Tag: smile

How you might save the life of a cancer patient!

You could be the cure! Smiling ladies in Balboa Park register potential bone marrow donors. And there are other ways that you can fight cancer, too!
You could be the cure! Smiling ladies in Balboa Park register potential bone marrow donors. And there are other ways that you can fight cancer, too!

During my walk today, I was reminded of an important fact. There’s a heroic decision that many of us can make to possibly save another person’s life.

I’m sure many of you have heard about how certain types of blood cancers can be successfully treated with a bone marrow transplant. And you’ve probably heard about the National Marrow Donor Program, a registry where cancer patients can be matched with an appropriate donor.

Have you thought about becoming a potential donor? You might save somebody’s life!

If you walk through Balboa Park and notice a sign concerning a Marrow Donor Registry Drive, take a moment to check it out! Or simply click the Be The Match website now to learn of several things you can do to help save a life!

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Boats, a pier, clutter, humor and life.

A Disney princess has been captured in a large fishing net on the Tuna Harbor pier.
A Disney princess has been captured in a large fishing net on the Tuna Harbor pier.

If you love a sunlit clutter of colorful surprises, Tuna Harbor’s G Street Pier is the perfect spot.

Curious eyes during a slow walk are sure to discover many wonders. Small humorous wonders that produce small smiles.

Enjoy a few photos.

Fishermen bike to their boat. Tuna Harbor is full of visual delights, odd clutter, humor and life.
Fishermen bike to their boat. Tuna Harbor is full of visual delights, odd clutter, humor and life.
Floats with spear-like poles rise into the sky above downtown San Diego skyscrapers.
Floats with spear-like poles rise into the sky above downtown San Diego skyscrapers.
A heron has taken sole possession of this boat in Tuna Harbor.
A heron has taken sole possession of this boat in Tuna Harbor.
Fish won't be caught in here for long.
Fish won’t be caught in here for long.
A colorful fishing boat in Tuna Harbor. Sun, sweat, grit and real life. The source of your elegant dinner.
An untidy fishing boat in Tuna Harbor. Sun, sweat, grit and real life. The source of your elegant dinner.
Truth is, the Sea Nag likes to keep things cool.
Truth is, the Sea Nag likes to keep things cool.
An indifferent gull.
An indifferent gull.
This live bait boat resembles an auto tire store.
This live bait boat resembles an auto tire store.
That's a very large houseboat. A small bird builds a nest in an odd place.
Who doesn’t love a houseboat? A small bird builds a nest in an odd place.

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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!

Sky and water. Morning light, life, reflection.

The light of sunrise touches clouds behind upper structures of commercial fishing boats.
Sunrise touches clouds behind fishing boats.

New light. Eyes reopen. The sky regains depth. Wings stretch.

In downtown San Diego, along the Embarcadero, morning light reflects from both clouds and water.

The first smile of the day.

Life is wonderful, and good.

A beautiful sky one October morning above Tuna Harbor in San Diego Bay.
A beautiful sky one October morning above Tuna Harbor in San Diego.
Seagulls perched on a boat await the morning activity of fishermen.
Seagulls perched on a boat await the morning activity of fishermen.
A seagull circles far away like a dream.
A seagull circles far away like a dream.
Fishing boats and tinted clouds, reflected in the gentle water of Tuna Harbor.
Fishing boats and tinted clouds, reflected in the gentle water.
A mysterious reflection in the rippled water.
A boat’s mysterious reflection in the rippled water.
A sky full of fantastic clouds. Early morning above the Embarcadero near Ruocco Park.
A sky full of fantastic clouds. Early morning above the Embarcadero near Ruocco Park.
Light infiltrates complex clouds above San Diego.
Magical light infiltrates clouds above San Diego.
White clouds that seem like cotton in the blue sky.
Clouds that seem like cotton in the blue sky.
Morning birds take flight high in the air.
Morning birds take flight like windblown seeds in the air.
Photo aiming upward at clouds through The Riparium, public art created in 2012 by Roman de Salvo. Eucalyptus, steel and masonry forms rise in a corner of San Diego's Ruocco Park.
Clouds are framed by The Riparium, public art created in 2012 by Roman de Salvo. The sinuous structure rises in one corner of San Diego’s Ruocco Park.
Gazing skyward through The Riparium. Another magical day has dawned in downtown San Diego.
Gazing skyward through The Riparium. A fine day has dawned in downtown San Diego.

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 stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.

Do you enjoy beautiful things? Visit my photography blog which I call A Small World Full of Beauty.

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!

San Diego Padres Hall of Fame players at Petco Park.

The face of Dave Winfield, a past San Diego Padres superstar, now in the Baseball Hall of Fame, greets fans on the north side of Petco Park's historic Western Metal Supply Co. building.
The face of Dave Winfield, a past San Diego Padres superstar, now in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, greets fans on the north side of Petco Park’s historic Western Metal Supply Co. building.

Just before the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played in San Diego, a special section at Petco Park was readied to showcase our baseball team’s greatest players. In addition to large iconic images of four Padres favorites which had been added to the north end of the Western Metal Supply Co. building, an impressive “Padres In Cooperstown” wall of plaques was installed near the Padres Hall of Fame, which itself opened on July 1, 2016.

The faces you see in my photos bring back many memories. My fond memories include the magical 1984 season, which I followed closely when I was a young man. I hope any Padres fans visiting my blog might enjoy their own special memories.

Randy Jones as a Padre starting pitcher won the Cy Young Award in 1976. Today he is in the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame.
Randy Jones as a starting pitcher won the Cy Young Award in 1976. Today he is in the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame.
The familiar face of Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre, on the Western Metal Supply Co. building. One of the best Major League Baseball hitters of all time.
The familiar face of Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre, on the Western Metal Supply Co. building. One of the best Major League Baseball hitters of all time.
The face of Trevor Hoffman, who pitched as a closer for over 15 years with the San Diego Padres. His 601 saves are the second most in MLB history.
The face of Trevor Hoffman, who pitched as a closer for over 15 years with the San Diego Padres. His 601 saves are presently the second most in MLB history.
Legends who played baseball with the San Diego Padres who are now in Cooperstown's National Baseball Hall of Fame include Ted Williams and Willie McCovey.
Legends who played baseball with the San Diego Padres who are now in Cooperstown’s National Baseball Hall of Fame include Ted Williams and Willie McCovey.
A wall at Petco Park is dedicated to Padres coaches and players who are now in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Names include Rollie Fingers, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, Goose Gossage.
A wall at Petco Park is dedicated to Padres coaches and players who are now in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Names include Rollie Fingers, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, Goose Gossage.
National Baseball Hall of Fame players who spent time with the Padres also include Roberto Alomar, Greg Maddux and Mike Piazza.
National Baseball Hall of Fame players who spent time with the Padres also include Roberto Alomar, Greg Maddux and Mike Piazza.
Dave Winfield played for the San Diego Padres from 1973 to 1980. A talented outfielder, he swung the bat with incredible power. A special plaque for him now stands in front of the "Padres In Cooperstown" wall at Petco Park.
Dave Winfield played for the San Diego Padres from 1973 to 1980. A talented outfielder, he swung the bat with power. A special plaque for him now stands separately in front of the “Padres In Cooperstown” wall at Petco Park.
Tony Gwynn was simply one of the best Major League Baseball players of all time. He spent his entire career as a San Diego Padre. He was a cheerful soul loved by everyone who knew him.
Tony Gwynn was simply one of the best Major League Baseball players of all time. He spent his entire career as a San Diego Padre. He was a cheerful soul loved by the fans and everyone who knew him.
The smiling face of Tony Gwynn on a very special plaque. It stands proudly in front of the "Padres In Cooperstown" wall at Petco Park.
The smiling face of Tony Gwynn on a very special plaque. It stands eternally in front of the “Padres In Cooperstown” wall at Petco 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!

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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Cool smiles and sights along Sixth Avenue downtown.

I rely on Christine's hot chocolate on rare super cold San Diego mornings. She's been smiling near the corner of Sixth and B Street for as long as I can remember!
I rely on Christine’s hot chocolate on rare super cold San Diego mornings. She’s been smiling near the corner of Sixth and B Street for as long as I can remember!

These photos were taken during a morning walk down Sixth Avenue in downtown San Diego. They contain cool smiles and glimpses.

Walking south along Sixth Avenue in downtown San Diego, approaching Ash Street.
Walking south along Sixth Avenue in downtown San Diego, approaching Ash Street.
Reflection in glass panes of the Parking Palace shows the iconic sign atop the El Cortez.
Reflection in glass panes of the Parking Palace shows the iconic sign atop the El Cortez.
Still walking down Sixth Avenue, now approaching A Street.
Still walking down Sixth Avenue, now approaching A Street.
Ornamentation near roof of the old World Trade Center, which has been converted into housing for the homeless. The Art Deco building was once home of publishers Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Ornamentation near roof of the old World Trade Center, which has been converted into housing for the homeless. The Art Deco building was once home of publishers Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
A bird flies between skyscrapers.
A bird flies between skyscrapers.
Looking up at a corner of the America’s Finest City mural on Sixth Avenue.
Looking up at a corner of the America’s Finest City mural on Sixth Avenue.
A Kurt Cobain quote over doors at the downtown House of Blues. "If it's illegal to rock and roll, throw my ass in jail."
A Kurt Cobain quote over doors at the downtown House of Blues. “If it’s illegal to rock and roll, throw my ass in jail.”
Banner promotes romance in the Gaslamp Quarter. The nearby Jewelers Exchange in the Timkin Building at the corner of Sixth and E Streets is packed with dozens of small jewelry vendors.
Banner promotes romance in the Gaslamp Quarter. The nearby Jewelers Exchange in the Timkin Building at the corner of Sixth and E Streets is packed with dozens of small jewelry vendors.
Photo of moon, high above towers of Louis Bank of Commerce Building's facade, one block over on Fifth Avenue. This famous location was home to Wyatt Earp's Oyster Bar gambling hall and saloon.
Photo of moon, high above towers of Louis Bank of Commerce Building’s facade, one block over on Fifth Avenue. This famous location was home to Wyatt Earp’s Oyster Bar gambling hall and saloon.
Rear of Reading Cinemas Gaslamp building. The movie theater closed in February. The complex opened in 1997 as Pacific Theatres. It has been used for film festivals and San Diego Comic-Con screenings.
Rear of Reading Cinemas Gaslamp building. The movie theater closed in February. The complex originally opened in 1997 as Pacific Theatres. It was used in past years for popular film festivals and San Diego Comic-Con screenings.
Angels in flight on rear of the now closed Gaslamp movie theater.
Angels in flight on rear of the now closed Gaslamp movie theater.
Old faded words painted on rear wall of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building in San Diego's Gaslamp spell Tin Shop.
Old faded words painted on brick exterior of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building in San Diego’s Gaslamp spell Tin Shop.
Utility box on Sixth Avenue painted with tea, sandwiches, coffee, salads, burrito and bagels. It made me so hungry, I wanted to step through that cafe's door!
Utility box on Sixth Avenue painted with tea, sandwiches, coffee, salads, burrito and bagels. It made me so hungry, I wanted to step through that cafe’s door!
Hotel Z really really catches the eye with that flamboyant paint job. According to their website, their slogan is A Piece of Pineapple Hospitality.
Hotel Z really really catches the eye with their new, flamboyant paint job. According to their website, their slogan is A Piece of Pineapple Hospitality.
Funny sight inside the window of Cute Cakes. San Diego's Swinging Friar is seated by a big Petco Park frosted cake filled with sprinkle fans!
A funny sight glimpsed inside the window of Cute Cakes. San Diego’s Swinging Friar is seated by a big Petco Park frosted cake filled with sprinkle fans!
Morning deliveries and jogger near electric guitar on employee door of the Hard Rock Hotel.
Morning deliveries and jogger near an electric guitar on the employee door of the Hard Rock Hotel.

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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!

Fun photos of San Diego’s Bike to Work Day!

A San Diego Bike to Work Day pit stop in front of 550 West C Street early in the morning. Hello!
A San Diego Bike to Work Day pit stop in front of 550 West C Street early in the morning. Hello!

Today was Bike to Work Day in San Diego! There were over a hundred pit stops around the county, and I’ve learned that nearly ten thousand bicyclists participated!

This morning I started a bit earlier than usual so that I could walk past 5 pit stops downtown. (As followers of Cool San Diego Sights might know already, I happen to be a walk/trolley/bus to work person. Because I simply love walking and the outdoors, plus living downtown makes it very convenient.)

The city was still a bit sleepy as I headed west along B Street–about 6:30–and the morning light wasn’t ideal for photography when I passed two bicycle pits stops at The Donut Bar and the Wells Fargo building. I did manage to get some sharp pics once I arrived at Civic Center Plaza! Lots of people were smiling!

A couple of bicyclists pedal up Third Avenue near Civic Center Plaza during Bike to Work Day.
A couple of bicyclists pedal up Third Avenue near Civic Center Plaza during Bike to Work Day.
This pit stop in Civic Center Plaza near City Hall was already seeing some incoming cyclists at this early hour. There is an active City of San Diego Bicycle Program.
This pit stop in Civic Center Plaza near City Hall was already seeing some incoming cyclists at this early hour. There is an active City of San Diego Bicycle Program.
Bike maps, information and other goodies were given away to promote commuting by bicycle to work around San Diego.
Bike maps, information and other goodies were given away to promote commuting by bicycle to work around San Diego.
A huge Share The Road banner hung in Civic Center Plaza.
A huge Share The Road banner hung in Civic Center Plaza.
Morning commuter on a bicycle waits alongside a bus for a traffic light on Broadway.
Morning commuter on a bicycle waits alongside a bus for a traffic light on Broadway.
On Harbor Drive at the Broadway Pier, a pit stop included a San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce table.
On Harbor Drive at the Broadway Pier, a pit stop included a San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce table.
These friendly guys representing Engineering company CH2M Hill did the wave for me, but I liked this photo of them smiling better!
These friendly guys representing engineering company CH2M Hill did the wave for me, but I liked this photo of them smiling better!
Someone pedals past San Diego's historic tall ship Star of India. Another beautiful morning.
Someone pedals past San Diego’s historic tall ship Star of India. Another beautiful day has begun.
A bicyclist rolls down Pacific Highway on the morning of San Diego's Bike to Work Day.
A bicyclist rolls down Pacific Highway on the morning of San Diego’s Bike to Work Day.

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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!

Cool faces encountered on the streets of Ocean Beach.

Wander the streets of OB and you'll encounter all sorts of very cool urban art, including many colorful faces.
Wander the streets of OB and you’ll encounter lots of fun urban art, including a variety of cool faces.

Here are a few cool faces I photographed while randomly walking along the busy sidewalks of Ocean Beach. Mosey around OB and your eyes will be dazzled by amazing street art wherever you turn. Some of that artwork stares right back at you!

A stylish lady regards people who walk down popular Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach.
A stylish lady regards people who walk down popular Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach.
Super cool street mural in Ocean Beach depicts music legends Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash.
A cool street mural in Ocean Beach depicts music legends Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash.
The immortal Jimi Hendrix gazes out from an OB wall.
The immortal Jimi Hendrix gazes out from an OB wall.
The face of Johnny Cash spray painted in Ocean Beach.
The face of Johnny Cash spray painted in Ocean Beach.
Long hair and a long nose...and a surfing hamburger. The famous Hodad's in Ocean Beach is a popular destination for many hungry people in San Diego.
Long hair and a very big nose…and a positively gigantic surfing hamburger. The famous Hodad’s in Ocean Beach is a popular destination for hungry people in San Diego.
Happy smileys and a peace sign within some rainbowy, swirly 60's style artwork at the USA Hostels Ocean Beach.
Smileys, flowers and a peace sign are just a few of the fun elements decorating a youth hostel in Ocean Beach.
The exterior of USA Hostels Ocean Beach is absolutely covered with colorful psychedelic artwork.
The exterior of USA Hostels Ocean Beach is absolutely covered with bold, swirly psychedelic artwork.
Those look more like surfers than hippies. Hanging out in front of the fun youth hostel in OB.
Those look more like surfers than hippies. A photo of guys hanging out in front of the wildly colorful youth hostel in OB.
A happy artist applies brush to canvas, painted on a utility box in Ocean Beach. Please disregard the mustache!
A happy artist at the beach applies her brush to paint the beach…painted on a utility box in Ocean Beach!  (And a graffiti mustache has been added, for good measure!)
Sheer happiness. Ocean Beach is a place where carefree living is celebrated.
Sheer joy. Ocean Beach is a place where a laid-back, carefree lifestyle is celebrated.

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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!

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.