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. 

継続は力なり。

Hanging in the window of The Green Bean in downtown Greensboro hang a flock of paper cranes; I am unsure as to why they hang, I assume it could be in honor of those affected a year ago in Japan.

(Title Translation: Perseverance is strength.)

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.)

Reflections

Jackson does not have a large downtown area; it lacks the huge buildings that many other cities have. It does have a few semi-tall buildings though, and the tallest is the Regions Building. This view is that of the downtown Marriot hotel reflecting into the side of the Regions Building, it was one of those moments that I realized was just too perfect to miss out on. When I see it, it reminds me that no matter how you think of something, (Jackson is usually looked down on for being run-down and crime infested.) There is beauty, and I know that with the many restorations downtown, others will see the beauty that exists in our Capitol. And maybe, they can see themselves in a new light as well, if we can change the perception of Jackson, then we can change the perception of ourselves.

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.

look Again

Things can be viewed from many different points of reference, and you may think you really see something, but in reality you are not even seeing a third of what it really is. The trick is to see from all aspects, that is something that I wonder is even possible. Our species is capable of so much, and yet so many of our people neglect to actually “see” they take what is there and they go with it. They do not allow it to grow, they do not mold it, and they simply accept it and move on. This is not what is always best; it causes stagnation and that is a downfall. Stagnation is never a good thing, it leads to acceptance, and eventually cession of growth… and growth is needed for survival. All of our achievements were done by someone taking a bold step to look at a problem from a new perspective, and in doing so we found the solution; for all we know the key to our deepest mysteries may be just as simple.

About the Photo: This graffiti adorns the back of an administration trailer in Brandon Park. Graffiti fascinates me, it is often an overlooked and scorned form of art, I think this one displays a message that can be truly taken to heart.