Tag: life

People meditate (or have fun) walking a labyrinth.

Visitors to Balboa Park walk the meandering single path of a labyrinth near the Botanical Building.
Visitors to Balboa Park walk the meandering single path of a labyrinth near the Botanical Building.

Life is a bit like walking a labyrinth. We navigate twists and turns on our forward path.

Yesterday I saw a cool labyrinth set up on a lawn in Balboa Park, right next to the Botanical Building. String was laid on the grass, creating boundaries defining the path.

A labyrinth is not a maze. The walk is peaceful, the sudden smooth turns reorient one’s vision, there is no hurry. Many use labyrinth walking for meditation. It also looks like fun exercise!

Walking through a curving labyrinth can provide meditation, bringing together body, mind and spirit. Everyone is on their own path through life. (Click image to read.)
Walking through a curving labyrinth can enhance meditation, bringing together body, mind and spirit. Everyone is on their own path through life. (Click image to read.)
It's a beautiful December weekend in Balboa Park. There is much to do, much to see. Our walk through life takes many turns.
It’s a beautiful December weekend in Balboa Park. There is much to do, much to see. Our walk through life takes many turns.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! Navigating downtown streets can be like moving through a labyrinth! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

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

People at work and play in San Diego.

Tourists on San Diego's Embarcadero have fun with gigantic bubbles.
Tourists on San Diego’s Embarcadero have fun with gigantic bubbles.

Just a few photos of people at work and play in San Diego. These were taken over this last year. How time flies.

A businessman walks to work in downtown San Diego.
A businessman walks to work one morning in downtown San Diego.
Two fishermen enjoy their day on Shelter Island.
Two fishermen enjoy their day on Shelter Island.
Working and chatting at Horton Plaza Park.
Working and chatting at Horton Plaza Park.
Two sweethearts enjoy slacklining at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Two sweethearts enjoy slacklining at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Unloading boxes of produce at the Flagship dock near Broadway Pier.
Unloading boxes of produce at the Flagship dock near Broadway Pier.
People enjoy a day of boating on blue San Diego Bay.
People enjoy a day of boating on blue San Diego Bay.
Families thrill to statue-like street musician in Balboa Park.
Families investigate statue-like street musician in Balboa Park.
Construction workers put the finishing touches on a new downtown building.
Construction workers put the finishing touches on a new downtown building.
Walking on some rocks on a fine sunny San Diego day.
Walking on some rocks on a fine sunny San Diego day.

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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!

Pelicans and gulls near La Jolla Cove.

Brown pelicans come in for a landing on a cliffside near La Jolla Cove.
Brown pelicans come in for a landing on a cliff near La Jolla Cove.

Yesterday I spent some time at one of the most beautiful places in San Diego. I walked along the cliffs near La Jolla Cove, just taking in the fresh ocean breeze, sunshine and scenery.

I managed to get several fun photographs of pelicans and gulls flying above the water and perched on the rocks.

Sea birds fly along the water's edge as the surf breaks. The cliffs of Torrey Pines stretch in the distance.
Sea birds fly along the water’s edge as the surf breaks. The cliffs of Torrey Pines stretch in the distance.
A pelican and gull share a cliff above the turbulent, foaming Pacific Ocean.
A pelican and gull share a cliff above the turbulent, foaming Pacific Ocean.
A seagull descends gracefully with outstretched wings.
A seagull descends gracefully with outstretched wings.
Photo of pelican standing on a dark rock provides interesting contrast.
Photo of pelican standing on a dark rock provides interesting contrast.

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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!

Merry sights at the La Jolla Christmas Parade!

A merry sight along the La Jolla Christmas Parade route!
A merry sight along the La Jolla Christmas Parade route!

Today I enjoyed watching the annual La Jolla Christmas Parade! After walking a bit around La Jolla, I settled onto the curb and watched Christmas-themed floats, vintage cars and marching bands celebrate the merry season.

It’s a wonderful parade that I hadn’t seen before. Very glad I did this year!

Here are my best photos. Read the captions to follow along.

The Community Christmas Tree is hung with lights and ornaments at the La Jolla Recreation Center park.
The Community Christmas Tree is hung with lights and ornaments at the La Jolla Recreation Center park. A festival would be held here at the Christmas Parade’s conclusion.
This Community Christmas Tree is dedicated to the people of La Jolla this day, October 27, 1984, by the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club.
This Community Christmas Tree is dedicated to the people of La Jolla this day, October 27, 1984, by the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club.
As I walked down Girard Avenue, I spied some colorful Christmas cookies in a shop window!
As I walked before the parade down Girard Avenue, I spied some colorful Christmas cookies in a shop window!
In the parade staging area, various floats and groups were assembling before the scheduled early afternoon start.
In the parade staging area, various floats and groups were assembling before the scheduled early afternoon start.
A kid checks out the bright red OMBAC Fire Department engine, which is seen in many San Diego area parades.
A kid checks out the bright red OMBAC Fire Department engine, which is seen in many San Diego area parades.
Everyone is getting into position for the big Christmas parade in La Jolla!
The participants are getting ready for the big Christmas parade in La Jolla!
I saw these folks driving a vintage car to the staging area while I walked back to the parade viewing area.
I saw these folks driving a vintage car to the staging area while I walked back to the parade viewing area.
In 2016, the theme of the La Jolla Christmas Parade was Christmas in the Future. A special newspaper was printed up for the event by the La Jolla Village News.
In 2016, the theme of the La Jolla Christmas Parade is Christmas in the Future. A special newspaper was printed up for the event by the La Jolla Village News.
While people gathered along the parade route, these four guys in Santa hats came strolling along. They were singers!
While people gathered along the parade route, these four guys in Santa hats came strolling along. They were singers!
A musical quartet belonging to the Pacific Coast Harmony of La Jolla serenades people along the parade route! Great voices!
A musical quartet belonging to the Pacific Coast Harmony of La Jolla serenades people along the parade route! Great voices!
Pre-parade entertainment included some lion dancers coming down Prospect Street.
Pre-parade entertainment included some lion dancers coming down Prospect Street.
Residents revel in a time-honored tradition. 2016 is the 59th year of the La Jolla Annual Christmas Parade!
Residents revel in a time-honored tradition. 2016 is the 59th year of the La Jolla Annual Christmas Parade!
Just before the parade started, several vintage airplanes flew overhead. They were billed as the Antique Aircraft Flyover.
Just before the parade started, restored old biplanes flew overhead. They were billed as the Antique Aircraft Flyover.
The La Jolla Christmas Parade gets started! It is sponsored by The Dr. Seuss Foundation. The popular children's author lived in La Jolla.
The La Jolla Christmas Parade gets started! It is sponsored by The Dr. Seuss Foundation. The popular children’s author lived in La Jolla.
Biplanes continue to pass overhead as enthusiastic parade groups march and dance on by.
Cool aircraft continue to pass overhead as enthusiastic parade groups march and dance on by.
Here come the costumed Sons of the American Revolution parading down Prospect Street!
Here come the costumed Sons of the American Revolution parading down Prospect Street!
The Stella Maris Academy won Best Overall award. Their float featured an astronaut, a Christmas nativity scene and music lyrics. We believe the children are our future...
The Stella Maris Academy won Best Overall award. Their float featured an astronaut, a Christmas nativity scene and music lyrics. We believe the children are our future…
The La Jolla Presbyterian Church had Joseph, Mary, shepherds, an angel, and two live camels!
The La Jolla Presbyterian Church had Joseph, Mary, shepherds, an angel, and two live camels!
A young elf hands out Christmas candies to people watching La Jolla's joyful holiday parade.
A young elf hands out Christmas candies to people watching La Jolla’s joyful holiday parade.
A horse and carriage and folks dressed in Victorian garb for Christmas.
A horse and carriage and folks dressed in Victorian garb for Christmas.
Every parade must have marching bands!
Every parade must have marching bands!
Here comes a Girl Scout Troop and a friendly dog.
Here comes a Girl Scout Troop and a friendly dog.
I guess robots will celebrate Christmas in the future!
I guess metallic robots will celebrate Christmas in the future! Or wait. It just occurred to me those might be gift-wrapped boxes.
Here come the Sweetwater High School Red Devils!
Here come the Sweetwater High School Red Devils!
The Red Devils band marches by playing Christmas tunes!
The Red Devils band marches by playing Christmas tunes!
Just a fun float featuring a surfboard and Dr. Seuss characters. Like many, it was created by a local business. I've photographed the guy in the crazy Darth Vader outfit at other cool San Diego events!
Just a fun float featuring a surfboard and Dr. Seuss characters. Like many, it was created by a local business. I’ve photographed the guy in the crazy Darth Vader outfit at other cool San Diego events!
The La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club was spraying Christmas snow onto the onlookers with their stocking covered fire truck!
The La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club was spraying snow onto the onlookers with their Christmas stocking-covered fire truck!
There goes The San Diego Golden Retriever Meetup Group with lots of canine pals!
There goes The San Diego Golden Retriever Meetup Group with lots of canine pals!
Another cool sight at the annual La Jolla Christmas Parade.
Another cool sight at the annual La Jolla Christmas Parade.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

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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!

Images of joy and sadness as Christmas nears.

Tourist on a Segway passes a disabled Santa in a wheelchair.
Tourist on a Segway passes a disabled Santa in a wheelchair.

Life contains mingled joy and sadness. These feeling intensify as Christmas nears.

Christmas is a season brimming with generosity and hope. But the difficulties we all face persist. And for some, those difficulties are extreme.

During my walk this afternoon beneath dark, dramatic storm clouds, I captured a few images of human sadness, joy . . . and hope.

Storm clouds above downtown San Diego. Christmas is coming, but so is winter.
Storm clouds above downtown San Diego. Christmas is coming, but so is winter.
Palm trees in a row buffeted by a strong chilly wind on a late November day.
Palm trees in a row buffeted by a strong chilly wind on a late November day.
Someone camped against the San Diego County Courthouse. The number of homeless people downtown continues to grow.
Someone camped against the San Diego County Courthouse. The number of homeless people downtown continues to grow.
Using spice as a drug is a recipe for disaster. Drug use downtown has become alarming. Lives are being destroyed. Some residents no longer feel safe.
Using spice as a drug is a recipe for disaster. Drug use by the many homeless in downtown has become alarming. Lives are being visibly destroyed.
The relatively new Horton Plaza Park now attracts many homeless. A sad situation with no easy solution.
The relatively new Horton Plaza Park now attracts homeless people seeking a comfortable place. A deeply sad situation with no easy solution.
But there is also hope, and the potential for joy. A child is shown the dancing fountain at the center of Horton Plaza Park.
But there is also hope, and the potential for joy. A child is shown the dancing fountain at the center of Horton Plaza Park.
Youth peers into a fountain hopefully. What can one see? Dreams filled with light?
Youthful eyes peer into a fountain hopefully. What is it they possibly see? Dreams filled with light?
There is much one can do to brighten the world. Be the voice of a foster child. Provide hope, and a smile.
There is much one can do to brighten this world. I saw this example as I walked.  Be the voice of a foster child. Provide hope, and a smile.
Will it be a white Christmas in San Diego? Probably not. But perhaps Christmas is something more than mere dreams.
Will it be a white Christmas in San Diego? Probably not. But perhaps Christmas is something more than mere dreams.
A Christmas tree in a shopping center. It is a giving tree.
I spotted a typical Christmas tree in a shopping center. But this one is special.  It’s a giving tree.
USO San Diego needs your help to bring holiday cheer to active military families. (Please click the image to read more.)
USO San Diego needs your help to bring holiday cheer to active military families. (Please click the image to read details.)
The sun breaks through storm clouds and shines upon downtown San Diego. A faint rainbow appears above.
The sun breaks through storm clouds and shines upon downtown San Diego. There is much we can do.  A faint rainbow appears like magic above.

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

If you’d like to read an inspiring tale about human generosity, you might enjoy a favorite short story that I’ve written, An Unexpected Sunflower.

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

Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K helps homeless.

Turkey hats on runners preparing for the Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K, an annual event to help San Diego's homeless.
Turkey hats on runners preparing for the Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K, an annual event to help San Diego’s homeless.

This morning thousands gathered in Balboa Park to participate in the Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K run and walk. Money raised during the annual event helps Father Joe’s Villages provide food, shelter, medical care, employment training and hope for many of San Diego’s homeless.

If you’d like to donate to Father Joe’s, or learn more about what they do, here’s their website.

Homeless man on Sixth Avenue, across the street from the west edge of Balboa Park.
Homeless man on Sixth Avenue, across the street from Balboa Park.
Thousands gather in Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama before the start of Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K run and walk.
Thousands gather in Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama before the start of Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K run and walk.
Many Thanksgiving-themed costumes and hats could be spotted among the participants. These dogs are already in the Christmas spirit!
Many Thanksgiving-themed costumes and hats could be spotted among the participants. These dogs are already in the Christmas spirit!
Energy-providing fruit slices are prepared for 5K participants before the beginning of the race.
Energy-providing fruit slices are prepared for the 5K participants before the beginning of the race.
The Knights of Columbus had a pancake breakfast in Balboa Park during the Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K.
The Knights of Columbus had a pancake breakfast in Balboa Park during the Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K.
Catholic priests perform a religious service in the Plaza de Panama for the faithful before the Thanksgiving race to help the homeless.
Catholic priests perform a religious service in the Plaza de Panama for the faithful before the Thanksgiving race to help the homeless.
Runners and walkers head toward the start line in Balboa Park.
Runners and walkers head toward the start line in Balboa Park. Morning sun shines on the iconic California Tower.
Thousands of participants pass over the Cabrillo Bridge, just prior to beginning the Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K.
Thousands of participants pass over the Cabrillo Bridge, just prior to beginning the Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K.
This family is dressed like a Pilgrim and a turkey dinner.
This family is dressed like a Pilgrim and a turkey dinner!
People get enthused a few minutes before the fun run begins.
People get enthused a few minutes before the fun run begins.
Homeless person alone on the sunlit grass in the far corner of Balboa Park.
Homeless person alone on the sunlit grass in a corner of Balboa Park.
Getting ready to start a competitive 5K on Thanksgiving morning. Money raised helps provide food and shelter for the homeless in San Diego.
Getting ready to start a competitive 5K run on Thanksgiving morning. Money raised helps provide food and shelter for the homeless in San Diego.

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

Thanksgiving wisdom on a fence.

Chalk art wisdom on a city fence. Give Thanks. Don't let the things you want make you forget the things you have.
Thanksgiving chalk art wisdom on a fence. Give Thanks. Don’t let the things you want make you forget the things you have.

Just sharing some Thanksgiving wisdom. I spotted this chalk art on a fence during a walk up Fifth Avenue.

Give Thanks. Don’t let the things you want make you forget the things you have.

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

Gratitude expressed by random people in a park.

What are you grateful for? Random people write their thoughts. They are grateful for life, family, school, warm socks, waking up to sunrises, and people who smile for no reason.
What are you grateful for? Random people in Balboa Park write their thoughts. They are grateful for life, family, school, warm socks, waking up to sunrises, and people who smile for no reason.

I stumbled upon a heartwarming sight in Balboa Park–just a few days before Thanksgiving.

A couple named Gratitude Gal and Gratitude Guy were greeting people who were walking down El Prado. The smiling pair carried a dry-erase board. People were invited to write down a few things in life for which they were grateful. Many of those random people did.

Thanksgiving is three days away. But it seems to me that every single day is an appropriate time to give thanks.  Happiness is a choice.

A random person walking along happily writes down a few reasons why they are thankful.
A random person walking along happily writes down a few reasons why they are thankful.
Gratitude Gal and Gratitude Guy collect messages of thanksgiving on a dry erase board in Balboa Park.
Gratitude Gal and Gratitude Guy collect messages of thanksgiving on a dry erase board in Balboa Park.

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

A Sailor’s Life, romantic ships, and a blazing sunset.

A sailor and a sweetheart have a special date ahead. There is plenty of life on San Diego's Embarcadero late one Saturday afternoon.
A sailor and a sweetheart have a special date ahead. I discovered plenty of life on San Diego’s Embarcadero late this afternoon.

My walk late this afternoon along the Embarcadero was as wonderful as ever. The weather was mild, everyone was enjoying life, and I was fortunate to make a cool discovery or two. As you can see in these photos, romance was in the air. And adventure beckoned.  Or at least, it felt that way.

Pedestrians and a flag-draped pedicab approach the famous tall ship Star of India at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Pedestrians and a flag-draped pedicab approach the famous tall ship Star of India docked at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
A member of the Navy Band enters the Berkeley steam ferry for a special Saturday evening event at the Maritime Museum.
A member of the Navy Band enters the Berkeley steam ferry for a special Saturday evening performance at the Maritime Museum.
A new exhibit by renowned photographer Kathryn Mussallem opened today at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. It's a Sailor's Life for Me - At work, play and homecoming.
A new exhibit by renowned photographer Kathryn Mussallem opened today at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. It’s a Sailor’s Life for Me – At work, play and homecoming.
Visitor atop the Star of India's forecastle has his picture taken among sails.
Visitor atop the Star of India’s forecastle has his picture taken among sails.
People enjoy a late afternoon laugh while sitting above the water on the Embarcadero.
People enjoy a late afternoon laugh while sitting above the water, feeling free, at the very edge.
A group watches the sunset above San Diego Bay from the deck of Anthony's Fish Grotto.
A group waits for sunset above San Diego Bay.  They have gathered on the deck of Anthony’s Fish Grotto.
A cruise ship slowly turns, preparing to depart San Diego.
A cruise ship slowly turns, preparing to depart San Diego.
Tourists walk along the picturesque Embarcadero while a cruise ship moves across the bay, making for the Pacific Ocean.
Tourists walk along the slowly darkening Embarcadero while a cruise ship moves across the bay, heading into night on the Pacific Ocean.
Jet aircraft high up on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum in the late afternoon.
Jet aircraft high up on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum, shortly before dark.
Day nears an end. The fishing boats at Tuna Harbor quietly float beneath a changing sky.
Day nears an end. The fishing boats at Tuna Harbor quietly float beneath a painted sky.
People stroll out on the pier near Seaport Village while gulls circle overhead and the sky changes color.
People stroll out on the pier near Seaport Village while gulls circle overhead and the western sky changes color.
Silhouetted evening diners at the Pier Cafe.
Silhouetted diners enjoy early evening at the Pier Cafe.
A glorious, glowing sunset turns the clouds orange and red. Visitors linger near the water at Seaport Village in San Diego.
A glorious, glowing sunset turns the clouds orange and red. Visitors linger near the water at Seaport Village in San Diego.

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

New Barrio Logan mural honors four lost lives.

A long mural painted on a building at the corner of National Avenue and Evans Street honors four lives that were lost during a tragic accident in Chicano Park on October 15, 2016.
A long mural painted on a building at the corner of National Avenue and Evans Street honors four lives that were lost during a tragic accident in Chicano Park on October 15, 2016.

Here are photos of the new mural in Barrio Logan that honors the lives of four people who died tragically last month in Chicano Park under the Coronado Bay Bridge. On October 14, the four–Annamarie Contreras, Cruz Elias Contreras, Andre Christopher Banks and Francine Denise Jimenez–were attending the annual La Raza Run motorcycle festival in Chicano Park when a car driven by a drunk driver suddenly plummeted from the bridge onto the crowd below. The news that four were killed and eight were injured was shocking. Many were shaken. So many hearts were broken.

The new artwork, which includes a tribute to the four victims, can be found at the corner of National Avenue and Evans Street, a block southeast of Chicano Park. Chicano Park is famous for its many colorful murals that depict the civil rights struggles of Mexican Americans and immigrants.

On Saturday, October 16, the day we started our mural, four members of the annual Raza Run lost their lives in the tragic accident at Chicano Park.
On Saturday, October 16, the day we started our mural, four members of the annual Raza Run lost their lives in the tragic accident at Chicano Park.
The mural is titled Que Viva Barrio Logan, by artist Mario Torero. It's painted on the side of Diego and Son Printing. Making a difference in our community.
The mural is titled Que Viva Barrio Logan, by artist Mario Torero. It’s painted on the side of Diego and Son Printing. Words proclaim: Making a difference in our community.
The mural transmits great emotion. Many in the Barrio Logan community oppose gentrification.
The mural transmits great emotion. Many in the Barrio Logan community oppose gentrification.
The mural also includes a message opposing the building of a new stadium downtown.
The mural also includes a message opposing the building of a new stadium downtown.
Working under the Coronado Bay Bridge, home of Chicano Park.
Working under the Coronado Bay Bridge, home of Chicano Park.
A few of the many images in the mural. Breaking a chain of bondage. Music and pride. Protect the water.
A few of the images in the mural. Breaking a chain of bondage. Music and pride. Protect the water.
A bold face in Barrio Logan.
The face of Bob Dylan in Barrio Logan.
Skeletons on bicycles. Symbols, I believe, of past loved ones.
Skeletons on bicycles. Symbols, I believe, of past loved ones.
Withstanding with Standing Rock.
Withstanding with Standing Rock.
The face of a migrant worker.
The face of a migrant worker.
Walking down the National Avenue sidewalk, past a new mural that celebrates life, memory and history in Barrio Logan.
Walking down the National Avenue sidewalk, past a new mural that celebrates life, memory and history in Barrio Logan.

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