Tag: life

A short story about light, life and reflection.

Peer into the rippling water. You'll be astonished at what you see.
Peer into the rippling water. You’ll be astonished at what you see.

Do you often think about life?

If you’d like to read a short story that I published on my Short Stories By Richard blog about time and memory, light and reflection–in other words about life–then click here.

San Diego stickball: Sidewalk Slammers vs. Street Rookies!

Players prepare to go to bat during a stickball tournament in San Diego's Little Italy.
Players prepare to go to bat during a stickball tournament in San Diego’s Little Italy.

A stickball tournament was held today in San Diego’s Little Italy. I watched one game between the Sidewalk Slammers and Street Rookies, and was able to snap a bunch of action photos. Sometimes these tournaments include teams from New York, but I was told that the five teams today were all local. Stickball has become a very cool downtown San Diego tradition!

Young player on the Sidewalk Slammers team takes a swing during the early innings of a fungo-style stickball game.
Young player on the Sidewalk Slammers team takes a swing during the early innings of a fungo-style stickball game.
A teammate is ready to strike the bounced rubber ball with a taped wooden broom handle. Lots of people were watching on either side of Columbia Street.
A teammate is ready to strike the bounced rubber ball with a taped wooden broom handle. Lots of people were watching on either side of Columbia Street.
Stickball fans watch the action while seated or standing. Music, drink and good times on the sidewalk in front of The Firehouse Museum in Little Italy.
Stickball fans watch the action while seated or standing. Music, drink and good times on the sidewalk in front of The Firehouse Museum in Little Italy.
Halfway through the 3rd inning and the Sidewalk Slammers trail the Street Rookies.
Halfway through the 3rd inning and the Sidewalk Slammers trail the Street Rookies.
Members of the Street Rookies, in yellow shirts, watch as their offense tries to score more runs.
Members of the Street Rookies, in yellow shirts, watch as their offense tries to score more runs.
He calls himself a Street Rookie? This guy hits the ball really hard. A line drive far down the city block.
He calls himself a Street Rookie? This guy hits the ball really hard. A line drive far down the long city block.
A runner scores by touching the chalk home plate, and the Street Rookies extend their lead.
A runner scores by touching the chalk home plate, and the Street Rookies extend their lead.
The next batter prepares to bounce the rubber ball before swinging. This type of self-pitched stickball is called fungo.
The next batter prepares to bounce the rubber ball before swinging. I learned that self-pitching the ball is technically called fungo.
Another hit! Fans go wild! A downtown San Diego street makes for a very unusual stadium.
Another hit! Fans go wild! A downtown San Diego street makes for a very unusual stadium.
Time out! A car is pulling out of a parking garage and into the asphalt outfield. During the action, pedestrians and onlookers are sometimes in the field of play.
Time out! A car is pulling out of a parking garage and into the asphalt outfield. During the action, pedestrians, dogs and onlookers are sometimes in the field of play.
Three teammates take the field at the top of a new inning. A great game is underway.
Three teammates take the field at the top of a new inning. A great game is underway.
An athletic move and lightning fast throw. If I recall, the play was very close and the runner was nearly out.
An athletic move and lightning fast throw. If I recall, the play was very close and the runner was nearly tagged out.
Another defensive play. A Sidewalk Slammers runner is safe at second base.
Another defensive play. A Sidewalk Slammers runner has safely made second base.
Another time out! The KUSI television van is leaving the scene. They had several live shots of the local stickball tournament this morning.
Another time out! The KUSI television van is leaving the scene. They had several live shots of the local stickball tournament this morning.
Someone watches the game from high up on their balcony. I believe hitting a fly into a building is considered a foul. Unlike baseball, a foul or a strike is called out. Tough rules.
Someone watches the game from high up on their balcony. I believe hitting a fly into a building is considered a foul. Unlike baseball, a foul or a strike is called out. Tough rules.
Some fielding action on the sidewalk right in front of me! Fortunately, I didn't manage to get in the way.
Some fielding action on the sidewalk right in front of me! Fortunately, I didn’t manage to get in the way.
Chasing the ball! A game played primarily in the Northeastern United States is being enjoyed several thousand miles away!
Chasing the ball! A game played primarily in the Northeastern United States is being enjoyed several thousand miles away!
Encouragement and friendship on the streets of San Diego.
Encouragement and friendship on the not-so-mean streets of San Diego.
This game is over. The members of both teams exchange high fives. Good sportsmanship and fun.
This game is over. The members of both teams exchange high fives. Good sportsmanship and fun. That’s San Diego style!
The Sidewalk Slammers get a team photo. Five local teams are competing in this tournament.
The Sidewalk Slammers get a team photo. Five local teams are competing in this tournament.
And here is the final score. Sidewalk Slammers 5. Street Rookies 12.
And here is the final score. Sidewalk Slammers 5. Street Rookies 12.
Watching a Memorial Day weekend game of stickball in San Diego's Little Italy.
People enjoy watching a Memorial Day weekend game of stickball in Little Italy.

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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!

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!

Wisdom, surfing and how people are like starfish.

Be kinder than necessary - for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle...
Be kinder than necessary – for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle…

Yesterday I walked through Ocean Beach. A few of my photographs seem to spell out a message about life.

I noticed that a small park at the corner of Sunset Cliffs and W. Point Loma Boulevard contained bits of wisdom. So did a formation of pelicans and a surfer near the OB pier.

Moving shadow in a small plaza at the corner of Sunset Cliffs and W. Point Loma Boulevard. Wisdom and love are written on an Ocean Beach wall.
Moving shadow in a small plaza at the corner of Sunset Cliffs and W. Point Loma Boulevard. Wisdom and love are written on an Ocean Beach wall.
Walking down a winding path toward Robb Field. Life is a one way meandering journey.
Walking down a winding path toward Robb Field. Life is a one way meandering journey.
Public art on an Ocean Beach wall. All starfish are beautiful, alike but different.
Public art on an Ocean Beach wall. All starfish are beautiful, alike but different.
A starfish is small but resilient. It moves and bends in life's unceasing tides.
A starfish is small but resilient. It moves and bends with life’s unceasing tides.
A starfish that suffers loss will regenerate. During its short life, it is a survivor.
A starfish that suffers loss will regenerate. During its short life, it is a survivor.
Bicycling a short distance down life's path. Be kind. The unknown awaits around some turns.
Bicycling a short distance down life’s path. Be kind. The unknown awaits around some turns.
A glimpse of immensity beyond the beach. The OB pier extends a short way toward the mysterious horizon.
A glimpse of immensity beyond the beach. The OB pier extends a short way toward the mysterious horizon.
Entering the ocean. A place of beauty, power, pleasure, danger. Like life itself.
Entering the ocean. A place of beauty, power, pleasure, danger. Like life itself.
Pelicans fly in formation to ease their path through the air.
Pelicans fly in formation to ease their path through the air.
Riding a wave. A short trip upon the mighty ocean back toward familiar land.
Riding a wave. A short trip upon the mighty ocean back toward familiar land.
Live fully. Ride well. Enjoy life. We each are very small. Be forgiving. Be kind.
Live fully. Ride well. Enjoy life. We each are very small. Be forgiving. Be kind.

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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!

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

Romantic mural in Little Italy celebrates life.

Diners sit at tables on the waterfront. An Italian fish market, colorful buildings and clouds.
Diners sit at tables on the waterfront. An Italian fish market, colorful buildings and clouds.

I really like this mural. You’ll find it near the corner of Grape Street and Kettner Boulevard in Little Italy. It was painted by San Diego artist Stephanie Clair. Her art is modern, romantic and overflowing with the simple pleasures of life. Please enjoy a few colorful photos!

Little Italy mural painted by artist Stephanie Clair shows the life of a fishing town. Perhaps it resembles San Diego's past.
Little Italy mural painted by artist Stephanie Clair shows the life of a fishing town. Perhaps it resembles San Diego’s past.
Fishermen in their boats working the sea. The water is blue and green.
Fishermen in their boats working the sea. The water is blue and green.
Lovers drink wine as they sit by the water, gazing out at the sunset.
Lovers drink wine as they sit by the water, gazing out at the sunset.
A streetcar among buildings that seem to pulse with life.
A streetcar among buildings that seem to pulse with life.

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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!

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!

Play and work, sadness and time.

Youth play soccer in San Diego's Waterfront Park. They are competing today in the Neymar Fives Soccer Tournament. World champs get to meet the Brazilian superstar.
Youth play soccer in San Diego’s Waterfront Park. They are competing today in the Neymar Fives Soccer Tournament. World champs get to meet the Brazilian superstar.

As usual, my walk today provoked a whole range of feelings. The four simple words: Play, Work, Sadness, Time . . . they describe a few photos that I took.

Those basic words we all understand.

Scrambling for the ball. Joy in movement, camaraderie, friendly competition. Youthful ambitions.
Scrambling for the ball. Joy in movement, camaraderie, friendly competition. Youthful ambitions.
Neymar Jr.'s Five soccer competition includes amateur teams from more than 35 countries.
Neymar Jr.’s Five soccer competition includes amateur teams from more than 35 countries.
Recreation on the green grass one promising San Diego morning.
Recreation on the green grass, one promising San Diego morning.
Strolling down the Embarcadero. Pirate Days is coming to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Let the invasion begin!
Strolling down the Embarcadero. Pirate Days is coming to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Let the invasion begin!
Containing many pleasures, the Disney Wonder cruise ship is docked in San Diego. Seen from the deck of the Star of India.
Containing many pleasures, the gleaming Disney Wonder cruise ship is docked in San Diego. Seen from the deck of the very old Star of India, where countless lives have been tossed by difficult seas.
Volunteer on Star of India is preparing to hoist this plastic cap up to the top of the foremast, which is open and exposed to the elements.
Volunteer on Star of India is preparing to hoist this plastic cap up to the top of the foremast, which is open and exposed to the eternal elements.
Other volunteers are working hard atop the forecastle. Ships require constant work, constant attention and care.
Other volunteers are working hard atop the forecastle. Ships require constant work, constant attention and care.
Climbing carefully up to the very top of the foremast to apply a protective cap, to prevent exposed iron from rusting, decaying.
Climbing carefully up to the very top of the foremast to apply a protective cap, to prevent exposed iron from rusting, decaying.
A writer sat here. Words purposefully put down . . . or discarded . . . or forgotten. Many thoughts lie alone by a bench near the water.
A writer sat here. Words purposefully put down . . . or discarded . . . or forgotten. Many thoughts lie alone by a bench near the water.
The weathered old hands of a sleeping homeless man.
The hands of a sleeping homeless man.
Time-faded monkeys still cling to the wall of a parking garage on Laurel Street.
Time-faded monkeys still cling to the wall of a parking garage on Laurel Street.

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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!

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

San Diego American Indian Pow Wow in Balboa Park!

Dancing to traditional Kumeyaay Bird Songs in Balboa Park during the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow.
Dancing to traditional Kumeyaay Bird Songs in Balboa Park during the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow.

A special event is going on this weekend in Balboa Park. The American Indian Health Center Pow Wow is taking place near the corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way.

I enjoyed the first hour of the pow wow, watching and listening to the performance of Bird Songs by members of the Kumeyaay Nation. These very powerful ancient songs live on today, but other similar songs from the past have been lost to time.

Other events at the pow wow include gourd dancing and fancy shawl dancing. Tents around the venue feature all sorts of Native American crafts, food, art and cultural information. If you’re in San Diego, swing on by! The public is welcome!

Gourd rattles are an important and powerful part of Kumeyaay Bird Songs. Traditionally, a musical sound has also been produced with a stick rubbed against a rough basket.
Gourd rattles are an important and powerful part of Kumeyaay Bird Songs. Traditionally, a musical sound has also been produced with a stick rubbed against a rough basket.
A large drum awaits on the grass as the Native American Pow Wow in San Diego has just begun.
A large drum awaits on the grass as the Native American Pow Wow in San Diego has just begun.
Miss Kumeyaay Nation was very gracious to pose for a photograph.
Miss Kumeyaay Nation was very gracious to pose for a photograph.
I swung by the pow wow during its first hour. Many additional participants were arriving and setting up.
I swung by the pow wow during its first hour. Many additional participants were arriving and setting up.
Many who'd arrived for the pow wow were already in colorful ceremonial costume. The earlier rain had ceased and people were relaxing, enjoying friendship, spirit-filled music and another beautiful day.
Many who’d arrived for the pow wow were already in colorful ceremonial costumes. The earlier rain had ceased and people were relaxing, enjoying friendship, spirit-filled music and another beautiful day.
Someone proudly wears an American Indian Warriors Association emblem.
Someone proudly wears an American Indian Warriors Association emblem.
Photo taken as the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow in Balboa Park is just getting started.
Photo taken as the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow in Balboa Park is just getting started.
Getting ready for a busy day of dance, song, spirituality, and honoring local Native American culture and history.
Getting ready for a busy day of dance, song, spirituality, and honoring local Native American culture and history.
Working on beautiful ceremonial objects to be worn or displayed during a life-filled pow wow in San Diego.
Working on beautiful ceremonial objects to be worn or displayed during a life-filled pow wow 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!

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

A spring Sunday. Life is good on San Diego Bay!

Visitors and members of the Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoy a spring Sunday aboard HMS Surprise. The Star of India's masts rise in the background.
Visitors and members of the Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoy a spring Sunday aboard HMS Surprise. The Star of India’s masts rise in the background.

A sunny spring Sunday. So I just walked along the Embarcadero. To no place in particular. I started late this morning at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where Earth Day on the Bay was taking place. I checked out the exhibits for a few minutes, talked to a few cool people, then walked around outside. And I just kept on walking. Life is good on San Diego Bay.

Today was Earth Day on the Bay at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Exhibitors on the passenger deck of the steam ferry Berkeley demonstrated the work they're undertaking to protect the environment.
Today was Earth Day on the Bay at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Exhibitors on the passenger deck of the steam ferry Berkeley demonstrated the work they’re undertaking to protect the environment.
It's Sunday, which is volunteer work day at the maritime museum. If I recall correctly, these guys near the San Salvador were applying tar to some steel cables that will be used on the HMS Surprise.
It’s Sunday, which is volunteer work day at the Maritime Museum. If I heard correctly, these guys near the San Salvador were applying tar to some steel cables that will be used on the HMS Surprise.
Two parrots on the Pearl Harbor memorial plaque near the USS Midway. Behind it is the Navy Bicentennial plaque, whose mysterious origin was revealed by visitors to this blog!
Two parrots on the Pearl Harbor memorial plaque near the USS Midway.

In the above photo you can see the rear of the Navy Bicentennial Commemorative Plaque.  As you might recall, that plaque’s mysterious origin was revealed in detail by a few of its creators here!

Some folks out fishing from the Tuna Harbor pier were catching a few spotted seabass! This one was too small and was quickly returned to San Diego Bay.
Some folks out fishing on the Tuna Harbor pier were catching spotted seabass! This one was too small and was quickly returned to San Diego Bay.
This sneaky gull perched atop a docked bait boat seemed to be watching the folks fishing nearby!
This sneaky gull perched atop a docked bait boat seemed to be watching those folks fishing nearby!
Someone zooms by riding a bucking water scooter over the sparkling blue water.
Someone zooms by riding a bucking water scooter over the sparkling blue water.
Close-up photo of a colorful float inside a lobster trap. I just walked along the pier, looking out at boats, water and the beautiful San Diego skyline.
Close-up photo of a colorful float inside a lobster trap. I just walked along the pier, looking out at boats, water and the beautiful San Diego skyline.
Skaters take a break in the sunshine near Tuna Harbor.
Skaters take a break in the sunshine near Tuna Harbor.
Someone relaxes on a spring Sunday by maneuvering a remote control model sailboat in Tuna Harbor. Another cool sight along San Diego's always lively Embarcadero.
Someone relaxes on a spring Sunday by maneuvering a remote control model sailboat in Tuna Harbor. Another cool sight along San Diego’s always lively Embarcadero.
Fun marine artwork depicts a pod of dolphins in the ocean. A window of the Wyland Galleries in Seaport Village.
Fun marine artwork depicts a pod of dolphins in the ocean. A window of the Wyland Galleries in Seaport Village.
Colorful banner fluttering in the sea breeze proclaims Life is Good. I always enjoy walking past Alamo Flags in Seaport Village.
Colorful banner fluttering in the sea breeze proclaims Life is Good. I always enjoy walking past Alamo Flags in Seaport Village.
Just some bright yellow flowers.
Just some bright yellow flowers.
A street magician, cyclists, and the Californian tall ship out on San Diego Bay.
A street magician, cyclists, and the Californian tall ship out on San Diego Bay.
Papa Alex is a very friendly, happy, soulful psychic. He hangs out near Seaport Village and Embarcadero Marina Park North. His motto is:
Papa Alex is a very friendly, happy, soulful psychic. He often hangs out between Seaport Village and Embarcadero Marina Park North. His motto is: “Peace and love. No drama.” Sounds wise to me!
Wow! Look at those massive bubbles flying through the air! This fun could be found on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Wow! Look at those massive bubbles flying through the air! This fun could be found on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
And high above those bubbles was this kite. I love San Diego.
And high above those bubbles was this kite. I love San Diego.
Tourists rent some wheels near the Marriott Marquis and Marina.
Tourists rent some wheels near the Marriott Marquis and Marina.
I rested for a bit on the fishing pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South. Here comes the Stars and Stripes racing yacht, carrying people enjoying an adventure on our picturesque bay.
I rested for a bit on the fishing pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South. Here comes the Stars and Stripes racing yacht, carrying passengers enjoying a unique adventure on the Big Bay.
And there goes the Silvergate, ferrying people over to Coronado Island. What a glorious spring day!
And there goes the Silvergate, ferrying people over to Coronado Island. What a glorious spring day!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy even more Cool San Diego Sights by following me on Facebook or Twitter!

Online petition to prevent Coronado Bridge suicides.

The Coronado Bay Bridge has seen too many tragic suicides.
The Coronado Bay Bridge has seen far too many tragic suicides.

Would you please consider signing a very important online petition? The Coronado San Diego Bridge Collaborative For Suicide Prevention has begun a petition to help prevent Coronado Bay Bridge suicides.

Tragically, in the past 47 years, about 370 souls have jumped from the bridge. Most of these people felt driven to end their own lives because of deep depression. All could have been helped. The petition, addressed to the California Department of Transportation, asks that a suicide barrier be installed on the San Diego–Coronado Bridge. It would be similar to a intelligently-designed device now being installed on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, which is a unique type of a net that is configured to safely catch jumpers and arrest them until help arrives.

You can sign the petition by clicking here.

Thank you for your consideration, and for any help that you might provide!

Richard

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A cool new street mural in Normal Heights!

A painting of a market full of Mexican crafts and charm. It makes one feel that life is good, just gazing at this joyful artwork.
A painting of a market full of Mexican crafts and charm. It makes anyone walking down the sidewalk feel that life is good, just gazing at this colorful artwork.

Some new, very cool urban art has recently appeared on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights! Here are a few photos!

The street mural, titled Un dia de Mercado, is painted on the side of one small building. It depicts a Mexican marketplace, and many of the goods a shopper is likely to find there. The colors are vivid and happy. The artwork inspires joy.

Un dia de Mercado. A colorful new street mural on Adams Avenue in San Diego's Normal Heights neighborhood.
Un dia de Mercado. A fantastic new street mural on Adams Avenue in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood.
Un dia de Mercado was completed on April 2, 2016. It was painted by several talented artists. Their signatures are evident in this photo. New colorful urban art in Normal Heights!
Un dia de Mercado was completed on April 2, 2016. It was painted by several talented artists. Their signatures are evident in this photo. New colorful urban art in Normal Heights!
A smiling face, a funny parrot, an umbrella, guitar, flowers, fruit and a sleeping dog. One day at the market!
A smiling face, a funny parrot, an umbrella, guitar, flowers, fruit and a sleeping dog. One day at the market!
Beautiful artistry on the side of a building on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights adds life to the city!
Beautiful artistry on the side of a building on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights!
This street mural adds sunshine and happiness to a very cool neighborhood in San Diego!
This street mural adds sunshine and happiness to an already very cool neighborhood 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!

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

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.