8th Avenue Redux (click on images to enlarge them)

After I saw the butterfly, I began trying to see with his eyes . . .

How do they keep their wits about them?


This one is really close to the meaning of life

8th Avenue Flora and Fauna

After a harrowing night at work, I almost didn't feel up to a scheduled rehearsal with my singing partner. But I went and it was very rewarding. Not only did I leave feeling much better and humming with harmonies, I began to see all the color of the world along 8th Avenue.

First up was a beautiful Danaus plexippus (monarch butterfly) in the same spot where I had got the image of the butterfly last year that appears in the title of this blog. I am pretty sure this is a male. Is he not handsome?

Gold in New Jersey

From the 15th floor of Hudson One at about 6:45 a.m. Lower Manhattan and New Jersey shimmer and dazzle.

Hark

Eloquence like this might be found elsewhere, but it is a signature of New York. So the challenge for all of you out there is to guess on what this appears.

young Beckett

This is from Dream of Fair to Middling Women, about half-way through. Early Beckett is sometimes more difficult than the later work, because it preceeds "the day I became aware of my stupidity." The multiple languages, obscure references and wordplay can be very hard to decipher. Here I was very excited when I was able to recognize the reference immediately. The bracketed text mimics Sonnet #116.

Hello All

These days of late August have been beautiful in New York. Jogging in the Park, visiting the farmers' market, preparing the fresh fruits and vegetables there purchased occupy my days. The nights follow the adventures of the Mets. Then at work, after completing whatever assignments await me (and thanks to the miracle of online video), I have been following the Democratic Convention in Denver. Michelle Obama's heartwarming and charming sweetness, followed by Hillary's very powerful speech, followed by Bill Clinton's clear and enthusiastic message were all very inspiring. I was overwhelmed with admiration as Bill recommended that America needs "to lead by our powerful example, rather than examples of our power."

Tonight, I was able to see Senator Obama as he began his speech, and listen to the rest of it on the radio coming to work. He did not let us down. Clearly he has the vision that is needed, the wisdom to know it will not be easy, and the resolve to do whatever it takes to begin solving our many serious problems.

So tonight I begin this public journal. May the fruits of all of our work benefit all living beings.