Tag: philosophy

Mysteries and wonders on a walk in Balboa Park.

I spied this wonder in Balboa Park's Desert Garden. Why yellow?
I spied this natural wonder in Balboa Park’s Desert Garden. Why yellow?

Most of my holiday was spent in Balboa Park. Reading, jotting a few words, walking.

As I turned corners, I encountered many mysteries and wonders.

Who placed a palm frond cross and hearts on a tree in the Desert Garden?
Who placed a palm frond cross and hearts on a bare tree?
What on earth produced this bizarre, hollow, bulging tree trunk?
What on earth produced this bizarre, hollow, bulging tree trunk?
What are those wonderfully odd wicker carts? Those are Electriquettes, which first appeared in Balboa Park during the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
What are those wonderfully odd wicker carts? I know! Those are Electriquettes, which first appeared in Balboa Park during the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
Why is this small sculpture of a child in the Japanese Friendship Garden? Nobody knows. Someone placed it here mysteriously many years ago.
Why is this small sculpture of a child in the Japanese Friendship Garden? Nobody knows. Someone placed it here mysteriously many years ago.
What mysterious turn of the wind arranged this, and why did I turn my eyes to see it?
What mysterious turn of the wind arranged this, and why did I turn my eyes to see it?
Should one exit stage left or stage right?
Should one exit stage left or stage right?
Will seeds planted in Balboa Park by Kate Sessions outlive us all?
Will seeds planted in Balboa Park by Kate Sessions outlive us all?
I spied this rose near a nation's closed cottage. Why is a small flower beautiful?
I happened upon this rose near a closed, locked door. Why is a flower beautiful?
When the Comic-Con Center for Popular Culture moves into the Federal Building in 2018, will visitors wear costumes?
When the Comic-Con Center for Popular Culture eventually moves into the Federal Building, will visitors wear costumes?
Do puppets ever tug their own strings?
Do puppets ever manipulate their own strings?
People gaze into the distance. What do they wonder?
People gaze into the green distance. What do they wonder?
In the courtyard of the House of Hospitality is a Time Capsule Dedicated to the Future of Balboa Park, to be opened in 2035. What waits inside?
In the courtyard of the House of Hospitality is a Time Capsule Dedicated to the Future of Balboa Park, to be opened in 2035. What waits hidden inside?
How many photographs does it take to satisfy a photographer?
How many photographs does it take to satisfy a photographer?
Who gets to open those windows and water those flowers?
Who gets to open those windows, and water those flowers?
Spring and summer vanish. What is in their future?
Spring and summer end. What is in their future?
Why does time move only forward?
Why does time move forward?

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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!

Art can remind us that Life is Beautiful.

Flowers have been painted on one side of a utility box on Bankers Hill.
Flowers have been painted on a utility box on Bankers Hill.

Life is essentially beautiful. Art can remind us of this truth.

Art that affirms life’s essential beauty can be simple or complex. It isn’t small, or cynical. It generously finds wonder with every brush stroke.

Art can remind us all that this world contains wonders beyond count.
This world, and our lives, contain wonders beyond count.
A simple phrase. Life is Beautiful.
A simple phrase carefully written: Life is Beautiful.

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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!

Dreams by the water one Sunday afternoon.

Fisherman on pier and a sailboat.
Fisherman on a pier, and sailboat.

This morning I explored the heart of La Mesa. I’ll blog about my adventure shortly.

This afternoon I returned downtown, then strolled for a couple of magical hours along San Diego Bay. I gazed at the whirl of people all around. I glimpsed moments in life.

Near the softly rippling, bright water, life can seem like a dream.

Walking along, touching a tree.
Walking along, touching a tree.
A momentary pause on some steps.
A moment on some steps.
Ice cream on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Ice cream on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Resting on the shady grass.
Resting on the shady grass.
Family and a passing white sail.
Family and a passing white sail.
A kite high in the blue sky.
A kite high in the blue sky.
Dreams float on sparkling blue.
Like dreams on sparkling blue.
Looking down into mystery.
Looking down into mystery.
A busy day and a smile.
A busy day and a smile.
A story some will not see.
A story some will not see.
Fishing for memories.
Fishing for memories.
A wave upon waves.
A wave upon waves.
Fishing beyond an old fence.
Fishing beyond an old fence.
Many choices.
Many choices.
The passage of time.
The passage of time.
Realizing dreams.
Realizing dreams.
A moment of fantasy.
Youth and fantasy.
A bite to eat.
A bite to eat.

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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!

Two cool murals in an Ocean Beach alley.

Spiritual revelation is suggested by many eyes and mandalas in an Ocean Beach mural. This cool street art can be experienced in a little-visited alley. The whole can be glimpsed from any place where you stand.
Spiritual revelation is suggested by many eyes and mandalas in an Ocean Beach mural. This cool street art can be experienced in a quiet alley. The whole of this world can be glimpsed from any place where you stand.

Each life has an infinity of roads not taken. Robert Frost touched upon regret with his famous poem. But, you know, every road that is taken contains an abundance of life, if we choose to see.

Yesterday, during the Ocean Beach Street Fair, I ventured, by chance, through a seldom-visited alley. And discovered two amazing murals.

And then I moved on. Chances are I won’t go that way again.

Hope, flying saucers and flaming green hair, part of a second mural on two walls in the same alley.
Hope, flying saucers and flaming green hair, part of a second cool mural in the same alley.
Guys load empty kegs during the Ocean Beach Street Fair.
Guys load empty kegs during the Ocean Beach Street Fair. Day-to-day work, surrounded by wonder.
Swirling, blooming beauty painted in a nook. A mermaid is perched above flowers.
Swirling, blooming beauty painted in a nook. A mermaid is perched above flowers.
I see a lot of names. I assume these are the beautiful mural's creators. I might never meet them, but their art has touched me.
I see a lot of names. I assume these are the beautiful mural’s creators. I might never meet them, but their art has touched me.
This alley that is seldom taken contains untrod flowers, and life, and no regrets.
The human world contains many alleys. This one contains a glimpse of untrod flowers, and surprising life. We turn a corner right or left, and continue the journey.

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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!

To read a few thoughtful stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.

More short stories about light and darkness.

My writing blog Short Stories by Richard continues to grow. It now features 17 short works of fiction.

Many of the stories concern magic–or elements in life that seem to be magic. Most of the pieces contain both light and darkness.

I already posted a summary of my first six short stories here.

These are the next eleven–click the links to read:

One Strange, Shimmering Dream follows one man’s fantastic pursuit.

A Small Fountain in Green Park is about love and cherished moments in our brief life.

Irresistible Gravity is about futility and self-questioning.

A Dance in the Lightning takes a dangerous peek at ultimate reality.

Waterfall Tears interprets a moment of grieving.

An Old Man on a Bus contains unexpected defiance.

Dew on the Grass is about keen perception.

How to Paint Angels tells a story of despair, then sudden miraculous inspiration.

Final Real Magic is about youth and the uncertain nature of magic.

The Piano Player Sat Down produces a bit of strange, musical magic.

The Child and the Koi is a short fable about opposing primal powers.

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Thank you for following my blog! Today I’m going to a Mariachi Festival in San Diego’s South Bay. Photos should be coming later!

Have a fine Sunday and keep on smiling!

Richard

Photos of Donal Hord’s iconic sculpture Aztec.

Face of iconic sculpture Aztec, presented to SDSU in 1937 by artist Donal Hord.
Face of iconic sculpture Aztec, presented to SDSU in 1937 by San Diego artist Donal Hord.

An iconic work of art can be found at San Diego State University. The diorite sculpture is considered by many to be a modernist masterpiece–some have called it one of the finest stone figures ever sculpted. Its renowned artist, Donal Hord, who lived most of his life in San Diego, referred to his creation as Aztec or The Aztec. He presented the amazing sculpture to SDSU in 1937 during a Founder’s Day celebration.

I headed over to SDSU yesterday to see the sculpture for myself and hopefully take some photos. I was struck by the quiet strength, nobility and simplicity of the work. I could have rested my eyes and mind upon the Aztec for a very long while. It touched my innermost feelings about humanity–elevating those feelings. Art done well cuts deeper than philosophy. It reaches deep inside like potent magic.

Donal Hord with Aztec, 1937, at San Diego State University. Public domain image from the collection of the Archives of American Art.
Donal Hord with Aztec, 1937, at San Diego State University. Public domain image from the collection of the Archives of American Art.
The sculpture's base, which was presented to SDSU by the graduating class of 1937, has a plaque with the title Montezuma. The artist himself called his piece the Aztec.
The sculpture’s base, which was presented to SDSU by the graduating class of 1937, has a plaque with the title Montezuma. The artist himself called his piece the Aztec.
A tranquil, bold sculpture that evokes feelings of nobility.
A tranquil, bold sculpture that evokes feelings of human nobility.
Side view of the Aztec shows gracefully folded hands and strongly planted feet.
Side view of the Aztec shows gracefully folded hands and strongly planted feet.
The diorite sculpture seems to be carved from the eternal substance of the black, star-filled cosmos. Light upon its curving surface is like gentle light on rippled water.
The diorite sculpture seems to be carved from the eternal substance of the black, star-filled cosmos. Light upon its curving surface is like gentle light on rippled water.
An expression of strength, thoughtfulness, humility. An iconic image one will not soon forget.
An expression of strength, thoughtfulness, humility. An iconic image one will not soon forget.

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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!

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 photos for you to share and enjoy!

A tale of human struggle against the elements.

A broken chain at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
A broken chain at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

These photos taken at the Maritime Museum of San Diego tell a story. It’s that never-ending tale of human struggle against the elements.

Rope and chain. Ancient inventions.
Rope and chain. Ancient inventions.
A tale of human struggle against the elements.
A tale of human struggle against the elements.
Waiting for an outstretched hand, a critical moment.
Waiting for an outstretched hand, a critical moment.
An anchor above calm water.
An anchor above calm water.
Instruments of control in a stormy world. Rope, chain and anchor.
Instruments of control in a stormy world. Rope, chain and anchor.
Life clings to chains. Rust devours chains.
Life clings to chains. Rust devours chains.
A strained connection.
A strained connection.
Necessary chains. Rusty chains large and small.
Necessary chains. Rusty chains large and small.
Human endeavor.
Human endeavor.
Ropes cast aside, perhaps hurriedly.
Ropes cast aside, perhaps hurriedly.
Ordered ropes, to harness gusts above.
Ordered ropes, to harness gusts above.
New strength.
New strength.
Bent steel, neat coils, in a tangle of dark shadows.
Bent steel, neat coils, in a tangle of untouchable dark shadows.
Worm, Parcel and Serve! A never-ending story of human ambition battling water, sun, salt and wind.
Worm, Parcel and Serve! A never-ending story of human ambition, battling water, sun, salt and wind.
Tarring at the museum.
Tarring at the museum.
New bonds, prepared.
New bonds, prepared.
A strange sculpture, or a potent symbol.
A strange sculpture, or a potent symbol.
A wrestle.
A wrestle.

This is a story of struggle with many pages. The unconquerable antagonist in every chapter is Time.

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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!

To read a few stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.

A writer . . . almost struck by lightning!

lightning

What is it like to be almost struck by lightning? If you’re a writer, the answer to others might sound a bit strange.

Well, I was almost struck. On Longs Peak, coming down from the summit, about 20 years ago. That one flash of lightning stabbed so near my heart, and electrified my mind with something so majestic and indefinite, that I had to write something down. In the form of a story.

That short story is titled A Dance in the Lightning, and I just finished it this morning. Or perhaps it’s finished. I have a tendency to periodically change the fiction in my blog Short Stories by Richard.

The lightning at times is close, but more often it’s miles away. And it’s only glimpsed for a brief instant.

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!

Wise words inspire readers at the San Diego Library.

We read to know we are not alone. Wise words inscribed in the San Diego Central Library's large, friendly Reading Room.
We read to know we are not alone. Wise words inscribed in the San Diego Central Library’s large, friendly Reading Room.

Many wise words are digested by hungry minds at the San Diego Public Library. At the Central Library in downtown San Diego, wise sayings and phrases are inscribed upon the building itself. One must simply open eyes to find inspiration.

The three most important documents a free society gives are a birth certificate, a passport, and a library card.
The three most important documents a free society gives are a birth certificate, a passport, and a library card.
If there's a book you really want to read but hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.
If there’s a book you really want to read but hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. A San Diego Trolley passes some wisdom written on the east side of the downtown public library.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. A San Diego Trolley heads down tracks past some wisdom written on the east side of the downtown public library.
Yo que me figuraba el paraiso bajo la especie de una biblioteca. From Poem of the Gifts, by Jorge Luis Borges . . . I who had always thought of Paradise in form and image as a library . . .
Yo que me figuraba el paraiso bajo la especie de una biblioteca. From Poem of the Gifts, by Jorge Luis Borges . . . I who had always thought of Paradise in form and image as a library . . .
It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.
It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.
I go into my library and all history unrolls before me.
I go into my library and all history unrolls before me.
Words inscribed on steps leading to the San Diego Central Library. A portion of Maya Angelou's On the Pulse of Morning, a poem read during the 1993 Presidential Inauguration.
Words inscribed on steps leading to the San Diego Central Library. A portion of Maya Angelou’s On the Pulse of Morning, a poem read during the 1993 Presidential Inauguration.

Women, children, men, take it into the palms of your hands, mold it into the shape of your most private need. Sculpt it into the image of your most public self. Lift up your hearts. Each new hour holds new chances for new beginning.

A trolley heads down Park Boulevard past a series of wise sayings and phrases concerning books, libraries and the written word.
A trolley heads down Park Boulevard past a series of wise sayings and phrases concerning books, libraries and the written word.

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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!

To read a few short stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.