New York Loves Boston

It’s tough to think about the bombing that happened this past Monday in Boston without feeling a wave of emotions. Anger, fear, hurt, compassion…the list goes on and on. The country was shocked and horrified at the event, however it is times like these that we come together, as people, and as a country.

On my subway ride to work today I was reminded of this compassion when I saw a man reading the AM New York and spotted the front cover saying “NY loves Boston”. Growing up in New York, and especially being a Yankee fan (insert jeering here), there has always been a rivalry between New York and Boston. In my memories, the most distinct rivalry happening in the 2004 World Series. I’ve seen many a New Yorkers call out people on streets wearing a Boston Red Sox hat – mostly in good fun, but nevertheless the rivalry still exists.

Since the tragic event this past Monday, I’ve seen quite a difference in New Yorkers. Outpouring of support, and love have gone out to Bostoners. Light displays saying “NY loves Boston” appeared on the side of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The New York Yankees held a moment of silence, and the newspapers are expressing their compassion. It’s heartwarming to see the support, because it is so very much needed for those affected by this terrible tragedy.

Moral of the story – New Yorkers care; New Yorkers love. More importantly, in the words of Martin Richards, the innocent child who lost his life on Monday – “No more hurting people, peace.”

International Love

Love comes in so many forms, and not always in obvious ways. That being said, I always find myself overwhelmed with love when I spot acceptance of things, people or ideas. On a casual and aimless stroll through the city one evening, I wandered across Rockefeller Center and these flags caught my eye.

The wind was blowing in perfect pattern to display each flag that surrounds the famous Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink. By the way, you can still ice skate in April - how cool is that?
I was reminded that despite living in such a chaotic and busy city coming from every culture the world has to offer, that we all are really one in the same. No matter where we call home, no matter what country we grew up in, and no matter who we love, we're all here sharing the same experiences.

New York City, the melting pot of the world, and the place where you can really feel the international love.

Love Gets us Through Natural Disasters

Im sorry I haven't posted in a while, readers. I think I will make it up to you with this post.

Last week, Hurricane Sandy wrecked the east coast. It tore through NYC and left homes destroyed and families displaced.

Yesterday, I took a trip to my hometown, Staten Island to help in the damage. What I saw was unbelievable. House after house was torn apart. Cars ontop of cars and memories lying on street corners.

When nothing is left, it's hard to imagine moving forward. However, it is made easier by the help of the community. Hundreds of thousands of people have been coming out to help in any way possible. Delivering food, clearing debris, lending a shoulder to cry on. It is the best gift anyone can get. Love/help from a stranger.

This group of people was walking down the street, looking to give food to those who need. It was an awesome sight, and something I saw so much of. Thank you to all who have helped, and thank you for those who have sent prayers.

NYC can feel your love.

Hey..Watch Those Hands!

Sometimes love is sexy, and this is pretty much one of those times.

When walking around Times Square, it's often easy to lose the people you're with. However, this couple has got the crowd control down to a science. Stick your hand down your lover's underwear! No one else will want to come between that lovely PDA, so you'll never lose sight of each other in Times Square!

Ingenious!

Love for Those We Don't Know

So yesterday I was donating blood. Just an average Sunday, you know? Just kidding.

Anyway, I try to donate whenever I get reminded of how such a small act can save a life. So, I was pretty inspired by the amount of people who felt the same as I did. I spent about a total of 1.5 hours waiting/donating/recovering, and I arrived before the crowd did, so I'm sure these people waited longer.

There is something awesomely admirable and awakening to be in an environment where you know everyone is there to do good.

I love this picture because it shows regular people like you and I, dedicating some time on a Sunday, when they could be watching football, eating Sunday pasta, or taking a walk in the beautiful New York Autumn weather. However, they instead chose to donate blood. Yes, I know I'm writing a lot of run-on sentences, but heck, when I get inspired, I can hardly breathe in between speaking and thinking, so why wouldn't my typing be the same?

I feel blessed to have experienced such love, not just from one person, but from many. And not only that, it was love for the unknown; for a person you will never know you helped.

It also happened to be World Peace Day this past weekend. Just a thought, just a thought.

Can't Let You Go

So this is an interesting one. I was on the elliptical at my gym and we have these great views out to the street. Anyway, as I'm working out and watching E!, my eyes were diverted to this couple saying goodbye.

I'm posting a string of photos here because they were so cute I needed more than one. This man was clearly not willing to say goodbye so easily. He kept grabbing the woman to have another hug and kiss. Just when I thought 3 hugs was enough, he pulled her back for another.

They looked to be in their mid-twenties, but something about this string of hugs/kisses reminded me of high school love. Kind of like the infamous "you hang up..", "no, you hang up..", "no, you..". So glad to see that kind of passion lasts past teenage years!

Hug me Tender

Sometimes it isn't easy to take a picture while being stealthy and not creepy. It's not like I want people to think that I am some weird person taking pictures of their loving moment...hehe.

Anyway, that being said, this picture isn't the most amazing shot, but I still find it to be very loving and endearing.

This man was embracing a woman for quite some time. They were speaking as they held each other and it was sweet to watch their embrace. Sometimes, if not often, hugging is the most intimate form of love because you really need to be able to feel comfortable with someone to spend those moments so close and holding each other.

Kiss me softly, hug me tender. That's what I say.