photos really capture the mood.
Aww, I knew you’d love the little library. I took that one for you.
It’s funny because A) I worked weekends for many years and B) When I didn’t work, I slept in and didn’t get dressed until the afternoon. So, I have totally missed out on those lovely mornings.
Can’t go wrong with black and white! Makes everything look cooler.
I’m touched that you thought if me when you took the one of the library.
Early mornings have their own magic – when they are not forced upon you 🙂
Your photos capture the mood perfectly. Really gives off both a relaxed vibe and a sense of preparation for what’s to come later in the day. Happy Saturday! 🙂
Thanks, doll! I looked a little crazy out there snapping pix, I’m sure. The few people that saw me gave me funny looks. The things we do for our blogs!
Happy Saturday to you as well!
I love your new Saturday morning ritual, and sharing it with us using black and white photos set the perfect mood. Lovely. 🙂
Ha, after I posted this, I saw lillianccc’s comment. Looks like she and I were of similar minds.
Haha! Yes, you girls are on it. 🙂
I couldn’t resist sharing it with you guys. It’s so neat! Thanks, honey.
I can feel the earliness filled with anticipation. I had a job that started at 6:00am and I always enjoyed the look of the city resting.
I know, right?! That’s what makes it so magical. The city is quiet, but you can feel it preparing for the day somehow.
6am…wowza! I must admit when I was working the front desk at a hotel, I often had to be at work at that time but I loathed it. I was also at the end of my sullen teenage years though. 🙂
Thank you for inviting me to share the morning wake-up of your city. Especially the library where the books all call out “pick me! pick me!”
It was lovely having you, Clanmother. I love our little library on the corner. For being so small, it stays very busy.
Your neighbourhood looks delightful. Makes me wonder what mine looks like at sunrise. Certainly no boulangerie across the road…sigh. 😉
I do love our neighborhood. Mr. H did a fine job picking it out from another state…site unseen.
Maybe you should go check out yours at sunrise. Uh-oh, did I just send Gallivanta on a quest? Totem pole payback, perhaps? 🙂
Mmmmm! Perhaps. I almost made sunrise today. One never knows.
If you’re ever up and think of it, I’m sure it would be lovely to see. 🙂
🙂 I did see sunrise when I was in Australia at Christmas. It was beautiful but I didn’t have my camera with me.
I love this! The black and white photos really are the way to go. And thank goodness we have you to capture these moments for us because I’m usually one of the last to wake up in my city. xD
Yeah, the black and white filter was a no-brainer. I tried one and that was that. Haha! Believe me, I was not a morning person forever. Something changed a few years ago and I love mornings now.
Love this one Britt, full of atmosphere – I can feel that early morning city vibe along with you.
Thanks, sweetness! The atmosphere was so incredible that I couldn’t resist writing my blog post as soon as I got home…in between croissant bites, that is. 🙂
Love those pics! And I really want to visit that cafe.
Hey thanks, Mike! The cafe is amazing. If I don’t get there at the ass crack of dawn, I’ll be standing in a line for a half hour sometimes. The coffee and goodies are totally worth the wait though.
Aha! “The early bird catches the worm” 😉 It starts with an intention and I have it… lol
Love the black & white photo’s!! You inspired me. Thx hon xx
Yay, that’s awesome! Black and white photos are always neat.
Far from the city lights I read this and remember waking up at this hour in the inner city of Sydney. You brought back some precious memories. Although your city and part of town looks very up market. Stunning captures Britt and a gentle word to finish it off. I really enjoyed this thank you.
Aw, that’s too cool. I bet Sydney is breathtaking at that hour.
Haha! We do live in a nice neighborhood, hence the teeny studio we live in. 🙂
Call me crazy, but I see sets of eyes (and faces) in all of these photos. Brilliant!
My eyes and face probably…LOL! Thank ya, darling.