When we live in silence and solitude of the land, cities seem startling.
John O’Donohue
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A couple of questions to ponder…
“I’m a child of God, and being a child of God, I’m essential, and no one has the right to limit, or the power to limit, my ability to be somebody.”
Ruby Sales“What would our world look like if everyone believed and were given the ability to be somebody?” Please spend a bit of time with that question. Which then leads to the next question, “Does our inability to believe we are essential lead us to think of others as inessential and treat them as less than?” I find it important to ask myself those questions and then how do I live the answers to those questions? Sorry but I actually asked three questions.
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The Confused Look
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Telling Secrets
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The Business Place
The Business Place So who would walk into a bathroom in New York City with his camera and take a photo of the urinal? Ya get three guess. While you are thinking of the answer I would like to share a sign I read once in a men’s bathroom. It said, “We aim to keep this bathroom clean, your aim will help.” Have an awesome day!
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Looking Up
New York City As of August 2008, New York City has 5,538 highrise buildings, with 50 completed skyscrapers taller than 656 feet (200 m). This is more than any other city in United States, and second in the world behind Hong Kong. This image of the GE building taken from 5th avenue last November when Kirsten and I had a long overnight. The GE Building is an Art Deco skyscraper that forms the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. The 70-story building is the 9th tallest building in New York City and the 32nd tallest in the United States. One thing about Midtown Manhattan is the lack of horizons. You will find yourself almost always looking up.
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Streets of NYC
New York City Street Life I can’t let Paul have all the fun with black and white street shots. So here is one from New York City a few weeks ago. Of course this one was not taken with an M6.
I don’t remember where I found her but she had her own little place on the street.
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Gifts from Friends
Favorite Mugs While making my latte this morning I grabbed one of my favorite cups and thought of my friend Beth. I smiled. Since then she has come to mind throughout the day. I remember our talks, the trip to NYC when her daughter sang at Carnegie Hall, the carriage ride through Central Park, seeing the Phantom of the Opera, sharing a bottle of wine and the time we watched the fireworks from the top of her moms house. What a gift those experiences are to me. But what really has touched me today is her simple gift of the four coffee mugs. I’ve had them for 5-6 years now. I like them and use them almost everyday. When I’m in a mindful place while making my latte, I think of her and lift up prayers or positive thoughts for her. And, of course I smile!
I am aware of how family and friends are gifts. They have been there for me and helped me when I needed them. They let me cry with them. They helped me get back on my feet when I was down. They encouraged and supported me. What a gift that is! Yet, today I am thankful for the material gifts they have given me? Those gifts make me smile.
We are moving into the season of giving and receiving gifts. I know a giving a simple gift to family and friends, such as a card, a letter, a phone call or a mug, will help them in times when we are not able to be there with them. Family and friends can touch our lives even while we are separated by 100’s of miles. What simple gifts will we receive this Christmas season? And, what gifts will we give? It can make someone smile!
Thanks, Beth, for the mugs and thanks for all the gifts you have given me!