Category: Pictures

NYC Street Photographs

The Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park
Times Square
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Something Magical…

Although Christmas is over, it seems to be an unspoken rule that many places are not taking down their decorations just yet. I understand. In fact a large amount of shops and public areas in NYC never took down their lights throughout the year. It seems that the shop owners probably left up the decorations to be taken down a while after the holidays, but then when the pandemic started, without saying a word to each other, they decided to keep the lights of Christmas alive throughout the year. Even into the summer there were trees filled with beautiful lights outside restaurants. There were all kinds of wonderful expressions of spirit and solidarity if you looked in the smallest places. Well…this is one of the most beautiful ornaments I have ever seen…and I couldn’t pass up taking a picture of this wonderful tree that is, you guessed it, outside! Enjoy, and there will be more photos coming your way often! Here’s a little love and spirit to ya!

Magical Manhattan

A journey through the outdoors…in the midst of a bustling city. Follow my blog to see images you don’t normally see.

Windbag

Ha ha! Windbag! What a great word for today! We have lots…of examples of windbags over here, without mentioning names, lol. Blowing lots of hot air; just full of it; flying high on hot air, itself. In fact, hot air is the only thing keeping it afloat, like a kite. The kite won’t work without all of the air buoying it from underneath. Without the air, the kite can’t fly, but take the air out from under its wings and the kite stays grounded…food for thought?

Calm during the Madness

Today I forced myself to get out for a brief walk in the park to give my body some much-needed exercise. The scenery did not disappoint! I’ve been writing a fair amount during my quarantining due to Covid-19 in NYC and social distancing, but today I needed a break. I hope the picture I took at my local park makes you happy!

RDP Friday: Empty

Huh. Empty.

That’s an interesting word.

If anything, I feel,

Anything but empty.

It’s weird.

I’m isolated right now,

For the most part,

As are many of us.

But empty?

Not so much.

It’s more like…

Filled with emotion.

Fear.

Courage.

Strength of personal bonds.

Support from loved ones.

Terror of the unknown.

Thoughts of unease.

Thoughts of love.

My heart is abuzz.

My brain is on fire.

But empty,

As you’d rightfully assume,

That I’d feel,

I don’t.

Maybe it’s because,

There are so many helpers out there.

Here’s to the helpers.

Here’s to the heroes.

Sacrificing their lives,

In order to save ours.

RDP Wednesday: Hold My Hand

Within seconds of reading today’s prompt, the very first thing that popped into my mind was my mother. The one helping me through all of this. She is a pillar of strength, and I can only hope to be as strong as her someday. Hopefully that day is soon. I’m very blessed to have such a good example in my life. I feel for those who don’t, as it is a very tough lesson to learn on your own. Here’s to the hand holders, the confidantes, the strength-givers, and the positivity offerers. Here’s to the helpers. Here’s to the examples. Here’s to the people working every day to fight this thing and conquer it; and conquer it we will. Here’s to the advocates. Here’s to the non-profit organizations offering any and all assistance. Here’s to the heroes. Here’s to the nurses, doctors, emt’s, hospital workers, police officers, grocery workers, drug store employees, and ALL of the helpers. I am so grateful for you. Living in NYC during this trying time is not easy, and I see the essential workers headed in day in and day out, putting themselves on the front lines while we have the blessing of staying safe at home. I truly hope that the world remembers and celebrates these heroes, courageously fighting the one thing that is terrifying so many, long after this pandemic. May we remember just how much they have done for us. May we fight for their benefits and their health. May we unite to be of service to each other. May we repay them with kindness and fabulous paychecks. Also, here’s to the teachers, who are currently adjusting to an entirely new way of teaching. Here’s to the educators who are working to provide assistance to the families with children at home by any means necessary. Finally, here’s to the world. May she heal during this time. May we learn to treat mother nature far better than we have for a long time. Also, here’s to you, dear ragtag community members and readers. We can do this.

RDP: Flounder

Flounder. That’s an interesting word. I’d like to say that I’ve pulled up my bootstraps and fought my way through this with a smile on my face. Honestly, floundering is something that is hard not to do. At this moment it seems like the Big Apple is unrecognizable. I look out my window and it looks like a New York City I don’t know. It’s…devoid of people and energy. It’s…not NYC. I can only hope that everyone is at home re-configuring their lives and succeeding in the best way possible. Truthfully, this is the first time that I’ve gotten myself to the page. It’s a whirl of craziness even though everything is so still. Thousands and thousands of New Yorkers have all of the sudden become unemployed and the city is doing it’s best to accomodate all of that. It has put a massive strain on the infrastructure of the city, and we are all struggling to get through. We have quickly become the location with the highest amount of cases in the US and times are very uncertain. The interesting thing is, we will not be defeated. NY’ers…are tough, diligent, strong, and courageous. It’s been incredible, the way that the community has shown love during this time. I’m proud of my co-workers and proud of my city. NYC strong. We can do this. It may be dark now…but it will be light in time.

Photo credit: Alexis Azabache. Follow Alexis on twitter: @alexazabache1

Calm

Breathe in,

Breathe out.

Breathe in,

Breathe out.

As life grows more tense,

Here in NYC,

As the city feels,

Like the world is crashing down around us,

I find myself going deep within.

It is a constant reminder,

To breathe in,

Breathe out.

I tell myself,

We will get through this.

This, too, shall pass.

Breathe in,

Breathe out.

I try to calm the worries.

I try to slow the world around me,

By centering myself when need be.

We are in this as a planet.

We are in this together.

I close my eyes,

And I imagine,

Breathing in,

And breathing out.

Lots of love to my fellow…well…everyone out there. Times are going to be very hard, but we will prevail. We must. I’d love to say I’m some sort of zen master, but that’s just not true…Ironically, as I was writing this poem, I was constantly envisioning Star Trek’s Vulcans and their serene nature. I know that’s off topic, but I hope it gives you all a chuckle during these pressure-filled times. Have a great night!

P.S. Somehow I’m on a night sky beach phase. Maybe it’s my body telling me that I need to listen to that when all of this is over and travel is safer. Hmmm…