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.

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.

Shopping Trip

I couldn't whip my camera out in time to get this lovely couple from the front, but I think everyone around them agreed that they were adorable.

Just out of Macy's, this couple strolled around the Herald Square pedestrian promenade holding hands tightly.

 

I'm pretty sure my favorite pictures so far are those of seasoned love. It gives us all hope that a life-long love does exist, even in tough cities like The Big Apple.

Poetic City

My good friend Kate took this picture and sent it to me as an example of Love in NY, so I asked her to write a guest post to accompany her picture. Here is what she had to say...

Every day, millions of New Yorkers traverse the streets of this enchanting city. An omnipresent mistress, she brings so much joy to those who experience her, but at times, may seem unbearably cruel. Those that dwell within her are willing to endure the frigid winters, sweltering summers, and throngs of often-infuriating tourists all because they love their City with such passion that to leave would be to leave behind a piece of themselves.

Walking through Washington Square Park, I came upon this poem, written in chalk on the ground. It perfectly articulated the feelings I've harbored for the City ever since grade school, and captured the sentiment that countless others have undoubtedly felt before me. It made me realize that, like a lover of any other sort, the City evokes that rush of adrenaline and passion analogous with your first true love. Once you are touched by its allure, nothing and nowhere else will ever compare.

-Kate

Love on the High Line

For anyone who knows what it is, I think they'd all agree, High Line Park is not only beautiful in views but also an architectural masterpiece. It's a park that was designed into an old above ground train track on the West Side of Manhattan. It spans about 20ish blocks and is just awesome if you ask me.

Anyway, enough with the free PR for NYC parks. I was walking on the Highline and there were tons of photo opportunities of couples holding hands and things of that nature, but when I came across this shot I was particularly happy.

On this random grassy knoll on top of the train tracks, this couple lay just holding each other starring up at the sky and the beautiful day. There is nothing like a cool evening, laying in the grass and just being..with your loved one. I'm glad this couple reminded me of how amazing it could be.

I'm also glad to be writing about this right now because it keeps me focused on what is important, rather than thinking about my more than stressful commute to work today.

Out on the Town

It's not the best picture, but sometimes it is hard to capture a moment when moments are exactly that; a second in time. This couple was out and about in the Meatpacking District this past Saturday evening.

I'm not sure what I love more about this. Perhaps it was that they were enjoying an evening in a well known "young people's" area, or maybe it was just that they were dressed up. More than likely it actually was both, and then obviously the fact that they were holding hands during their whole walk through the strangely high impact neighborhood. Something tells me they were looking for Lincoln Center and got a little lost, but isn't that the charm of this couple? Party on lovebirds, party on.

Love is Art

We all know this picture..the sailor comes back from World War II and kisses his girlfriend in Times Square. Thank you to Alfred Eisenstaedt for this amazing capture of love.

Here it is recaptured in art form for all to be reminded and enjoy.

Take a Ride on My Shoulders

It’s really quite hard to navigate Times Square. There are mobs of people, and its highly likely you will be bumped into by someone starring at the Naked Cowboy, or engulfed in their cell phone.

The good news is that if you are this little girl, your dad loves you enough to rid you of that issue.

Just hop on his shoulders and take a ride. It’s so much easier to see the sights, not to mention the fact that you get to save your little feet from the woes of endless walking. I love this picture because it takes me back to my childhood and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy about the fact that I too used to fit on top of my dad’s shoulders. Family love.

Joined at the Hip

It was hard to tell whether these women are really close friends or if they are lovers, but either way, they totally loved each other. I have a sneaking suspicion that they are actually partners because they walked super close together, as if they were joined at the hip. 

They were giggling and holding each other as they walked, which is quite refreshing amidst the honking cabs and people bumping into you. Thanks for the smile, ladies. Happy Wednesday.

Faith Brings Strangers Together

This man was hanging out in Herald Square today with quite the signage. Generally I do not stop to observe people who preach, but I was pretty intrigued by his dedication so I stopped for a few minutes to watch him and his interactions with people. He was not abrasive or forceful in any way, which I respected. Funny enough, this strategy really worked to attract people.

Shortly, this young woman stopped to talk to him. Mainly to take a picture, but before long, they were hugging and chatting about faith. In several posts in the past, I've joked about being hugged by a stranger, but this was really the case. It was great to witness two strangers who bond over a mutual belief and hug over it.

Love in Midtown.

Sunday Stroll

Out for a run across the Williamsburg Bridge led me to this heartwarming couple. I actually did not see them at first because I was focusing on the hill I just recovered from, but then I saw the gentleman reach for his love's hand and I just had to snap this photo. 

After running about another mile, I turned around to head back and I spotted them again, still holding hands. 

Young love is great, but it's seasoned love like this that truly gets my eyes watery. Then again, a lot of things get my eyes watery, but I'm happy I had this lovely Sunday surprise.

Put Your Head on My Shoulder

Sometimes you just need a shoulder to lean on, and nothing is better than when a stranger lets you do it. Just kidding. 

We were stuck in between subway stops for about 15 minutes, and it was already late at night. This very cute guy let his lady nap on him as he kept watch for their subway stop. She was also pretty tired because once she fell asleep, she was out like a light for at least the rest of the time I was on the train with them.

Tender moments.

Puppy Love

Somewhere on my walk down First Avenue around 80th street, I spotted this doggie day care center that had a ton of happy pooches running around. This one in particular, who I will from here on refer to as Miles, was loving me from behind the glass window.

I don't own a dog in the city, but always dream of one day having one. My daily dose of puppy love comes from ogling at other people's dogs in the park. I was so happy to share a moment of love with Miles, even if there was a glass wall forever separating us. Love knows no boundaries.