You Are Beautiful

I was in a cab on Friday evening heading across town with a few friends. We were chatting in the back about our night to come, and just catching up. When the conversation briefly stopped, my mind cleared up for a moment to take in my surroundings and I noticed a sticker stuck on the plastic pane between the driver and I. It said “you are beautiful”. I quickly started taking pictures of it because our ride was about to end. When my friends asked what I was taking pictures of, I said, “look at that! I have to share that on the blog!”.

I have no idea who stuck that sticker on the plastic pane, and I know I never will, but I couldn’t help but think about how such a small act of sharing a positive message can change an outlook. Now I know that cab driver may have been a little annoyed that someone put that there (unless of course if he did it himself), but the message is really nice. Just a kind reminder from someone, letting strangers know that they are beautiful. I thought about that person who put the sticker there, and who it could be. I was sending that person a subliminal  thank you…good vibes.  My mood was changed, as I know it has changed others, which is certainly the desired outcome of this sticker.

Just another example of random acts of kindness and love being passed around for strangers to encounter. It’s like that Liberty Mutual “Pay it Forward” campaign. A small kind act to a stranger can cause a chain reaction of kindness. Which IS beautiful.

New York, you are beautiful!

Shoeless Love

It's been a while, but this sighting sparked me to post another photo.

It was a Tuesday evening in October on the Q train. The packed commuter train was bustling down to 14th street when I spotted this foreign couple. I'm no accent interpreter, but if I could guess, they were Greek.

Either way, the woman had her shoeless feet draped over her husbands legs as he massaged her legs and looked at her lovingly. 

Normally I'd think this was slightly inappropriate to have smelly feet hanging in the air on a train, but something about this was cute and endearing. Don't get me wrong, I won't be going shoeless on the subway anytime soon, but a random foot massage by your loving spouse is never a horrible thing. 

Keep bringing the love NYC!

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.