Tag: philosophy

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!

Just another fine day in San Diego.

Street performer balances a ball at Navy Pier.
Street performer balances a ball at Navy Pier.

Almost any day in San Diego is a fine day. A fine day to open eyes and experience life.

When I walk about, I often take photos of everything and anything. Photography helps one to see the surrounding world: a fascinating world in constant motion.

Here are some photos that I’ve taken on different walks around San Diego. Every walk is a fine walk. There is so much to see.

Saturday morning on the pier near the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.
Saturday morning on the pier near the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.
A bicyclist with a daring spirit at the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.
A bicyclist with a daring spirit at the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.
A standup paddleboarder off Coronado, sailboats and the San Diego skyline in the background.
A standup paddleboarder off Coronado, with sailboats and the San Diego skyline in the background.
Bagpipes and a smile outside Petco Park.
Bagpipes and a smile outside Petco Park.
Early morning produce is ready to deliver in East Village.
Early morning produce is ready to deliver in East Village.
A boy and a kite at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A boy and a kite at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Someone seeks attention in Seaport Village.
Someone seeks attention in Seaport Village.
Pigeons on Broadway.
Pigeons on Broadway.
A smiling face.
A smiling face.
Rolling down the Gaslamp.
Rolling down the Gaslamp.
A big wheel in Balboa Park.
A big wheel in Balboa Park.
A handstand on a bench. Another sunny day in San Diego.
A handstand on a bench. Just another fine day in San Diego.
A scene of ordinary city life near the Fifth Avenue trolley station.
A scene of ordinary city life near the Fifth Avenue trolley station.
Entertainer with horse head at the Little Italy Farmers' Market.
Entertainer wears a horse head at the Little Italy Farmers’ Market.
A slow Sunday in downtown San Diego.
A slow Sunday in downtown 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 mural in San Diego extols humility, nobility.

A new mural in downtown San Diego contains great wisdom, extolling two human values. Be humble. Be noble.
A new mural in downtown San Diego contains great wisdom, extolling two human values. Be humble. Be noble.

A new street mural in downtown San Diego is being completed even as I post this! It’s being painted on a large parking lot wall just south of C Street, between Front Street and 1st Avenue. Check it out!

The artist, Trek Thunder Kelly, who operates out of Venice Beach, California, is known for creating unique designs that mix oddly contrasting messages and images. The cool mural that he’s working on at this very moment is sponsored by the internet retail company Zappos, and it extols one of their stated core values: humility. I couldn’t help but notice the quote highlights another important human virtue: nobility.

Be humble. You are made of earth.
Be noble. You are made of stars.

These powerful true words come from a Serbian proverb.

When I spoke to Trek, it sounded like he’d paint some of the stars with glow-in-the-dark phosphorescent paint. At this point he has a limited supply, so it will have to be artistically applied. I can’t wait to see the completed artwork!

Be humble. You are made of earth. Be noble. You are made of stars.
Be humble. You are made of earth. Be noble. You are made of stars.

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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!

To read a few philosophical short stories, click Short Stories by Richard.

This is what love is really about.

This is what love is really about. Helping others. Smiling. Connecting. Being unselfish. Having a purpose larger than oneself.
What is love? Compassion.

Serving others. Expressing true compassion with more than words: with actual deeds. Having a purpose that is larger than oneself.

I know quite a few people who are fundamentally unhappy. Of course, they are all self-centered.

Perhaps they should look beyond their own nose and think of others.

Here are some photographic examples of true love. These and hundreds of other unselfish volunteers gladly took to the streets of San Diego this morning to collect donations for Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald House offers families a place to stay near specialized hospitals where young children are battling life-threatening illnesses. Every year, about 1,400 families, who are undergoing unspeakable stress and worry, and possibly financial hardship, are freely given a place to stay and good meals to eat. Now that is love.

It’s too late this year to roll down your car window and drop some money into a big red shoe. But you can donate online here!

One of many unselfish volunteers who took to the streets of San Diego this morning, collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House.
One of many unselfish volunteers who took to the streets of San Diego this morning, collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House.
The happiest people alive are the least selfish. Look at the genuine smiles. What more needs to be said.
The happiest people alive are the least selfish. Look at the genuine smiles. What more needs to be said.
Money collected by this wonderful lady will provide families with a comforting place to stay while children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses are treated at a nearby hospital.
Money collected by this wonderful lady will provide families with a comforting place to stay while children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses are treated at nearby hospitals.

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

Holographic painting–a revolutionary art movement!

Unique holographic artwork painted on glass as seen through a Gaslamp window. Reflections of life on the street are also visible.
Unique holographic artwork painted on glass as seen through a downtown San Diego window. Reflections of life on the street are also visible in this photo.

Look what I discovered! These super cool, revolutionary paintings are on display in downtown San Diego. You’ll find them arranged behind the windows of the now closed Gaslamp 15 movie theater, just beneath the old marquee.

When I read the signs near these vibrant paintings, my curiosity was piqued. An inventive gentleman named Liguori has used proprietary holographic paints to create two-dimensional images that seem three-dimensional. The visual appearance changes depending upon the angle from which the artwork is observed!

According to the written description, this method of painting is so unique that it constitutes a completely new art form! My photos through the glass windows don’t really demonstrate the appearance of three dimensions. But my photos do include interesting reflections from the city street! Melded with the colorful art are buildings, people, a bus, cars, and just regular ordinary stuff a person walking down the sidewalk might observe. In a sense, this adds another unusual dimension! Please read the two signs that I photographed. Especially if you are keenly interested in physics and philosophy, and unbounded human creativity.

Do you have questions? Would you like to learn more? Perhaps you’d like to purchase one of these completely revolutionary pieces, which belong to an art movement yet to be named! That’s what the sign says! And all proceeds go to charity! To contact Liguori, use the email that is at the bottom of the signs.

Very cool!

Very cool works of art are on display in downtown San Diego. You can see them in the windows of the now vacant Gaslamp 15 movie theater, beneath the old marquee.
Very cool works of art are on display in downtown San Diego. You can see them in the windows of the now vacant Gaslamp 15 movie theater, beneath the old marquee.
Liguori is a successful businessman in his seventies. He took up painting late in life. He developed a totally new art medium. All the proceeds of his work will go to various charities.
Liguori is a successful businessman in his seventies. He took up painting late in life. He developed a totally new art medium. All the proceeds of his work will go to various charities!
More examples of Liguori's dazzling, thought-provoking pieces. Apparently the application of his special holographic paint on glass is an entirely new, revolutionary art form.
More examples of Liguori’s dazzling, thought-provoking pieces. Apparently the application of his special holographic paint on glass is an entirely new, revolutionary art form.
Bold color stimulates the human mind and imagination. Like the universe (or perhaps multiverse), what is seen depends on the observer's momentary point of view.
Bold color stimulates the human mind and imagination. Like the universe (or perhaps multiverse), what is seen depends on the observer’s momentary point of view.
Liguori's work provides a physical manifestation of objective reality. When viewing this holographic art, countless three dimensional images are possible. It depends on the angle of observation.
Liguori’s work provides a physical manifestation of objective reality. When viewing this holographic art, countless three dimensional images are possible. It depends upon the angle of observation.
Abstract art melds with cars, buildings, and bits of everyday experience in one wonderful window.
Abstract art melds with cars, buildings, and bits of everyday experience in one wonderful window.
More fantastic artwork. I was unable to take photographs without reflections in the windows. But it makes these images that more interesting!
More fantastic artwork. I was unable to take photographs without reflections in the windows. But it makes these images that more interesting!
A dim somebody strides through a splash of vibrant color.
A dim somebody strides through a splash of vibrant color.
The cosmos is incomprehensibly enormous and complex. Different wavelengths, angles, points in space and time...different states of mind and a blink of the eye. Objective reality is observed only in tiny slices.
The cosmos is incomprehensibly enormous and complex. Different wavelengths, angles, points in space and time…different states of mind and a blink of the eye. Objective reality is observed only in tiny slices.

UPDATE!

I’ve decided to walk past these holographic paintings again, and attempt to take some better photos without the street reflections. I’ll post them shortly…

Okay, I somehow got two close-up photos through the windows that are pretty amazing. Here they are…

01 Close-up photo of amazing holographic painting by Liguori.
01 Close-up photo of holographic painting by Liguori.
02 Close-up photo of amazing holographic painting by Liguori.
02 Close-up photo of holographic painting by Liguori.

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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 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.

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.

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.

Photos of Chargers’ downtown stadium petition drive event.

Chargers football fans hold huge bolts for a photograph!
Chargers football fans hold huge bolts for a photograph!

Here are a bunch of photos from today’s Chargers petition drive event in downtown San Diego. Our NFL team is seeking to have a new stadium built downtown, and a petition has been launched to put their proposal on the November ballot. The event brought several popular players and dignitaries to the spot where the proposed stadium would be built, and signature gatherers circulated among Chargers fans.

I had planned to check out a pop-up Shakespeare performance at the nearby Central Library at noon (I’ll blog about that shortly), but when I saw this rally was planned for eleven o’clock, I added it to my list of things to do! Personally, I enjoy watching the Chargers play on television on Sunday, but am not really a diehard fan. I agree it would be a shame to see them leave San Diego. They are a part of our history and community.  I’m not especially passionate about any particular stadium proposal–either Mission Valley or downtown. As a downtown resident, a new football stadium nearby (which would also be used in conjunction with the San Diego Convention Center) would bring a lot of excitement into the neighborhood. It might also create certain inconveniences.

Today’s big Chargers petition drive kickoff intrigued me, not because I’m an advocate for any side, but because I’ve become more and more philosophical as I’ve grown older. It’s interesting to simply observe human behavior.

Lots of diehard Chargers fans were on hand Saturday for a big signature gathering kickoff sponsored by the San Diego Chargers organization, in their quest for a downtown stadium.
Lots of diehard Chargers fans were on hand Saturday for a big signature gathering kickoff sponsored by the San Diego Chargers organization, in their quest for a downtown stadium.
People arriving at the San Diego Chargers downtown stadium petition drive event are asked to add their signatures.
People arriving at the San Diego Chargers downtown stadium petition drive event are asked to add their signatures.
Petitions were being signed on the sidewalk along Park Boulevard, where many homeless people camp in San Diego.
Petitions were being signed on the sidewalk along Park Boulevard, where many homeless people camp in San Diego.
Someone in the gathering crowd holds a Vote for Chargers Stadium sign.
Someone in the gathering crowd holds a Vote for Chargers Stadium sign.
One of several stations where people attending the event could sign the Chargers' downtown stadium petition.
One of several stations where people attending the event could sign the Chargers’ downtown stadium petition.
A videoboard showed various conceptual drawings of what the proposed downtown stadium would look like. It would also be used for conventions.
A videoboard showed various conceptual drawings of what the proposed downtown stadium would look like. It could also be used for conventions.
Camera people get ready for the heavily promoted event to begin.
Camera people get ready for the heavily promoted event to begin.
A fan in a Chargers team jersey holds a poster that says Thank You 21. That was LaDainian Tomlinson's number.
A fan in a Chargers team jersey holds a poster that says Thank You 21. That was LaDainian Tomlinson’s number.
A fairly large crowd has gathered in the parking lot near Petco Park where Padres fans often tailgate. The proposed stadium would be built here.
A fairly large crowd has gathered in the parking lot near Petco Park where Padres fans often tailgate. The proposed stadium would be built here.
A fan brought a football. Perhaps he was hoping for an autograph.
A fan brought a football. Perhaps he was hoping for an autograph.
Footage of LaDainian Tomlinson's football exploits was a big crowd pleaser.
Footage of LaDainian Tomlinson’s football exploits was a big crowd pleaser.
Television news cameras and media photographers jam together to capture the Chargers' downtown stadium petition publicity event.
Television news cameras and media photographers jam together to capture the Chargers’ downtown stadium petition publicity event.  It seems everyone has a role to play.
Dean Spanos, team president and CEO of the National Football League's San Diego Chargers team takes the stage. Pre-made signs intended to shame Mayor Faulconer rise in unison.
Dean Spanos, team president and CEO of the National Football League’s San Diego Chargers team takes the stage. Pre-made signs intended to shame Mayor Kevin Faulconer rise in unison.
Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the National Football League, advocates for a new football stadium downtown.
Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the National Football League, advocates for a new football stadium downtown.
LaDainian Tomlinson, one of the best running backs in NFL history, flew in from Texas for the event. He was clearly the crowd favorite and received loud cheers.
LaDainian Tomlinson, one of the best running backs in NFL history, flew in from Texas for the event. He was clearly the crowd favorite and received loud cheers.
Philip Rivers, star quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, got the crowd excited during the petition event.
Philip Rivers, star quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, got the crowd excited during the petition event.
Several super fans take part in a ceremonial first signing on stage with the various dignitaries.
Several super fans take part in a “ceremonial first signing” on stage with the various dignitaries.
A blast of glitter and raised pom-poms from smiling San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders as the event comes to a conclusion.
A blast of glitter and raised pom-poms from smiling San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders as the rousing event comes to a conclusion.
After the event is over, someone holds up a cardboard Not Downtown poster. There are many interested people on both sides of the issue.
After the event is over, someone holds up a cardboard Not Downtown poster. There are various interests on either side of the issue. Many people are passionate for one reason or another.  And of course a lot of money is at stake.

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