Before Reality,Comes the Dream

HE WAS A POET

2008-04-14T07:51:00.003-04:00

Wild hair ablaze, he sat. Leaning against a tree in Central Park, he raised his head daydreaming. It was a lovely Saturday afternoon. Carter had just purchased a new package of ball point pens and fresh pad of perforated edged, college ruled paper. He was not sure why he had bought them. Gazing at the sky, words formed in the clouds. Without one glance, his hand began to write what he saw. This was all so new to him. He had never done something like this before.

Carter wondered if this was something he could do often. He decided to try other destinations. He took the trains, rode his bike, walked, roller bladed, rode in a taxi, took a carriage ride, and even joined some tourists in a sail boat heading towards the sunset. He walked along the Brooklyn Bridge and stopped in the middle. Just before sunset, he watched as all the lights in Manhattan came alive. The city that never sleeps, was vibrating with dancing letters that formed into words. Once again, his hand doing the work for him. He stood amazed, as each word he saw on each light turned on, was written. They were in the sky, along buildings and totem poles. Words formed from the names of restaurants and tiny shops. Bars and night clubs cascading with colorful jargon.

Work came every Monday, and Carter had to keep his mind focused. It was very difficult, but he somehow managed to get through each day and maintain his work load. Some days he would extend his lunch hour and still be sitting at his desk. He could see words everywhere. On his desk, on the train, in a person’s smile walking by, and in every avenue he walked. He found himself writing vigorously on his coffee cup, the newspaper, little post-its, and his notepad had filled completely before he knew it. On the weekends, he would spend every waking moment gathering all those scattered writings in a new notebook.

Carter had become so consumed, several months had gone by in a blink. He found himself in front of Bethesda Fountain on a Sunday morning. The angel, Bethesda, was looking at him. He sat down for a moment; his head blank. What had happened? All his pens had were out of ink too. He was blocked. He looked at Bethesda in wonderment. Bewildered and distraught, he became upset that he could not see her story. He wanted to write her words.

Two years had passed. Carter had published a book of his writings. To his surprise, these words had become poems. Poems of every place he had been to in Manhattan. Every word dripping with honey and pride for the land he had come to know and love in his heart. He had titled it, “He Was A Poet”. When asked why he chose this title, he would explain that he could no longer write. The gift he had been given seemed to have left or taken a vacation. Carter still saw Bethesda in his mind. He would not visit her, fearing the lack and ultimate dread caused from having no words to write for her.

One year later, Carter sat in his seat at the National Poetry Award ceremony. His book had climbed by leaps and bounds through time. It had become a bestseller and won him a great many awards. His name was about to be called to give his acceptance speech for yet, another award. Confidently, he walked to the stand.

Preparing himself, he cleared his throat and pulled out his notes. Carter looked to the crowd. His glance shifted and he realized where he was. Grasping for a pen unknowingly, his hand began to write again. Over his note cards, words were pouring out rapidly. The audience looked at him as if he were crazy. Some sat there mystified or disgruntled. One tried tugging at Carters jacket to get his attention, whispering for him to begin. After a few moments, heads turned to see what he was awestruck by. There, stood Bethesda. Basking in all her glory and love. All Carter could see, were her words.

2007-12-30T18:43:00.000-05:00

MySpace Comments & MySpace Backgrounds

MySpace Comments & MySpace Backgrounds

Bridges and Tunnels

2007-08-09T17:15:00.000-04:00

I was standing on Pier 17 and took the pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge. I really enjoy the bridges. Whether by car, train, or even taxi, it is wonderful riding across and looking at the city and the ocean. On Pier 17 , there is shopping, dining outdoors or indoors, and live music!

Ready to listen to the acoustics of your voice or favorite musical instruments? Visit the tunnels in Central Park or even the Subway! There have been some of the most famous and infamous individuals playing or starting off right in these tunnels and throughout New York City. Give a shout, sing a chord or two..You will love how it sounds inside the tunnels. There are many people who try, so don't feel embarrassed !!

There is a certain serenity and beauty in the tunnels at Central Park. They are truly wonderful. I remember getting caught in the rain, and the tunnel sheltered me. It was splendid to meet a few tourists and Locals hiding in the park like I was that day. Enjoy a walk in through the parks of New York City and let your mind escape.

Ground Zero

2007-08-03T15:57:00.001-04:00

This is Ground Zero in Manhattan, NYC. 2004 -There was still a great deal of damage. I was amazed to see such a sight after almost three years. We have all been made aware of 9/11/01.
The ideas for a the New Freedom Tower were under works. To this day, there is still much construction going on. I posted these to show that even after disaster, a new dream can be created. I can imagine a great deal of people made new goals and new dreams that day. I can only hope that they have each achieved and continue to achieve these goals and dreams. Making them a reality. I will continue to post items about New York City. It truly is a beautiful place.
-I'm sorry I do not have better pics. We did not get much of a view at that time. The memorial of the Twin Towers was posted on several boards along the road.

Sights in New Orleans

2007-07-31T08:49:00.001-04:00

New Orleans
Can you imagine all this before Hurricane Katrina? Picture how beautiful it must be now!

The tours on boats to see the sights. There are even tours you can take in the swamps and get in touch with real nature ..maybe even an alligator or two . Or, you can sit by the water and watch them go by and enjoy the calm waters.

There is live entertainment all around. You can have your fortune told by numerous people sitting along the streets. You can watch the bands play on the street. I don't know what it is, but even if you do not like jazz, it seems very fitting with the entire atmosphere. Head on over to Cafe Du Monde for coffee. They even have those little French donuts to go wild for! But, watch out! That white powder will coat your clothing. :) Believe me-they're worth it.

The center of the French Quarter! There is much to see and many ways to relax. There is also shopping to satisfy any gift givers needs or memoirs of your trip.
Moving on into the evening. the energy picks up. There are tours into the mausoleums and cemeteries. After you have scared yourself silly, clean up at the hotel. Time for the experience you will love to forget on bourbon street! They have a huge I mean HUGE drink called the Hurricane! You can get it in Slushy form ;) hehe No foolin! Most people start off buying this drink. The night moves on, and you are enjoying the entertainment on the street as well as in the clubs. There is literally, something for everyone musically. You can dance on the street and catch some beads from someone above. You can be free and no one cares because they are doing the same thing you are! Take a walk by the river again before you head back to your hotel. It somehow sobers you a little. Then, try and find some breakfast as well. :) Sleep until noon or 3pm. It doesn't matter. The same thing awaits you the next day! And more...For families, there is usually a parade going on too! There are tours to accommodate any group.

Union Square, NYC

2007-07-21T14:59:00.001-04:00

OH yeah! Union Square! As you can see my current theme lately is black and white photos and New York. I have an obsession I'm in love with New York and the camera is my best friend hehe
Well, here we have Union Square. Literally, thousands of people set foot on this square everyday. Whether coming off the train, or stopping by to eat lunch. There a restaurant, a park for kids gated, and a closed in doggy day care/park where u can watch them play. There are benches and steps to sit on. I know you think with all those people, how can it be relaxing.? Well, it is only loud when there is a big protest or a movie being filmed. Half the time, they shoot the movie or video quietly and you're sitting there too amazed and intrigued to speak. I was interviewed by Fox News once, but did not watch the 11pm news to see myself. I was hanging out at coffee shops on Astor Place and Coopers Union down by 8th street. I also liked that 14th St (union square) was a good meeting point for my friends and I. Most of the trains meet right there,so we could plan to be at Union Square by a certain time and then go where we wanted. This is also one of the hottest spots in Manhattan history. Check it out sometime!

Cafe's In New Orleans

2007-07-20T09:54:00.000-04:00

I Love the cafe's and restaurants in New Orleans. You can walk down any street and find a tiny door to a restaurant or cafe. Now, there are lots of places that are wide open and even some that have no doors. But, these hidden outdoor cafe's and restaurants are like finding a treasure on a map with no X to mark the spot. You can sit peacefully and read or actually hear a conversation you're having with someone. The view is spectacular. Fresh varieties of plants to view..this being the closest to nature that some can handle. The birds actually sit on the table with you if you don't move too quickly. Ok, I thought it was cool anyway hehe In these cafe's you see a lot of locals coming in. This would be until tourists discover the places and overrun them. The locals seek another hangout. I prefer the places I won't be bothered too much when on vacation. Especially, in the morning. I am not a nice person in the mornings hehe *Maybe having a hangover in New Orleans too*hehehe
On top of it all, you can find excellent food at a low or decent price. The first evening meal I have is most special. I get off the plane, ck in my hotel on the French Quarter, and go eat at the Gumbo Shop! I pick a spicy meal and a glass of wine to accentuate the taste. Remembering there may be some drinking later, I make sure I eat the mini loaf of bread they give me too. I found a restaurant like this in Manhattan. It was awesome! Everywhere I go, I look for these little hideaways first. Did I mention the food is great?!! Gumbo Shrimp! Bubba wasn't kidding! hehe And the coffee is strong! Bourbon street is another story hehe Will wait for another time. :)

Bethesda

2007-07-15T00:03:00.000-04:00

In case you are wondering-Why would she post a black and white photo? I took this photo and the previous one using black and white film with an advantix camera by canon. It is of Bethesda Fountain . Located in Central Park! This is my inspirational place. I first saw it when I visited a friend. Then, I was watching "Angels in America" an HBO mini movie series. At the end of this movie, the actors including my favorite actress -Meryl Streep, do a short history about the angel Bethesda. You should check it out! Anyway, when I moved to New York, I had to go see my fountain again, and visited everyday and then as often as I could. I would sit and read or write, talk to my fam. or friends on the phone, occasionally share my place with someone, etc . I really miss being there now. I hope to return someday again.
1. Please, if someone can find the history of Bethesda-post it here! My many thanks and virtual hugs in return. lol
2. If you know where I can find the Angels in America movies to buy-let me know where. Thank You