One World Trade Center

One World Trade Center rises from the footprint of the Twin Towers, a powerful symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy. My first visit to the site was in March 2002, when it was still a mound of rubble. Returning in 2023 was an emotional experience—standing in a place that once embodied global grief and witnessing its transformation. The new tower, soaring like a faceted jewel into the sky, is a breathtaking testament to strength, renewal, and hope.

 

Goofy Doggo

This is an older photo of Little Luke, but it remains one of my favorites. It perfectly captures his mischievous spirit! He’s incredibly affectionate and, in many ways, the quintessential dachshund—though he’s a mix. 

One of the best dogs I’ve ever had, he’s kind to everyone and always ready to play.

Californication

 

POGS!?

 When I was in middle school, Pogs were everywhere. I remember having stacks of them, neatly stored in tubes, and spending hours playing with my friends. I was always on the hunt for the Jurassic Park-themed ones—they were my absolute favorite. I even had a Pog maker, which I used to create my own custom Pogs using images from magazines and comics.  

Recently, during a conversation with some friends, Pogs came up, and it sparked the idea to introduce them to my niece and nephew. It was such a joy to share this nostalgic piece of my childhood with them. Teaching them how to play brought back so many memories, and seeing their excitement made it even more special. It’s amazing how something so simple can bridge generations and create new memories.

Windows over the Bay

Looking through the trees from Telegraph Hill downs towards Treasure Island the the Bay Bridge spanning the San Francisco Bay.  

Another view of the Bay Bridge and part of the San Francisco skyline. 

Cardinal Visit

 

They say, “When a cardinal appears, a loved one is near, bringing warmth and cheer.” As I watched two cardinals play earlier today, my heart felt so full, imagining all the wonderful people who might have sent them my way. But even if it was just their joyful dance in the moment, those little birds brought such a bright, happy glow to my day. What a beautiful reminder that love and joy are always close by! 

Neon Blue and Red

When I go on a cruise, I spend hours exploring the stairwells and hallways, searching for art. These two neon pieces adorn the stairwell of Jewel of the Seas.

Some say the art on cruise ships isn’t ‘real’ art. I don’t care if they’re reproductions or considered low value—I find them fascinating. I lose myself in their beauty, and it’s one of my favorite things about cruising. I always look forward to discovering what each new ship has to offer.

A little information regarding the pieces and the artist that created them.  

 

Catalina Sky

Two years ago, I finally visited a place I had promised myself I would—Catalina Island, one of California's Channel Islands. Technically part of Los Angeles, it feels like a world away from the city. In many ways, it feels removed from the mainland altogether, almost like stepping into another country.

I hope to visit again—next time for longer than the few fleeting hours a cruise excursion allows.

Spring Memories

These sunflowers are from my garden last spring.  With the recent cold blast, its obvious that we are still a few months away from blooms like this, and here in Texas, they’ll only last until the summer heat and dryness take over and the squirrels have their fill. 

This year, I’m considering sticking to just flowers—but then again, I say that every year and still end up planting tomatoes!

Under the Sea

 

Unofficially also a Watery Wednesday post. 

The Student

Weekly, I spend two hours in a Vietnamese language class—a surreal experience at my age. The classroom feels familiar yet different, like revisiting a forgotten chapter. Learning feels harder now, but I’m surprised by how much sticks. It also stirs nostalgia, making me wish, just for a moment, I could step back in time. For now, I’ll savor this blend of past and present, the quiet thrill of learning, and the bittersweet memories it brings.

Seven Foot Knoll Light

 Nestled in the heart of Baltimore, this decommissioned lighthouse stands as a proud sentinel of maritime history, now on display at Pier 5 in the bustling downtown area. Built in 1855, this venerable structure once braved the elements on a rocky shoal at the mouth of the Patapsco River, guiding countless ships through treacherous waters with its steadfast beam. Though it was eventually replaced by a modern navigational aid and relocated, it remains a cherished relic, holding the distinguished title of the oldest Screw-Pile lighthouse in Maryland.

Its intricate ironwork and timeless design tell the story of an era when lighthouses were lifelines for sailors, their lights cutting through the fog and darkness to ensure safe passage. Today, it serves as a tangible connection to the past, a monument to the ingenuity and resilience of those who built and maintained it.

During my visit to Baltimore in 2023, I had the privilege of capturing this historic gem in a photograph. The image freezes a moment in time, preserving the lighthouse's enduring charm against the backdrop of the city's vibrant waterfront. It is a reminder of the enduring legacy of maritime heritage and the timeless beauty of structures that have weathered both storms and the passage of time. This lighthouse, though no longer guiding ships, continues to illuminate the rich history of Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay.

A Few More Wrinkles

This blog began with a selfie—a small window into the person behind the scenes. The one whose captures and musings fill these virtual pages. Over time, both the blog and I have evolved. Here are some more recent snapshots of me—a few more lines, a couple more wrinkles… maybe even a little more wisdom. Life has a way of shaping us, but at my core, I’m still me.

The Room Where It Happens

Standing before Independence Hall is like stepping into the presence of a silent yet eloquent witness to the birth of a nation. In a country where ancient architecture is a rarity, this venerable structure stands as a profound exception—a living testament to the pivotal moments that shaped the United States. Built during a time when Pennsylvania was still a crown colony, its walls have borne witness to the seismic shifts of history, from the murmurs of dissent to the thunderous declarations of freedom.

This hallowed building was more than just a backdrop; it was the very nursery of the fledgling United States. Within its rooms, the air still seems to hum with the echoes of impassioned debates and the weighty decisions that forged a new destiny. It was here, in these very chambers, that the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted, and where the Constitution was painstakingly crafted. These were not just rooms; they were the stages upon which the drama of revolution and nation-building unfolded—the literal "room where it happened."

To walk through Independence Hall is to tread the same floors as giants like Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin. It is to feel the gravity of their vision and the courage of their convictions. In a nation often defined by its modernity, this ancient edifice serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of those who dared to dream of liberty and self-governance. It is a place where history is not merely remembered but palpably alive, inviting all who visit to connect with the profound roots of the American story.

Romney Manor Bell Tower

Peaceful and scenic—this is your first impression of the bell tower at Romney Manor on Saint Kitts. Surrounded by lush, manicured gardens, the tower stands as a striking contrast to its dark history.

For the enslaved people who toiled on these grounds, this tower was not just a structure; it was a tool of control. Its bell dictated their days, signaling when to work under the relentless Caribbean sun. Upon emancipation, most bell towers like this were destroyed, symbols of oppression too painful to preserve.

 This one survived—saved because its owner was considered ‘nicer’ than most.

Coming from a state with its own deep and painful history tied to slavery and the slave trade, I have visited many places that played a role in this unimaginable chapter of human history. No matter how uncomfortable it is, no matter how much it hurts to confront the past, we must not turn away.

We must remember.

We owe it to those who lived and those who died in slavery—to acknowledge that they existed, that they were people deserving of the freedom that was stolen from them. We owe it to those torn from their homes and families, to those who perished on the voyage, chained in the depths of ships.

Yes, these are difficult truths to face.

But while history may not repeat itself, it does rhyme. The only way to prevent the horrors of the past from resurfacing is to teach them, to remember them. In doing so, we honor those who suffered—and, hopefully, we ensure that no one else, now or in the future, endures the same fate.

Also linked to: Sunday Best.

The Little Free Library System

For many years, I have been a devoted participant in the enchanting world of BookCrossing—a practice that transforms books into wandering emissaries of knowledge and imagination. I have meticulously registered countless books, setting them free to embark on journeys that can span the globe, their paths tracked like whispers of stories carried on the wind. Through this passion, I discovered the charming network of Little Free Libraries, and it has since become a delightful quest for me to seek out these miniature sanctuaries of literature and fill them with my BookCrossing treasures. 

It has become almost a game, a joyful mission, to ensure that these little libraries are brimming with stories waiting to be discovered. I take pride in knowing that I keep books circulating through many in my area, creating a ripple effect of shared knowledge and joy. These humble libraries, often nestled in quiet neighborhoods or perched on bustling street corners, offer a profound opportunity to share the gift of reading with those who might otherwise never turn a page. They are gateways to worlds unknown, bridges connecting strangers through the magic of words.

This endeavor has been a cherished passion of mine for years, and I hope it becomes one of my enduring legacies. I am certain that the books I have released into the wild will continue their journeys long after I am gone, passing from hand to hand, heart to heart, carrying with them the love of reading and the promise of endless adventure. In this way, I believe I have planted seeds of curiosity and wonder that will flourish for generations to come.

 

All I See

Looking into your eyes, I see a universe,

Vast and mesmerizing, endless in its wonder.

Hand in hand, through time we traverse,

Hearts entwined in love’s embrace, forever fonder.

As the years pass, we’ll welcome the old,

Unafraid, for time cannot dim our splendor.

Let others call our love too bold—

Like stars, we shine, fierce yet tender.

Yet none of that matters, none of it’s true,

For in this world, all I see is you.

Fort Worth

Fort Worth, as seen from the iconic Coyote Drive-In, is a vision of understated grandeur. The sky, awash in a golden hue, casts its radiant glow upon the gleaming windows of the downtown twin skyscrapers, transforming the cityscape into a shimmering masterpiece. Though often overshadowed by its larger sibling, Dallas, Fort Worth stands as a proud testament to resilience and individuality. It is the smaller of the two cities that form the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, yet it possesses a charm and character all its own. 

Fort Worth is a city that refuses to be forgotten, a place where the spirit of the West meets modern sophistication. Its unique culture—rooted in cowboy heritage, vibrant arts, and a thriving culinary scene—sets it apart from its sister city just a county over. Here, the Stockyards echo with the footsteps of history, while the Cultural District boasts world-class museums and galleries. Fort Worth is not merely a shadow of Dallas; it is a beacon of authenticity, a city that offers its own rich tapestry of experiences, inviting all who visit to discover its distinct and enduring allure.

House Divided

 Abraham Lincoln—the Great Emancipator, the steadfast guardian of unity, and the indomitable force who preserved the United States from the brink of self-destruction. With unwavering resolve, he bore the weight of a fractured nation upon his shoulders, paying the ultimate price for its salvation. Rising from the humble confines of a modest log cabin in Illinois, Lincoln ascended to become a towering figure of history, a man who, with wisdom and courage, stitched together the frayed fabric of a divided union. Today, as the nation once again finds itself frayed and fragmented, his legacy stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength required to mend what is broken and to forge a path toward a more perfect union.

"With malice toward none, with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan — to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

~ Abraham Lincoln

Fire in the Sky