Tag: people

A Saturday journey through colorful San Diego.

A group of young skateboarders cruises down C Street.
A group of young skateboarders cruises down C Street.

Here are a few scenes from my walk (and trolley ride) today around downtown San Diego. There is beauty, there is color, there is grit, there is life. My fascination with the dynamic city that I call home is never-ending.

Graffiti on a truck, an old blue house, and a modern high-rise, together in one photo.
Graffiti on a truck, an old blue house, and a modern high-rise, together in one photo.
Colorful art by a downtown San Diego doorway.
Colorful art by a downtown San Diego doorway.
Someone out for a walk passes a window of the Smart Corner building.
Someone out for a walk passes a window of the Smart Corner building.
A truck waits to haul pianos away at the backstage door of Copley Symphony Hall.
A truck waits to haul pianos away at the backstage door of Copley Symphony Hall.
Clean and Safe equipment in the foreground, as a Silver Line vintage trolley approaches the Fifth Avenue station.
Clean and Safe equipment in the foreground, as a Silver Line vintage trolley approaches the Fifth Avenue station.
A couple passengers will take a ride on this restored PCC streetcar, of the San Diego Trolley. I joined them!
Passengers will take a ride on this restored PCC streetcar of the San Diego Trolley. I joined them!
Looking out the vintage trolley window at people walking through the City College station.
Looking out the vintage trolley window at people walking through the City College station.
Heading down Park Boulevard, and people camped on the sidewalk. San Diego, unfortunately, contains many homeless.
Heading down Park Boulevard, and people camped on the sidewalk. San Diego, unfortunately, contains many homeless.
Looking out the trolley window at the Park and Market station.
Looking out the trolley window at the Park and Market station.
A crane above construction near Petco Park holds a POW MIA flag. Banners along Imperial Avenue show Monster Energy Supercross stars. The event is happening this weekend.
A crane above construction near Petco Park holds a POW/MIA flag. Banners along Imperial Avenue show Monster Energy Supercross stars. The event is happening this weekend.
Supercross Party in the Pits is taking place in a parking lot adjacent to Petco Park.
Supercross Party in the Pits is taking place in a parking lot adjacent to Petco Park.
Sign near Downtown Johnny Brown's at Civic Center Plaza reads Eat Drink See Dinosaurs if you drink enough.
Sign near Downtown Johnny Brown’s at Civic Center Plaza reads Eat Drink See Dinosaurs if you drink enough.
Someone looks up at inflatable dinosaur arch outside the entrance to T. Rex Planet at the Community Concourse.
Someone looks up at inflatable dinosaur arch outside the entrance to T. Rex Planet at the Community Concourse.

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Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

Music and fun at San Diego Multicultural Festival!

This super nice lady posed while blowing some bubbles! And I got photobombed! What fun!
This super nice lady posed while blowing some bubbles! And I got photobombed! What fun!

Lots of photos today!

Let’s start out with the fun San Diego Multicultural Festival, which was held in sunny Ruocco Park, downtown near Tuna Harbor. I always enjoy walking through the annual event, taking in the cool, happy vibe and listening to some great live music. Here are a few pics!

Remember–tomorrow is the big MLK parade which goes down Harbor Drive along the Embarcadero! It begins at 2 o’clock!

Folks were at the San Diego Multicultural Festival in Ruocco Park listening to lots of great live music.
Folks were at the San Diego Multicultural Festival in Ruocco Park listening to lots of great live music.
This smiling lady representing the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park had a table full of beautiful crafts. They'll be having a Let Freedom Ring event on MLK Day.
This smiling lady representing the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park had a table full of beautiful crafts. They’ll be having a Let Freedom Ring event on MLK Day.
Super colorful art and wares at the WorldBeat table. Celebrating life, diversity and Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Diego!
Super colorful art and wares at the WorldBeat table. Celebrating life, diversity and Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Diego!
People were enjoying drumming on the grass in Ruocco Park, near Seaport Village.
People were enjoying drumming on the grass in Ruocco Park, near Seaport Village.
This cool musician on the stage saw me taking a photo! Hello!
This cool musician on the stage saw me taking a photo! Hello!

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Love, upset flowers, and a strange mystery.

LOVE carved into the beam of a wooden shelter on Presidio Hill.
LOVE carved into the beam of a wooden shelter on Presidio Hill.

My walk today took me along a lonely dirt trail on Presidio Hill.

The trail, among quiet trees, climbs above the location of the old Spanish presidio, the nearly 250 year old birthplace of European civilization in California. After a short distance, the trail descends toward a primitive wooden shelter overlooking a canyon.

The shelter was empty. A wreath of beautiful fresh flowers lay upset on the ground. A small floral display of some kind was broken in a corner. Torn flowers lay scattered about.

It’s a very strange mystery. But so is love.

Walking along a lonely trail covered with pine needles. Few people visit this part of Presidio Hill.
Walking along a lonely trail covered with pine needles. Few people visit this part of Presidio Hill.
A simple wooden structure among the trees comes into view. It is empty.
A simple wooden structure among the trees comes into view. It is empty.
Flowers are scattered on the ground.
Flowers are scattered on the ground.
An upset wreath of fresh flowers. A broken altar, left behind. Why?
An upset wreath of fresh flowers. A broken display, left behind. Why?
A beautiful mystery. Perhaps it contains sorrow.
A beautiful mystery. Perhaps it contains sorrow.

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Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Questions writers can ask to develop new ideas.

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I wrote another article for Mostly Blogging! In it I ask a number of questions designed to help creative people brainstorm. I titled the guest post: Brainstorm fresh, new ideas for your blog!

You’re not a blogger? My article might help anyway! It’s all about digging into any subject matter more deeply, discovering new angles. Writers who have struggled to develop new ideas might find my article helpful!

Check it out by clicking here!

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Do you like to read thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Fun photos from a Sunday walk in Balboa Park.

Tourists are shown magic by a fun busker near the reflecting pond in Balboa Park.
Tourists are given a magic show by a busker near the reflecting pond in Balboa Park.

I took a Sunday stroll through Balboa Park. Here are some fun pics!

Duck enjoys the pool of water at the San Diego Museum of Art's outdoor May S. Marcy Sculpture Court.
Duck enjoys the pool of water at the San Diego Museum of Art’s outdoor May S. Marcy Sculpture Court.
Kid with painted face examines Man in White. This cool busker appears to be made of marble. He was entertaining surprised visitors on El Prado.
Kid with painted face examines Man in White. This cool busker appears to be made of marble. He was entertaining surprised visitors on El Prado.
Kid walks through a hula hoop on a stretch of grass.
Kid walks through a hula hoop on a stretch of grass.
Guy shows some people his stuff in the Plaza de Panama.
Guy shows some people his stuff in the Plaza de Panama.
Folks wait on a bench for the free Balboa Park tram, which I call the green caterpillar.
Folks wait on a bench for the free Balboa Park tram, which I call the green caterpillar.
The San Diego Automotive Museum is having a food drive inside their front entrance. Stop on by!
The San Diego Automotive Museum is having a food drive inside their front entrance. Stop on by!
Happy dogs, walkers and a cool guitar-playing musician on a sunny Sunday in San Diego.
Happy dogs, walkers and a cool guitar-playing musician on a sunny Sunday in San Diego.
Who doesn't love colorful, twisted balloons and gigantic soaring bubbles?
Who doesn’t love colorful twisted balloons and soaring bubbles?

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Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Public sings Christmas carols at Spreckels Organ!

Ordinary people from San Diego and around the world gather in Balboa Park to sing Christmas carols at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Ordinary people from San Diego and around the world gather in Balboa Park to sing Christmas carols at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

Today a special event was held in Balboa Park–at the outdoor Spreckels Organ Pavilion, to be exact. The public was invited to get up on the stage and participate in the singing of traditional Christmas carols! Along with San Diego’s world-famous organ, of course!

Carols included White Christmas, What Child Is This, Silent Night, Joy To The World, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Deck the Halls, The Twelve Days of Christmas, O Holy Night, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, Silver Bells, and many more.

Young and old sang their hearts out. Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego’s official Civic Organist, was outstanding as usual. The Spreckels Organ Society’s energetic Ross Porter dashed about the stage as he led the singing. It’s feeling a lot like Christmas!

Halfway through Sunday's free two o'clock concert, audience members were invited onto the stage to sing along with the Spreckels Organ.
Halfway through Sunday’s free two o’clock concert, audience members were invited onto the stage to sing along with the Spreckels Organ.
A good crowd was enjoying a nice day in December, the weekend before Christmas.
A good crowd was enjoying a nice day in December, the weekend before Christmas.
Lots of singers have filed onto the stage in front of the pipe organ. Now it's time to sing lots of joyful carols like musical superstars!
Lots of singers have filed onto the stage in front of the pipe organ. Now it’s time to sing lots of joyful carols like musical superstars!
Dr. Carol Williams is one of the world's finest concert organists, and a great composer. Originally from Great Britain, she now makes San Diego her home.
Dr. Carol Williams is one of the world’s finest concert organists, and a great composer. Originally from Great Britain, she now makes San Diego her home.
Ross Porter leads everybody in song. What a ham!
Ross Porter leads everybody in song. What a ham!
Folks at the rear of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion relax and listen. A few people check out the manger scenes left over from December Nights.
Folks at the rear of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion relax and listen. A few people check out the manger scenes left over from December Nights.
Lots of people had Santa hats and festive holiday clothing. Some dogs did, too.
Lots of people had Santa hats and festive holiday clothing. Some dogs did, too.
Members of the audience head up toward the stage. It was just too much fun!
Members of the audience head up toward the stage. It was just too much fun!
Even the Spreckels Organ Society volunteers were singing along!
Even the Spreckels Organ Society volunteers were singing along!

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Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Cool sights in San Diego’s historic Chinatown.

An amazing statue of China's unifying First Emperor stands at the front entrance of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
A statue of China’s unifying First Emperor. It stands at the front entrance of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.

From time to time I walk through San Diego’s historic Chinatown, which is located in what is officially called the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The area is bounded by Market Street, 2nd Avenue, 6th Avenue and J Street. You’ll find it downtown right next to the Gaslamp Quarter.

Over the years, I’ve learned a bit about San Diego’s early history during these walks. And I’ve accumulated a few photographs. Here are some cool sights that you might enjoy. I’ve provided interesting information in the captions.

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The Chinese Mission Building, built in 1927, was moved in 1996 to its present location at 404 3rd Avenue.
The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The Chinese Mission Building, built in 1927, was moved in 1995 to its present location at 404 3rd Avenue.
The California Mission Revival-style Chinese Mission Building, dated 1927, was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of renowned architect Irving Gill.
The California Mission Revival-style Chinese Mission Building, dated 1927, was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of renowned architect Irving Gill.
Banners along side of downtown's San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Banners along side of downtown’s San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Looking through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Gate on Third Avenue. Behind the museum is a small Asian garden.
Looking through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Gate on Third Avenue. Behind the museum is a small Asian garden.
Ornate front of the San Diego Chinese Center, a community resource located in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District, San Diego's historic Chinatown.
Ornate front of the San Diego Chinese Center, a community resource located in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District.
A century ago, Quin Produce was located here on Third Avenue. Ah Quin ran a family produce business and was once considered the unofficial mayor of Chinatown.
A century ago, Quin Produce was located here on Third Avenue. Ah Quin ran a family produce business and was once considered the unofficial mayor of Chinatown.
The Chuang Archive and Learning Center of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
The Chuang Archive and Learning Center of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Display in window explains Feathered Beings Iconography. Feathered beings were frequently seen motifs in artifacts of the Han Dynasty.
Display in window explains Feathered Beings Iconography. Feathered beings were frequently seen motifs in artifacts of the Han Dynasty.
Three bay windows at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Extension display historical photographs and common artifacts from San Diego's old Chinatown.
Three bay windows at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Extension display historical photographs and common artifacts from San Diego’s old Chinatown.
Photographs in this outdoor exhibit show various aspects of Chinese culture.
Photographs in this outdoor exhibit show various aspects of Chinese culture.
A view of San Diego's Third Avenue a hundred years ago, and the family of influential businessman and civic leader Ah Quin.
A view of San Diego’s Third Avenue a hundred years ago, and the family of influential businessman and civic leader Ah Quin.
Items from daily life in old Chinatown include kerosene heater, iron, scale and soup spoon.
Items from daily life in old Chinatown include kerosene heater, iron, and a grocery scale.
Scale manufactured by National Store Specialty Company, circa early 1900s.
Scale manufactured by National Store Specialty Company, circa early 1900s.
Display includes various articles used for food preparation and cooking in San Diego's old Chinatown.
Display includes various articles used for food preparation and cooking in San Diego’s old Chinatown.
Beautiful, artistic and historically interesting objects from daily life long ago in Chinatown.
Beautiful, artistic and historically interesting objects from daily life long ago in Chinatown.
A walk through San Diego's Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District provides many cool sights.
A walk through San Diego’s Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District provides many cool sights!

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Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Terror victims remembered at House of France.

French flag and Eiffel Tower as a peace sign. A memorial for the victims of the Paris terror attack.
French flag and the Eiffel Tower turned into a peace sign. Part of a touching memorial for the victims of the Paris terror attack.

A candlelight vigil was held last night at the House of France in Balboa Park. The House of France is a member of the peace-loving House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.

During the vigil, the victims of Friday’s ISIS terror attack in Paris were remembered, and loving support was displayed in San Diego for the good people of France.

I walked by the House of France early this morning. The candles were still lit.

A candlelight vigil was held last night in front of the House of France in San Diego's Balboa Park.
A candlelight vigil was held last night in front of the House of France in San Diego’s Balboa Park.
Candles remain lit the morning after the vigil. Signs, messages, flowers and letters show support for France and love for those who died during the Paris terror attack.
Candles remain lit the morning after the vigil. Signs, messages, flowers and letters show support for France and love for those who died during the Paris terror attack.
Pray for Paris.
Pray for Paris.
Je suis Paris.
Je suis Paris.
Personal sentiments are written down by San Diegans with ties to France. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Personal sentiments are written down by San Diegans, many with ties to France. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sending our love to Paris and the rest of the world.
Sending our love to Paris and the rest of the world.
La France est la joie de vivre. A memorial for the innocent victims of the Paris terror attack. Hope, love and beauty cannot be conquered.
La France est la joie de vivre. A memorial for the innocent victims of the Paris terror attack. Hope, love and beauty cannot be conquered.

Please join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously!

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously - 500 x 500

I’d like to propose a new informal organization. Anyone can join. It exists in our spirit. It’s called B.L.O.G., which stands for Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

We bloggers have amazing power. Our presence on the internet is enormous. We have significant and increasing influence in the world. Together we can make a huge positive difference.

So why not flex our muscles and use that growing influence to do good?

My proposal:

To be a self-appointed member of B.L.O.G., one must make a conscious effort to help nonprofits, charities and unselfish individuals who tirelessly work to improve our world.

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously will help these deserving folks by providing them with publicity.

From time to time–when opportunities arise–members of B.L.O.G. will publish posts about charitable efforts.  One might write a post to help publicize an organization’s food drive, or a community’s environmental cleanup, or neighborhood students trying to raise money, or a walk to find a cure…

Every member of B.L.O.G. will use the power of their passionate words to support those who work to improve our world.

Here are some examples.

Will you join me? I even made a big blue B.L.O.G. graphic as you can see at the top of this post! Make your own or use mine if you’d like! It’s all about a spirit of giving and doing things that are meaningful. Isn’t generosity what’s ultimately important in life, anyway?

Let’s make this world (and the internet) a better place!

Please help Stuff the Bus to fight hunger!

Please help Stuff the Bus to fight hunger in San Diego!
Please help Stuff the Bus to fight hunger in San Diego!

San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is getting ready for their 8th Annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive!

You can help fight hunger in San Diego by collecting non-perishable food and by spreading the word in advance!

On December 5, between 9 am and 2 pm, MTS buses will be parked in front of Albertsons and VONS stores throughout San Diego County. The objective will be to fill the buses with food to aid the hungry! Your friends, business or organization can collect canned goods and other nonperishables and help stuff a bus, or you can purchase preselected grocery items inside the stores. When the event ends, the food will be transported to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, which is the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County.

Click here for store locations, the food items needed, and other important details!

Come on San Diego! Let’s jam those buses with love!

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