Love and the Homeless

Love and the Homeless, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

This iconic sculpture sites in a park in downtown Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Ironic to see the sign as the pool is surrounded by benches full of homeless men. Notice the sleeping bag near the water. There is an astonishing number of homeless.

Walking from the hotel to the ISTE conference (with a few detours), I passed some beautiful murals. Philadelphia is full of murals and other art work. I am always impressed by cities that value art. Public art is accessible to all. It speaks to the emotions and elicits laughter, a smile and even tears.

As Philadelphia is a very flat city, walking is easy, but benches are available for those who need a rest or just want to stop to admire the architecture.

William Penn stands atop Philadelphia's City Hall overlooking the city. He must once have been able to see far and wide. Now modern buildings tower over the city obstruction his view in some directions. 

Feb 14/10: Love

Feb 14/10: Love, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Sometimes life throws you curves of the most wonderful sort. I had been a widow since my young husband died in 1982 . By the time I turned 50 I was content with my life. Children were less dependent; the external demands on my life were lessening and I could just be me - not "mother of" (though that never totally disappears - just evolves). I had time to follow my passions.

I had known Paul for a number of years, having met him at music camp yet we were acquaintances more than friends. Why did it change? Maybe because I was at a point when I looked ahead not behind, when those other burdens (even when they were delightful burdens) no longer tied me down. And now we share our love, our lives and our passion for music. Life has many new beginnings - and yes - it can begin after fifty!

The rings were made by a Toronto jeweler: Vivienne Jones

Day 141: It's Love

Day 141: It's Love, originally uploaded by susanvg.

It may not look that way - but Elmo is purring away. He has two favourites in life, my daughter and myself. As I write, he is sitting behind me - a living heating pad against the small of my back. Life is good when he is getting affection. He is 14 years old - a gift for my daughter when she was 13. Hard to believe that so much time has passed and she will be celebrating another birthday on Monday. I marvel at this beautiful young lady who is finding her place in the world.

I see signs of Elmo's slowing down, a measured gait and less spring as he jumps up onto surfaces. But his purr remains loud and appreciative as he loses all dignity getting his belly rubbed. There is nothing quite so relaxing as stroking a cat. He and his buddy, Basil, wreak havoc in the house at times, but all is forgiven as we settle in for a cuddle.