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:
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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.
The 11th Annual Red Shoe Day is almost here! But this year it will be different. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the gathering of donations for Ronald McDonald House in San Diego will be entirely online!
Instead of plunking your spare change into a big red Ronald McDonald shoe held by a volunteer at a busy intersection, there’s going to be a virtual Red Shoe Day on June 4, 2020 that everyone can safely take part in and share online with others!
Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, according to their mission statement: provides a “home-away-from-home” for families with children being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions at local hospitals.
Put yourself in the shoes of a family with a seriously ill child and imagine how important this would be. You could spend much more time with your child as they undergo super scary medical treatment at a big, scary hospital. Read more about what Ronald McDonald House Charities does here.
And here is what you can do!
Click here and join this year’s virtual Red Shoe Day!
Recruit friends, coworkers and family members! Form a winning team!
Look at all the smiling volunteers I photographed in past years, before the coronavirus pandemic…
Click here to join Red Shoe Day and make a huge difference in people’s lives!
