Rats in the Subway at Times Square

It's good to know they treated for rats over 8 years ago.

Liberty

I have been so blessed over the past couple of years to have visited places like these where history comes alive. I still don't consider myself a history buff or even an avid fan, but to see the icons of freedom for myself is so inspiring! I don't know why. I can't really explain it. But it's a moment of awe when I can see and touch and photograph things like this. Naturally, I have TONS of photos ... but I chose this one because of the grand scale when one realizes those little dots are people.

And I have to deeply thank my "back home" friend, Connie, for making this part of my New York adventure possible. She works for the Statue's non-profit organization and was able to get us on the boat just in the nick of time!

Ground Zero at Night

It's not often that I have the opportunity to be on top of a tour bus in the middle of the night in New York City. And quite rare to have that tour bus unmanned with a substitute guide being a native New Yorker yelling at the top of her lungs at the back of the bus! But I have to admit, it was quite the tour and those of us within listening distance would have recommended her for the job. It's a long story and I don't have time to tell it tonight ... but I saw a grouping of photos from that night that got separated from all the others.

This is a drive by view from the scene of our 911 tragedy. Years later, I am amazed to see the efforts are still continuing in this big empty space we call "Ground Zero." It makes me think of how much longer it takes to rebuild after a tragedy. It's not a matter of picking things up and going on from there. Sometimes you have to tear down the structures that can no longer support new growth. There is a massive cleanup effort that may go on for years and years. And most importantly, there is the essential groundwork for something bigger and better in the future. Round the clock, there is something to do.

Not just in buildings, but in life as well. It inspires me to patience and dedication. It gives me hope. There is light shining in the night that brings a promise of a new and better future. It renews my drive to never give up for the best is yet to come.

After 20 Years ...

I didn't go to my 20 year reunion ... neither did Connie. She was one of the people I wondered about, so I decided to see if I could find her. And I did ... in New York! She and her daughter, the fabulous Miss O, welcomed us for a visit. They have decorated their place with inspiring artwork they have created and it made me want to go home and break out the paint with my little M. What a treat to catch up a bit after 20 years! Yes, 20 years. I've been one who is terrible about keeping in touch with people. But it sure is fun rediscovering those lives that went on around me and are still moving forward.


Standing on Connie's balcony, this is what I see! Isn't this amazing? If only I had a panoramic lens that could capture the whole breadth of the Manhattan skyline!