Tag Archives: looking back

Spiritual Friday: The Sidewalks of New York

Posted in Spiritual Fridays by

I am in New York City today — one of my favorite places in the world.  I lived here when I was in my twenties during the city’s “Desperately Seeking Susan” years.  My old neighborhood, the lower east side, was full of Ukranian food, Indian food, Italian food and some of the best dive bars I’ve ever had the pleasure of patronizing.  The years fall away for me.

As I walk these streets, visiting the familiar Christmas highlights – entire stores decorated in bows, the tree at Rockefeller Center, the enormous red Christmas ornaments floating in the fountain on 6th Avenue – I am still enchanted.

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And I feel the poignancy as I walk — heading north to THE park.

I can’t walk these streets without recalling the young woman I was…

Not quite as sure of things, not quite as peaceful.  I am overcome with memories of friends- some lost to cancer, others to the vagaries of time and the demands of adulthood.

The seas of humanity swirl as we navigate these streets- somehow together, somehow alone.  I see families holding hands to stay together as they steer through the crowds.  I see older people bent over but still carrying home their grocery bags.  I see the busy business people – determined, focused.

And I am humbled to be one among.  To be able to share in the energy and life and craziness that is this city.

What places stir the poignant memories for you?  What places bring you joy?

Share Please!

Have a joyful weekend,
Rose

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Thursday Favorite: The Small Things

Posted in Weekly Favorite by

I thought it might be good for the (my!) soul to reflect on the past week and recall my favorite moments, in a weekly update called “Thursday Favorite.” It’s a practice in gratitude, and a chance to look back in the short term (because it’s that long-term look back that can be crazy making!).

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This week has been eventful – good fortune is coming my way.  Yet, two smaller moments come to mind.

It really is the small stuff.

A phone call with an old friend – we had worked together years ago – covered all the important life topics –raising kids, forgiveness, generosity, and where to get good legal help when you need it.  I hung up feeling restored.

A perfectly ordinary walk home from the neighborhood coffee shop rendered me grateful.  For some reason as I approached my house with Mandy the lunatic dog perched on the fence eagerly awaiting my arrival, I was overcome with a tremendous sense of gratitude.  For the life I have and the life I have been able to live.  Even my tiny corner house looked especially cheerful and welcoming to me.  I felt not an ounce of scarcity.

(Here’s me with my lunatic in the backyard. Love my girl.)

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What are your favorite moments of the week? It’s always good to look back over the last few days and take a deep breath. Share your favorite bits of your week with me, please!!

-Rose