New York Public Library

Someone asked us before we left for New York City, what did we plan to do. One of the main things we wanted to see was the Public Library. This person could not understand why a library. Besides there being a copy of the Gutenberg Bible, the library is also a museum of printed works. Plus the building was fabulous. During my early career, I was a drafting designer, before we had computers to do that for us. We drew with pencils while standing up to a huge drawing board. How technology has changed but the beauty of the buildings in NYC from the 1800s is still something to see. So, if you never get a chance to see this library, I hope you enjoy this long post of things that I marveled at in a building of books. I took over 50 pictures in this one building but I promise I won’t post them all.

The Library has been guarded on either side by massive lion statues, named Patience and Fortitude since the library dedication on May 23, 1911.

On either side of the entrance are fountains. It is February so they are not running but still beautiful.

Once we got inside I was amazed at the ceilings of marble, mosaics, and inlayed wood.

And the marble columns with their beautiful patterns were striking, but then again I am a design nerd.

Now for some printed inspiration. Having a quasi interesting in writing myself, these ancient works give you quiet pause.

I tried to figure out where in the bible this was but couldn’t. But regardless, the very first printing of a book as we know it today, in 1455, was a Bible.

There is a book of Shakespeare’s works and a score of Mozart’s Music.

Then coming to a more modern era and closer to home, there are copies of the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and letters of Washington’s Farewell address, and the book showing the beauty of birds by John Audubon.

And on a softer whimsical note, there is a constant audio playing of the reading of Winnie the Pooh.

Winnie is a good place to stop and remind us of the power and beauty of kindness that should always be displayed to man and beast alike. Where in the world would we be without kindness. May we never find out.

A few other pictures taken are below.

Grand Central Station

I think it is fitting that I start my ‘tour’ of New York City for you with Grand Central Station, a huge hub of transportation for the entire area. My pictures do not really do it justice so, for more amazing views with a real camera and wide-angle lens, go to the web to get the panoramic shots. But this will give you a taste.

The original train station was designed by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1871. There were several reconstruction projects after that due to rapid growth and in 1897 it reached its capacity again serving 11.5 million passengers a year. In 1913 it was redesigned by Stem & Warren and Warren & Westmore to its current view. Today a train stops every 58 seconds with 1,200 people getting on or off and there are over 100 tracks. Then of course you have the subway lines and the bus lines. It’s a very busy place.

But this is not just a transportation station, while we did not go there, there is a dining area that goes from fast food to elegant food. My favorite part was of course the architecture and the famous ceiling with the zodiac star path on an aqua-blue background.

The architecture outside of the world’s largest Tiffany Clock is a true wonder to see.

Below are some of the other shots I took that you may enjoy. Make sure if you visit New York that you visit Grand Central Station.

It is encouraging, and sad at the same time, that we have to have military guys with the big guns to assure everyone is safe…or behaves.

All through the magnificent buildings in New York that were built in the 1800s, their architecture designs are amazing and made with granite and marble. All through this journey of my trip, I will share the intricate designs that the new architecture does not have. The have a different type of beauty that is wonderful to see, just different.

I will say this, as I have lived in a major city and understand how the people can sometimes be. The people in New York, the resident that we encountered, were amazingly kind and considerate. So, it shows that it doesn’t matter how big or small you town may be, you can always be kind.

Go There at Least Once

Two years ago my daughter finally started listening to me, a rarity right, after 40-plus years of me bending her ear. She was living to work instead of living life. So now, she has grabbed me it tow as her travel buddy.

She started planning trips of places she wanted to see and the top of her list was San Francisco, not because it is a cool place to visit, because it is, but because of The Rock. Not really the prison itself but the history around it, as she is a huge history buff. So the traveling bug has hit and off we go.

If you have never been to San Francisco, you should go at least one time. My favorite part was Pier 39 with the shops, a merry-go-round, and the of course the famous seals.

In November, we headed to Las Vegas to see a show and to shop. Yeah, for me that is a city of one-and-done. I am not a gambler so once you see the sights, its done, but I did love the sphere, although we could not get very close. This was the view from our room. It is not just a picture but a video that constantly changed. My favorite while there was an ocean scene with whales. It was amazing. This picture is from the map of the earth.

Between San Francisco and Las Vegas, I took a side trip to go see my youngest child and his family down in Nashville, Tennessee. If you get down that way I highly recommend the Nashville Zoo. Not the zoo itself, which was fun, but you need to visit Dinosaur Land. They have over 25 life-sized dinosaur robots in their supposed vegetation. So, along beautiful paths of actual vegetation are these different dinosaurs peeking out at you and growling – and again they are life-size…

In Early December we went to Michigan to a place where people like me who love Christmas must go at least once, Frankenmuth. And during the Christmas season, it is thrown up with Christmas. The shops, the horse drawn carriages, and the Silent Night Chapel are all a must-see.

Last week my daughter and I finally got to see New York City. For a small-town girl, it was amazing. I was also amazed at the kindness of the people. Because I knew we would be walking a bunch, I took my cane to help stabilize me in crowds. (Still not willing yet to have knee replacement surgery.) Several times people went out of their way to make sure I could get where I was going. It is nice to know that kindness IS even in the big city. Some think New Yorkers can be mean, but we did not see that. What we did see I will share here once I get through the 280 pictures I took. New York City is definitely a place you should visit at least once but we are already planning on a second trip – a trip just to see the amazing churches built from the 1800s and on. For now, I leave you with a teaser, New York from the air at Sunset.

I close with a reminder that it matters not where you are, you can always be kind. It helps all of us smile.

Always Be Kind

Not the Solution I wanted

I have been looking for solutions to the huge problem of sparrow invasion. We know they are tiny take over birds but I thought with the right food, I could eliminate some of the problem.

They can clean out this feeder in a day. But as I watched today I saw what I think the real problem is…which is why I quit using sunflower seeds in the first place.

He is jumping from the fence to the platform feeder and then jumping onto the pole with the peanuts that are supposed to be for the woodpeckers. I have a slinky on the pole down at the bottom so they can’t climb the pole but jumping is different.

Dang yard Rats!! They are incredibly intelligent and resourceful. I need to rearrange the feeders this spring. I really need to get rid of the platform feeder but that one has sentimental value with it. So I will have to think outside the box on that one.

I will definitely go back to safflower seeds. That at least will keep the squirrels at bay. The things you do to enjoy watching the birds. Stay tuned for more spring pics as the weather warms and we get to play outside more. It’s coming…

Remember as the the temps begin to warm, let your heart warm as well and be kind.

A New Day

As we start this new day and this new week, lets us enjoy the beauty of it. Not only in what we see but with all of our senses. Below is another snippet from Smiles from Heaven, hope you enjoy.

A New Day

The early dawn broke quietly across the meadow. Dew was heavily laden bending the leaves downward toward the ground. As the sun crested the horizon, the flower faces turned towards it. They soaked in its warmth causing the dew to slip from the leaves. When it splashed to the ground, the sound awakened the sleeping chipmunks to another day of fun adventure. The first one poked his head out to see the beauty of a bright blue sky with the sun skipping through the branches creating patterns of shadow on the ground.

By the time the second chipmunk came to the surface, the birds were starting their symphony of song awakening anything else that was not yet awake.

They all knew that each new day was a gift from God allowing all of creation a brand-new start, a new chance to share kindness, a new hope that all is well. And a reminder that God’s love is always there.

May you have a beautiful new day surrounded with gentleness, love, and kindness. Share your kindness to make it even more beautiful.

Always Be Kind…to all kinds.

Lost & Found

February 6, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something lost now found. Is it an object or person who is lost? How are they lost? What happens when what was lost is found? Go where the prompt leads!

I have seen some fun stories because of the prompts from Carrot Ranch and thought I would come play. I just happen to have a short story about lost and found so I just cut it down to fit. Hope you enjoy it.

Lost & Found

David turned to Laura. “I’ve read stories where people are visited by dead relatives.”

“Where are you going with this?” Laura asked.

“This was the walking stick that Mr. Cedric was using with Jenny. It looks like Dad’s. His stick is missing. He has been dead four years.”

“Seriously? His name was Jonathan.”

“Jonathan Cedric.”

“Jenny, do these pictures look like Mr. Cedric that you saw today?’

“Maybe. He is not that old. Maybe he is kin to us or something?

David looked at Laura. “Maybe, I am just thankful he found you and led you back to us.”

I close with my reminder of sharing kindness. You may never know if your kindness will be a light to help someone find their way home.

SOCS, Feb 10, 2024

Linda Hill challenges us again to have fun and be creative with Stream of Consciousness.

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “heavy/light/dark.” Use “light” and/or its opposites. Bonus points if you use all three. Enjoy!

Another Day Done

I watch the sky as the day begins to fade

Daily burdens have left my mind frayed

The sun slips heavy from its warm bright light

To the dark silhouettes of another cold night

After each day, we have a reminder in the sky of the beauty of the passing day or the hope of a better tomorrow. Hoping you find peace at the end of each day and that you remember the beauty and power of kindness.

FOTD, Feb 10, & Poetry

What a great way to double dip – submitting to Cee’s FOTD and giving you another taste of my next book.

Last fall when I learned of my brother’s failing health, I went to Atlanta to visit him. While there, I took some pictures of his beautiful backyard. And yes, there were several lovely rose bushes.

We had had a small shower in the morning and the water droplets were still on the flowers. Since I won’t have photographs in my new book, Smiles from Heaven, you will get the pleasure here of a pretty picture and my attempt at poetry. I do better with stories.

Reflection

The beauty of a rose concealed within

A reflection of what has always been

It is not hopeful of what could be

But a timeless picture of what we see

A beautiful rose now concealed in joy

Is a timeless flower for us to enjoy

Below are some other pictures from my archives of roses. The dark pink with the white center one was named “Happy Star” and I thought that was appropriate.

Remember the smiles that flowers bring us and try to share a smile. Smiles are the easiest way to brighten someone’s day and a genuine way to be kind.

Writing

When I retired, I needed something to do, I don’t sit very well So I started blogging. Some of the writing challenges I participated in made me understand how much I like writing stories, so I started writing a book. I remember reading from a season writer/teacher that you should throw away the first three things you write because it takes you that long to hone your skills. Now looking back on it he was right to a degree. Keep the ideas but trash the work and start over.

After spending way too much money going through a publishing firm, I discovered indie writing. Thank you Susi Bocks. Now I can explore my writing without a huge price tag through Amazon Kindle Publishing. My goal is not to make mounds of money but to share my thoughts and encourage others. I buy my books and give them to my friends or anyone needing a little encouragement. In doing this I have found that short stories are the most fun, keeping you focus on just a few pages at a time, then on to the next idea. I have been so busy writing these little stories over the past year, that I have not been writing much here, so I thought I would share a few shorter ones with you.

Excerpts from Smiles from Heaven to be published Spring 2024.

Essence of Pearl

Alone on the bench, Joe twisted his cane missing his sweet Pearl. She has been gone nearly two years now. Across the park, he saw children playing. He smiled as he remembered how Pearl would laugh as she made up stories about each child, even when she didn’t know who they were. Sadness engulfed Joe as he remembered her joy in doing this. Then in the back of his mind, he heard Pearl fussing. Don’t you be sad, Joe. Our joy comes from the Lord that lives inside each of us. Feel the joy.

Joe could not feel that joy today. Some days he could, but not today, on their anniversary. Then he heard a gentle voice.

“Hello.”

Joe looked up at a bright-eyed little girl whose smile was as bright as her eyes.

“Hello,” said Joe smiling.

She pulled herself up and sat on the bench with Joe.

“It’s a pretty day,” she said.

“It is.”

“Today is special. Every first Saturday of the month is ice cream day. I get to sit here while my mom goes into that shop to buy ice cream. See, here comes Mom now.”

“Come on, Pearl,” called Mom. “I have your favorite.”

“I’m Pearl, by the way. It’s been nice chatting with you. Maybe I will see you next month. Gotta go, but remember to be happy.”

“I will,” said Joe. The joy he once knew was being rekindled again by a different Pearl. He knew in his heart that his sweet Pearl probably had something to do with this encounter today and he smiled.

In my new book, Smiles from Heaven, I hope to make it a series of encouraging short stories that we all need to read once in a while. They deal with family situations, individual situations, nature, and of course dogs. I will probably always write about my dogs as they have been an encouragement to me with their goofy ways and their devoted love and kindness.

One of the easiest ways to be kind is with a warm smile. Try to always be kind regardless of the turmoil inside. It reflects your inner beauty.

CFFC: Green that Smiles

Green is the perfect color for February, especially when you have been surrounded by white for several weeks. What a wonderful reminder of soon it will think about being spring…just thinking about it make me smile. First we have proof of survival of 26″ of snow.

Then because it is still in the 30s we come inside and look at the green here. A favorite is the elephant tree. I have a thing for elephants, they are so cool.

Then the healing violet, hoping it blooms this year.

Last but not least is the variegated spider plant with many babies.

I hope my green made you smile and knowing spring is coming soon…or if you are down under, you may be losing your green before long. But smile for now and remember to be kind.