As one grows older, it can be easy to turn cynical. Experience shows us how the world really operates. How people often behave.
Some of it is depressing.
But should we shrug aside acts born of love when those acts might seem microscopic or hopelessly naïve?
It appears a child or children used paint or magic markers to decorate a few small stones. The stones relate simple, positive messages. The stones were placed beside a sidewalk along Governor Drive, east of Genesee Avenue.
Not many people walk down this sidewalk. Realistically, chances were few eyes would ever see these stones.
But even the tiniest stones dropped in water create ripples.
And somebody walking along the sidewalk by sheer chance happened to notice.
And love is now spreading through your eyes.
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A beautiful mural depicting Mother Teresa expresses the potency of unconditional love.
Roman Catholic nun and missionary Saint Teresa of Calcutta stands in a field of grain and flowers holding a small orphaned child. White doves raise a banner containing the words: “Saint Mother Teresa never judged people, she took more time to love them.”
Indeed, Mother Teresa and her sisters devoted themselves to loving and aiding the poorest of the poor, providing comfort for those suffering with leprosy, AIDS and other awful diseases, caring for those who lived in hopeless situations of homelessness and extreme hunger.
She loved those whom others would not love.
Would any of us do that?
This gentle but extremely powerful mural was painted in San Diego, California, in the Memorial neighborhood of Logan Heights. You can find it in an alley off 30th Street, north of Franklin Avenue.
The mural was painted recently by the artists of Arte Atolondrada. To visit their website, click here!
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It’s a special day to remember the wisdom of one who knew that love is always greater than hatred.
Over the years, I’ve taken photographs of events and works of public art inspired by America’s great civil rights leader. I thought I’d share some of these optimistic images.
It’s always a good time to be reminded of our common humanity.
To see many past photographs concerning Martin Luther King, Jr., click the following links:
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Would you like to read two very short stories about Christmas?
Both works of fiction might touch your heart.
The first short story is titled A Wise Man. It concerns how we all can become jaded over the years, and how one seemingly ordinary moment can renew our appreciation of life’s preciousness and beauty. Read it here.
The second short story is titled An Encounter With Santa Claus. It’s about the spirit of Christmas. About unselfishness, not rampant materialism. Read it here.
Today I thought I’d go through thousands of old photos and find examples of street art that include the words “Thank you” or whose central theme is gratitude.
I found almost none.
Many of the beautiful murals and painted electrical boxes I’ve photographed over the years encourage the viewer to be or do something. Be kind, be brave, be inspired, be strong, fight for a cause, love, hope, laugh, smile, be yourself…
Only a small handful of messages concern gratitude, or directly say thank you.
And these tend to be written in chalk or very simply.
Why is this?
I do know that to acknowledge indebtedness to others requires humility.
I fell a far distance – You caught me many, many Times – Awoken revived thankful to be alive – Living is a privilege Take care – See the life you’ve been given – Cherish it
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
This is not a cool sight. Not for those who want to live in a representative democracy. Free to vote for their candidate or party of choice, no matter which side. Free to live without political violence or the threat of violence.
I noticed while walking through downtown San Diego that some businesses are boarding up doors and windows anticipating the possibility of destruction and looting.
No matter the outcome of this year’s election, no matter who is disappointed or who is elated, whether power over others is increased or diminished, may a shared sense of our common humanity prevail.
This weekend I walked a little around La Mesa. I hadn’t been out that way since January of last year.
My heart was warmed to see many messages of love and optimism decorating the chain link fence surrounding property that was destroyed during the late May riot, which was fueled by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis that same month.
The community–mostly young people–produced idealistic artwork full of hope. I saw the heartfelt desire for equality, peace, understanding, and the end of racism. Love and kindness were in most of the messages.
The result of arson during a riot in La Mesa, California.
Unity in the community.
Positive messages of love and equality on a fence in La Mesa.
Paintings donated by Pink Rose Cafe with support of the La Mesa community.
Love sees no color. End racism.
Hopeful images painted by a young person.
We are all under the same sun.
All we need is love.
Strong. Hope. Heartbeat. Heartfelt.
A wise quote about improving the world from Dr. Seuss.
Step into the daylight.
Be positive.
Let us embrace all the colors.
Artwork along the fence represents the optimism of La Mesa residents.
Together friends.
La Mesa kids stand for change, unity, hope, love.
There can be miracles when you believe. Though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill.
What I’m looking for is not out there, it is in me.
Do justice. Walk humbly.
We’re in this together.
A hopeful vision.
Fight for what’s right.
Be kind.
More heartfelt sentiments along the fence.
Be you. Shine bright.
Be the change.
Love and respect for your neighbor.
We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.
Listen.
Grow through what you go through.
Love one another.
Fine artwork full of humanity.
Make the world a better place.
Love wins.
Peace and love. Love will win.
When you focus on good, the good gets better.
Shine like stars.
Wisdom from Martin Luther King, Jr. Hate cannot drive out hate–only love can.
Love not hate makes America great.
Peace. Love. Hope.
Believe there is good.
Kindness is the sunshine in which everything and everyone can grow.
Kindness matters.
All black lives matter.
The dove of peace.
Love. United we stand.
Love grows here.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Stuff the Bus campaign is being held entirely online this year!
You can help San Diego students who are in need–including those who are homeless–by providing them with school supplies. SDCCU has partnered with the San Diego County Office of Education to make your participation easy. Simply go to this GoFundMe page and make a donation!
Funds received will purchase backpacks full of school supplies like pencils, pens, binders and crayons for those kids who might otherwise go without. The backpacks will be distributed to schools all around San Diego County.
Last year, over 6,800 backpacks filled with school supplies were handed out!
The SDCCU Stuff the Bus campaign runs through July 31, 2020.
