cheap entertainment

i just watched something rather beautiful, and almost free: i'd made coffee in my big white china cup, and set it down on the table by the window while i munched toast and jam. there was a dark vase behind the cup, and side-/back-lighting from the window.
i focussed on the toast.
some movement in my peripheral vision got my attention, and i turned my head to see steam/vapour coiling up from the coffee surface, greyed by the backlight and contrasted by the dark surface of the vase. i watched, almost mesmerised, as the vapour rose. it's too complex and dynamic to describe briefly (no poet, I), but think of endless variations on: tongues and tendrils; coils, loops, and pinnacles; sheets and swirls; static patterns that hold for a while, then sudden bursts of change and turbulence; smooth curves; undulating pulses; jagged jabs; gassy cones and helixes; constant change and variety, uncapturable and undescribable in words.
amazing complexity and variety, just heat, liquid, gas and a bit of light.
treat yourself...put a brew on and set it down in a light source.