Tag: happy

Help non-profits educate, unite, heal the world.

Use your words to speak in a kind way. Help others as you go throughout your day...
Use your words to speak in a kind way. Help others as you go throughout your day…

If you didn’t have a chance to visit the International Non-Profits Fair in Balboa Park today, here are some photos that might inspire you. I walked through and met many smiling people, all of whom are working unselfishly to make this world a better place.

The fair, put on by The Worldview Project, is all about people from different cultures coming together for mutual understanding, increased tolerance, education and peace. It’s about positive people working to create a better, more happy world. I just strolled through casually, talking to some exhibitors and learning a little, taking a picture here and there. Perhaps you’ll see something that makes you want to explore further. Click the photos to enlarge them, if you’d like to read a poster or bit of information!

People in San Diego's Balboa Park have gathered to learn how to make the world a better place. Many non-profits were represented at an annual fair put on by The Worldview Project.
People in San Diego’s Balboa Park have gathered to learn how to make the world a better place. Many non-profits were represented at an annual fair put on by The Worldview Project.
Some of the values highlighted at the Kids For Peace table. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Some of the values highlighted at the Kids For Peace table. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Nice ladies from the United Nations Association of the USA, San Diego Chapter, smile for a roving blogger's camera!
Nice ladies from the United Nations Association of the USA, San Diego Chapter, smile for a roving blogger’s camera!
A few musical instruments from around the world were on display at this table.
A few musical instruments from around the world were on display at this table.
The Center for World Music promotes awareness, skills and knowledge of the rich performing arts traditions of the world in San Diego area schools.
The Center for World Music promotes awareness, skills and knowledge of the rich performing arts traditions of the world in San Diego area schools.
The San Diego Asian Film Festival is coming up! It runs April 28 to May 5 at the UltraStar theater in Hazard Center.
The San Diego Asian Film Festival is coming up! It runs April 28 to May 5 at the UltraStar movie theater in Hazard Center.
These friendly folks are representing the German American Societies, who host El Cajon's authentic Oktoberfest!
These friendly folks are representing the German American Societies, who host El Cajon’s authentic Oktoberfest!
More nice people! These guys tried without success to get me to dance. Sorry! The Cabrillo International Folk Dancers meet at the Balboa Park Club.
More nice people! These guys tried without success to get me to dance. Sorry! The Cabrillo International Folk Dancers meet at the Balboa Park Club.
CRY America has a hopeful vision of the world, where all children, everywhere, have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams.
CRY America has a hopeful vision of the world, where all children, everywhere, have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams.
Survivors of Torture International. Sometimes we might forget how horrible life for some in this world can be, and the unspeakable suffering they experience.
Survivors of Torture International. Sometimes we might forget how horrible life for some in this world can be, and the unspeakable suffering they experience.
One way to help Survivors of Torture International is to enroll in a free community program when you shop at Ralph's. Please read this poster for more info.
One way to help Survivors of Torture International is to enroll in a free community program when you shop at Ralph’s. Please read this poster for more info.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County needs you! Operation Bigs seeks civilian, retired and active military adult volunteers to serve military children.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County needs you! Operation Bigs seeks civilian, retired and active military adult volunteers to serve military children.
Map of San Diego County shows hundreds of children ready to be matched with caring adults. We need more bigs!
Map of San Diego County shows hundreds of children ready to be matched with caring adults. They need more “bigs”!
Climate Kids educate youth about climate change through art, storytelling and science.
Climate Kids educates youth about climate change through art, storytelling and science.
The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties was represented at the international non-profits fair in Balboa Park.
The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties was represented at the International Non-Profits Fair in Balboa Park.
License to Freedom works to stop violence in refugee and immigrant communities in San Diego County.
License to Freedom works to stop violence in refugee and immigrant communities in San Diego County.
You are loved. Your are so strong. You are worthy. Life is beautiful!
You are loved. Your are so strong. You are worthy. Life is beautiful!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Are you a blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Taking a lesson from the Great Kindness Challenge!

A challenge for every person, both young and old. Very simply: be kind. (Click this image to enlarge!)
A challenge for every person, both young and old. It is very simply: Be kind!  (Click this image to read the poster!)

Have you heard of the Great Kindness Challenge? I hadn’t, until today.

The Great Kindness Challenge is put on by Kids For Peace, and I learned about it while I walked this morning through the International Non-Profits Fair in Balboa Park. (I’ll blog a little about this inspiring event shortly.) I was really struck by a thoughtful Kids For Peace poster challenging school students to engage in acts of kindness.

What an excellent idea! It seems this reminder to be compassionate, helpful and polite might apply to people of all ages. Sometimes we adults, during our hectic, numbing day-to-day routines, might benefit from a little lesson about the importance of having a warm heart and positive outlook!

Here are just a few of the 50 challenges. These are appropriate for both young and old…

Smile at 25 people.

Compliment 5 people.

Pick up 10 pieces of trash.

Make a new friend.

Tell a joke and make someone laugh.

Hug your friend.

Entertain someone with a happy dance.

Say “Good Morning” to 15 people.

Step up for someone in need.

Hold the door open for someone.

Learn to say “Hello” in a new language.

Create your own kind deed.

Bayou Brothers rock Seaport Village!

Visitors to Seaport Village in San Diego rock out to the Bayou Brothers!
Visitors to Seaport Village in San Diego rock out to the Bayou Brothers!

I walked quite a bit today. As I passed through Seaport Village, my ears caught some music coming from the East Plaza Gazebo.

The Bayou Brothers were rocking, and people were dancing to cool Zydeco music like crazy!  It felt like a slice of Mardi Gras!  I love it!

As I walked along San Diego's Embarcadero today, I noted a lot of energy around Seaport Village's East Plaza Gazebo.
As I walked along San Diego’s Embarcadero today, I noted a lot of energy around Seaport Village’s East Plaza Gazebo.
Look at all the happy people dancing! It's hard to keep still when an awesome Zydeco band is playing!
Look at all the happy people dancing! It’s hard to keep still when an awesome Zydeco band is playing!
The Bayou Brothers, based in El Cajon, is a well known local band. Their infectious, toe-tapping music features accordion, keyboards, guitar, bass, and even rubboard!
The Bayou Brothers, based in El Cajon, is a well known local band. Their infectious, toe-tapping music features accordion, keyboards, guitar, bass, and even a fun rubboard!
It's hard to stand still! The Bayou Brothers add wonderful vitality to a Sunday afternoon in Seaport Village!
It’s hard to stand still! The Bayou Brothers add wonderful vitality to a Sunday afternoon in Seaport Village.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 fun photos for you to enjoy!

Spring rain and flowers in Little Italy!

A wheelbarrow full of colorful flowers on a spring morning, following a light rain. Photo taken near base of the Little Italy landmark sign on India Street.
A wheelbarrow full of colorful flowers on a spring morning, following a light rain. Photo taken near base of the Little Italy landmark sign on India Street.

Early this morning I headed through Little Italy. The streets were still wet after a slight rain in the night. I was admiring all the brightly damp flowers up and down one sidewalk, when it occurred to me I should pull out my camera. So I did!

I love springtime in San Diego. Lots of walking and photos ahead!

Looking east from Kettner Boulevard in downtown San Diego's beautiful Little Italy neighborhood. Morning clouds catch the rising sun after some nighttime sprinkles.
Looking east from Kettner Boulevard in downtown San Diego’s beautiful Little Italy neighborhood. Morning clouds catch the rising sun after some nighttime sprinkles.
Little Italy streets have many public planters filled with flowers. Orange blooms in this hanging planter are still wet from the recent rain.
Little Italy streets have many public planters filled with flowers. Orange blooms in this hanging planter are still wet from the recent rain.
Many spring flowers provide a burst of color near the windows of a Little Italy restaurant.
Many spring flowers provide a burst of color near the windows of a Little Italy restaurant.
A small patch of color on India Street. A nearby sign reads Garden by Randall.
A small patch of color on India Street. A nearby sign reads Garden by Randall.
Some moisture has pooled in the leaves of this potted geranium on the sidewalk.
Some moisture has pooled in the leaves of this potted geranium on the sidewalk.
More happy flowers by the outdoor seating area of a restaurant. The clear plastic that provides protection from inclement weather is still wet with many raindrops.
More happy flowers by the outdoor seating area of a restaurant. The clear plastic that provides protection from inclement weather is still wet with many raindrops.
Bunches of hanging flowers. Gorgeous spring colors are all about Little Italy's friendly streets.
Bunches of hanging flowers. Gorgeous spring colors are all about Little Italy’s friendly streets.
Banner on a street lamp advertises the upcoming Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy. It's about a month away.
Banner on a street lamp advertises the upcoming Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy. It’s about a month away.
Some yellow blooms on a small table in the front patio of a Little Italy residence.
Some yellow blooms on a small table in the front patio of a Little Italy residence.
An eye-catching bird of paradise flower greets anyone who approaches this door!
An eye-catching bird of paradise flower greets anyone who approaches this door!
Walking with the dog up a sidewalk in Little Italy, early one spring morning after some rainfall.
Walking with the dog up a sidewalk in Little Italy, early one spring morning after some rainfall.
A peek through a window at flowers on a table inside a Little Italy breakfast spot.
A peek through a window at flowers on a table inside a Little Italy breakfast spot.
To see lots of bright flowers on San Diego's streets, perhaps swing by Little Italy during the spring!
To see lots of bright flowers on San Diego’s streets, perhaps swing by Little Italy during the spring!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Discover real magic in beautiful Balboa Park.

Bagpipe player attracts attention of visitors to San Diego's beautiful Balboa Park.
Bagpipe player attracts attention of visitors to San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park.

Real magic can be found in Balboa Park. Simply enter the place with wide eyes and an open heart.

You’ll find beauty, wonder, warmth, laughter, inspiration, and life as it should be.

All of it is magic.

A few photos…

Street musicians add magic to the park, entertaining both young and old.
Street musicians add magic to the park, entertaining both young and old.
An artist paints the California Tower from the edge of the San Diego Museum of Art's grassy May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
An artist paints the California Tower from the edge of the San Diego Museum of Art’s grassy May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
A park visitor on roller skates passes through the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court while diners at Panama 66 enjoy life.
A park visitor on roller skates passes through the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court while diners at Panama 66 enjoy life.
A pair of penny-farthing riders head through the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park on a sunny San Diego day.
A pair of penny-farthing riders head through the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park on a sunny San Diego day.
Visitor to Balboa Park reads sign describing an outdoor sculpture recently installed in the Plaza de Panama, part of the Art of the Open Air exhibit.
Visitor to Balboa Park reads sign describing an outdoor sculpture recently installed in the Plaza de Panama, part of the Art of the Open Air exhibit.
Street performers in the colorful Plaza de Panama. A child readies for a photo on the splashing fountain.
Street performers in the colorful Plaza de Panama. A child readies for a photo on the splashing fountain.
A street performer will attempt to free himself from inescapable chains at the foot of the reflecting pool.
A street performer will attempt to free himself from inescapable chains at the foot of the reflecting pool.
A large crowd watches some street entertainment. The Botanical Building rises in the background.
A large crowd watches some exciting street entertainment. The amazing Botanical Building stands in the background.
One of many characters that visitors might see during a walk through Balboa Park in San Diego.
One of many unique characters that visitors might see during a walk through Balboa Park in San Diego.
A photography class in world-famous Balboa Park. Students check out their cameras near the Museum of Man.
A photography class in world-famous Balboa Park. Students check out their cameras near the Museum of Man.
The very popular dog park at the west end of the Cabrillo Bridge on a typical, magical day.
The very popular Nate’s Point Dog Park at the west end of the Cabrillo Bridge on a typical, magical day.
People enjoy sports on the broad grassy area at the west edge of Balboa Park.
People enjoy sports on the broad grassy area at the west edge of Balboa Park.
Plucking arrows from a target of Balboa Park's 28-acre Rube Powell Archery Range. I took this photo while crossing Cabrillo Bridge.
Plucking arrows from a target in Balboa Park’s 28-acre Rube Powell Archery Range. I took this photo while crossing Cabrillo Bridge.
A couple enjoys a lovely day during a stroll through the Alcazar Garden.
A couple enjoys a lovely day during a stroll through the Alcazar Garden.
Victorian street act wows a small crowd within colonnade of the Casa del Prado.
Victorian street act wows a small crowd within colonnade of the Casa del Prado.
A glimpse down El Prado past the big fountain, from east to west, through the central part of Balboa Park.
A glimpse down El Prado past the Bea Evenson Fountain, from east to west, through the central part of Balboa Park.
Another beautiful day in one of the most wonderful places on Earth.
Another beautiful day in one of the most wonderful places on Earth.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special new blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park! It’s just getting started!

Funny Irish pub signs in San Diego.

If you're lucky enough to be Irish, then you're lucky enough.
If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.

St. Patrick’s Day is almost upon us! Here are a few warm and funny Irish pub signs that I’ve spotted while walking around downtown San Diego.

I can resist anything but temptation.
I can resist anything but temptation.
Sláinte! A toast to good luck and good health. Whatever your beverage, be sure and raise a glass in toast to St. Patrick, to the Irish and to yourself.
Sláinte! A toast to good luck and good health. Whatever your beverage, be sure and raise a glass in toast to St. Patrick, to the Irish and to yourself.
Here's to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold beer and another one!
Here’s to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold beer and another one!
Drink up! It makes other people more interesting. (I think I spotted this in front of an Irish pub. Or perhaps it was just an ordinary San Diego bar.)
Drink up! It makes other people more interesting. (I think I spotted this in front of an Irish pub. Or perhaps it was just an ordinary San Diego bar.)
Lovely day for a Guinness. Especially if you're a horse enjoying a nice leisurely ride.
Lovely day for a Guinness. Especially if you’re a horse enjoying a nice leisurely ride.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

Happiness and sadness: Short stories about life.

smiley-face-widened

My blog Short Stories by Richard has slowly grown. It now contains a collection of six stories.

These very short works of fiction attempt to dissect human life using sudden, sharp cutting edges. The revelations can be surprising.

Many endings are uplifting. Some aren’t.

Almost every time I reread one of my stories I make changes. New eyes–new dissatisfaction–new inspiration. So you might notice they’ve evolved a bit. Hopefully for the better. To read, click the links:

Light on the Restless and Small is a fast flirt with philosophy and one difficult question.

The Drawing of Leaves suggests that nothing we do is unimportant.

A Few Words and a Pelican touches upon life and death, and the need for compassion during our journey.

A Voice in the Shell reminds us that beauty is infinite and that listening is vital.

A Miracle on Sixth Avenue instantly takes the reader from hopelessness to hope.

An Unexpected Sunflower is my favorite short story so far. It proves that small things can change the world.

Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday with fun photos!

Kids love the Dr. Seuss displays all around the Old Globe plaza area.
Kids love the Dr. Seuss displays all around the Old Globe plaza area during December Nights in Balboa Park.

I’m not in the least embarrassed to say I love reading Dr. Seuss. Even as an adult, he remains one of my favorite authors. He created pure joy.

Today is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. He was born March 2, 1904. His actual name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, and he lived in beautiful La Jolla, just a short distance up the coast from where I now sit in downtown San Diego.

I’ve included some Dr. Seuss related photos on my blog over the years, so to remember the immortal children’s book author, I’ll share them once again!

Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department!
Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department, marching in the Garden Party of the Century event in Balboa Park!
Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat walks along a north window.
Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat walks along a north window of the San Diego Central Library in East Village.
the cat in the hat on san diego central library wall
The Cat in the Hat on the San Diego Central Library children’s room wall.
Front of the Old Globe Theatre features a banner of the Dr. Seuss Grinch.
Front of the Old Globe Theatre features a banner of the Dr. Seuss Grinch during December Nights.
It's Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art is outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, where popular children's book author Theodor Geisel lived.
It’s Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art was photographed outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, hometown of popular children’s book author Theodor Geisel.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more 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 on a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

Love and life on Valentine’s Day in Balboa Park.

Smiles, hearts and yummy pastries await on Valentine's Day in the House of Sweden.
Smiles, hearts and yummy pastries await on Valentine’s Day in the House of Sweden.

I often meander about Balboa Park on Sunday. Today being Valentine’s Day, I naturally had to take photographs depicting love, and love of life in Balboa Park. Here they are!

I spotted these heart-shaped treats inside the House of France at Balboa Park's International Cottages.
I spotted these heart-shaped treats inside the House of France at Balboa Park’s International Cottages.
The San Diego Bonsai Club was listening to a lecture inside a meeting room in the Casa del Prado.
The San Diego Bonsai Club was listening to a lecture about their beloved hobby inside a meeting room in the Casa del Prado.
Some bonsai plants and other related items were on display during the club meeting, as well.
Some bonsai plants and other related items were on display during the club meeting, as well.
A couple walks hand-in-hand down El Prado and into the Plaza de Panama on Valentine's Day.
A couple walks hand-in-hand down El Prado and into the Plaza de Panama on Valentine’s Day.
Young people were watching a lady artist paint a scene in Balboa Park.
Young people were watching a lady artist paint a lovely scene in Balboa Park.
A BE MINE heart banner welcomes people at the door of the Balboa Park Visitors Center.
A BE MINE heart banner welcomes people at the door of the Balboa Park Visitors Center.
An International Dance Festival was underway in the Balboa Park Club. These folks were dancing to a fiddle.
An International Dance Festival was underway in the Balboa Park Club. These folks were dancing happily to a fiddle.
Hearts were placed on the sculpture at the center of the Balboa Park Club's indoor fountain.
Hearts were placed on the sculpture at the center of the Balboa Park Club’s indoor fountain.
A couple peruses works by local artists out on display in Balboa Park.
A couple peruses colorful paintings for sale by local artists.
Close-up photo of Mother and Daughter Seated, Francisco Zuniga, 1971. Part of the San Diego Museum of Art's new outdoor exhibition Art of the Open Air.
Close-up photo of tender Mother and Daughter Seated, by Francisco Zuniga, 1971. Part of the San Diego Museum of Art’s new outdoor exhibition Art of the Open Air.
A mysterious hand reaches for some Viva Pops!
A mysterious hand reaches for some Viva Pops!
A romantic banner advertises In Your Arms, a production last year of the Old Globe Theatre.
A romantic banner advertises In Your Arms, a production last year of the Old Globe Theatre.
Someone wrote Will You Marry Me in chalk near where people walk down El Prado. I wonder what the answer was.
Someone wrote Will You Marry Me in chalk near where people walk down El Prado. I wonder what the answer was?
A pair holds hands as they enter Balboa Park on Valentine's Day.
A loving pair holds hands as they enter Balboa Park on Valentine’s Day.

…

If you enjoy my blog, you can follow Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my brand new blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

Give your hand to the Helping Hands Foundation!

Thank you for supporting our kids!
Thank you for supporting our kids!

I was walking along the Embarcadero today when I happened upon a super nice lady who was trying to raise support for the Helping Hands Foundation! What is this organization? They help parents and children affected by a very unfortunate circumstance. According to their website, “Every year, 1 out of 2,000 children in the United States is born with an upper limb anomaly. During childhood, many more lose hands and arms to accidents or disease.”

I learned from the volunteer that they’re sending 100 kids with developmental disabilities, autism and other very difficult physical problems to our world-famous San Diego Zoo! How cool is that?

Would you like to provide a little support for this worthy cause? You’ll make the lives of children and their families so much better. You will add a little needed sunshine to this sometimes difficult old world. What could be more important?

Please visit their website!

This wonderful, smiling lady is spreading sunshine. She's trying to help unfortunate kids live a better life, with days full of joy and happiness. Can you help
This wonderful, smiling lady is spreading sunshine. She’s trying to help unfortunate kids live a better life, with days full of joy and happiness. Can you help?

…

If you enjoy my blog, you can follow Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Are you an unselfish blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? Please join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.