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. 

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.

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.

Jenga!

 In 2017 56 Leonard Street was completed with one of the more unique skyscrapers in New York City, the aptly named, Jenga Tower.  I took this photo during my 2023 visit to the city and was immediately taken with its appearance.  New York truly has some of the most unique skyscrapers in the world. 

Skyline

Poking through the morning mist the behemoth that is New York City stirs across the shore from New Jersey.  My second visit to the Big Apple in 20 years; familiar yet so very different.  The city itself is mesmerizing, if you’re not careful it will hypnotize you. 

In New York,

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,

There's nothin' you can't do.

Now you're in New York….

These streets will make you feel brand new;

Big lights will inspire you….

~Empire State of Mind

Pink Sky in HKG

My visit to Hong Kong in 2015 was less than 24 hours.  I do plan to visit again in the future, it was an amazing place.

Dallas is a Jewel

Dallas is a beautiful sight.

Scenery

Scenery changes from one season to the next and even depending on where you stand.  If you ever feel like you’re surrounded by the same scenery and you need a change, maybe you should just walk ten feet to the left. 

How Was I to know?

How was I to know when I came here,

How was I to know I had much to fear?

You came and took away my breath,

How was I to know I’d freely give the rest?

How was I to know I could lose it all?

I’ve never been so ready to take a fall.

I’m not one to blatantly risk my heart,

How will I know you won’t break it apart?

I am speechless whenever we meet,

How was I to know you’d make my heart beat?

I lost it all when I came to this place,

I lost my heart without a trace.


(Interesting Note:  This is my 400th Blog Post.  I have  9408 pageviews.   This was posted 4 years 4 months 28 days 10 hours 47 minutes from the first post.)

My Salt Life

Rising from the dunes bordering the Gulf of Mexico lays a city, an impossible city competing with a larger city that shares part of its name.   Panama City Beach is the city that I speak of, a city for tourists one would say.  This is the city where I have settled a city bordering the emerald colored waters of the gulf that provides the salt water and scents the breeze with the ocean.  I am adapting well to the life of the USA’s third lesser mentioned coast. The Gulf has become an important part of my life I love to walk in the surf looking for beautiful shells, and I long to swim in the salty water looking at the creatures that call the Gulf of Mexico home…. My home… with my new salty life.

App for That

Ever have an itch that needed to be scratched and just could not reach it?  Well if you ever find yourself in Lucedale, Mississippi, you’ll find that you are in luck… they have an app for that!!!!   

Rebirth of a Hometown

Jackson, Mississippi is my home. I was born within the city limits, and I have lived within 10 miles of its city limits for most of my life. It is the largest city in Mississippi and is by far the most problem plagued of all Mississippi cities. I can honestly say that Jackson is slowly fixing some of its many issues; it is becoming something I think we can all be proud of. It starts with the downtown, and the once dormant and dead King Edward Hotel, and it will radiate out.

When I was walking downtown two days ago, and I visited the King Edward; it was starting. Many of the abandoned buildings surrounding the King Edward were undergoing construction, they are being rebuilt. I’m not sure what it will lead to; I sincerely hope it will lead to a downtown similar to what was there in the 60’s, a thriving shopping center full of restaurants and stores. We can hope that from a new downtown, that it will radiate out and Jackson will once again be a place that we can be proud to call our capitol city.

Phoenix

Things change through our life, things that we do not necessarily want to change. Change usually comes in a violent abusive manner, sometimes it comes as a breeze on a summer day. No matter how it comes, it usually is met with opposition, but it will always persevere and we will adapt to the new environment we are forced into.

(This is a view of the Biloxi-Gulfport area; it was nearly completely destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina… most of what you see here are the people of Mississippi raising like a phoenix from the debris that Katrina left in her wake.)

Rendezvous

As I move forward, I can feel time flow by faster and faster… moving me towards a new adventure. I am not sure what the adventure has in store for me, but as it moves closer, and this rendezvous becomes more certain, I know that great things lie ahead… and I am more than ready to embrace what ever is coming.

About the Photo: Rendezvous Famous BBQ Ribs in Memphis, Tennessee just down the alley from Union Street…. Fabulous.

52 South 2nd Street

Memphis, TN 38103-2628

Get Directions

(901) 523-2746

Relics

Ever just feel like you’ve been forgotten? And no one remembers that you exist? Most likely it is just paranoia getting the best of you, the chances of someone’s friends actually just deciding en masse not to acknowledge someone’s existence is a horrible terrible thought, so the chances of it happening are minimal. That is unless you are a someone of special character… Something about these two places just reminds me of a forgotten friend. The Bon-Ton Café and the Peoples Café were once a part of thriving Capital Street in Jackson, Mississippi, both known for being great places to go eat. I sincerely hope that with the revitalization of the King Edward that these two places come to life as well!

Jackson, Mississippi

This is an awesome view of the Regions building of downtown Jackson, Mississippi from Amite Street. The Regions Building is currently the largest building downtown, and houses many interesting businesses and one of the most elite clubs in Mississippi… The University Club. The University Club is located on the very top floor and offers unparalleled views of the city and surrounding area for miles… I know this because many years ago I had the honor of attending a banquet they hosted. It was a surreal experience and I have yet to have anything to parallel it, but I hope to someday visit again…

Meridian At Night

Darkness can be foreboding and overwhelming, and sometimes it seems that we will never make it through. But no matter what, the light is always there… it may be dim, but the trick is to find it once you do that… it will get better.

This photo is from Meridians infamous Murder Spot. It is one of the higher points in the area, and you have a great view of the surrounding city, but it is a little creepy. The reason I say it is creepy is that there is a sign reminding people that NNS was murdered there in 1998 and not to dump, I’m not sure if it was a scare tactic to keep kids from making-out or if it did happen… but it worked on the creep factor.

It was true. More info here: https://meridianstar.com/2007/06/21/two-arrests-made-in-98-murder-case/

Essence of Jackson

There is a new “skyscraper*” under construction in downtown Jackson. Before construction began, a project was sent out to various schools, create a mural that captures the essence of Jackson, and it shall be hung on the construction wall. The murals themselves were lovely, they were very creative, others were really abstract… but I was impressed nonetheless. This one submitted by Jackson Prep was definitely my favorite, it really does capture the essence of downtown, all of the potential… however I thought it was odd to see the King Edward in the art, but with its new revitalization underway… perhaps soon it will be as bustling as this mural.


*For most of the world a skyscraper is a really large building that seems to scrape the sky. For Jackson it is any large building above two stories.

Queen City

Meridian, Mississippi is a hidden jewel to most, and I can attest to that as that it was hidden to me until I lived there. Once one of Mississippi’s largest communities, second only to Jackson, it now has a unique feel that few other towns have. This has to do to the fact that it no longer holds the title of “Queen City” because other cities in the state have passed it in economic growth… but it has not lost any of it’s elegance. Meridian has a large well managed downtown area, many museums, and even more hidden spots. And for anyone who has ever been through Meridian they have Carousel horses all through the city. This was started as a Hope Village project created by one of Meridians most famous daughters, Sela Ward. It Celebrates the unique Dentzel Carousel that Meridian is home to, as well as unique art talent that designed the horses. It is magical…

Madison Twins

This is a new building in Madison; I love it because it is atypical of most buildings in Mississippi in that it actually had some thought put into it. This building is also unique in that it has a twin under construction (The Building in the back of the photo), and that at a whopping 4 stories it dominates the landscape…. Most buildings in Mississippi are less than 25 stories the largest is the Beau Rivage in Biloxi with its 32 stories. I Love the way the sepia tone gave the image a dream-like feel.