Be Open For Surprises

by Cathy

It happened one day as I walked around a small downtown area. I was taking pictures of historic buildings when my instincts told me to “check out the alley.” My brain said, “Don’t go down there! You’ll waste your time!”  I’ve learned over the years to trust my instincts, so down the alley I went. Now before you panic, I have common sense and I carefully checked out the surroundings. I would never enter an alley that looked dangerous or creepy. I'm talking about a wide, clean alley in the daytime. Anyway, down the alley I went waiting for the “AHA, this-is-the-reason-I-came-down-here moment.” The alley ran between brick buildings. On each side were narrow steps leading to back doors. One door stood out from all the rest. It was painted a beautiful blue and right beside it was a large matching metal flower. What a surprise! Someone thought to brighten the back door for those walking by or possibly for the deliver guys. I know it brightened my day and still makes me smile just thinking about it.

There was a bit of graffiti painted on the wall near the metal flower. I’m definitely not in favor of graffiti, but whoever took the time to paint the door and add the flower also wanted to sent a message to those passing through.

My instincts took me around the side of another old building. This building had been converted into apartments. A very creative soul used vintage garden tools to create  a work of art on one wall. Not only had they decorated the wall, but they added a table, chairs, and pots of flowers creating a small patio area. That gut feeling was right again, a surprise was waiting around the corner!

I’ve seems that when I follow my instincts, magical moments find me. I’ve learned to trust that feeling that pulls me one way or the other. My instinct has failed a few times, but most of the time it’s “spot on.” One old building I walked beside was boarded up and no long in use. Across the alley was a flower shop who took advantage of the large window ledges to promote her business. I'm sure she has the prettiest ally in town!

In a recent interview with Huffington Post, Sophy Burnham bestselling author of The Art Of Intuition, said, “I define intuition as the subtle knowing without ever having any idea why you know it . . . It’s different from thinking, it’s different from logic or analysis . . . It’s a knowing without knowing.”

Whether you call it instinct, sixth sense, intuition, gut feeling, or inner voice . . . listen to it.  Step away from your plans and what your mind demands and go exploring. Just be sure to be safe and be open for surprises!

Venturing Out

By Carol

Although we didn't get too much snow this year in the northeast, it's been a long grey winter anyway - or at least we feel that way since we are still getting 45 degree days here in May (!) I started itching for some adventure somewhere close to home. Who ya gonna call? - my photo buddies! Michele (who has written here and is now blogging and teaching at Art of Intuitive Photography in NYC) and Janis, (who is part of our photography family here) are always up for anything, and they did not disappoint! They suggested a day at Coney Island, and since they were willing to drive this country girl there, I was on board!

Of course the park has been world famous since the time of flannel bathing costumes, which by the way, were recommended wear since salt water swimming was still very suspect in 1876. The dress code called for loose fitting and conservative cover, and pamphlets warned ladies of hysteria if they went in too fast. The park has a long and varied history, but a major event occurred in 1893 when George and Mary O'Donnell honeymooned in Chicago at the "World Exposition" and saw the first wheel made by George Ferris. Seeing it as a huge money maker, George came home and raised money to build one on Coney Island. The largest ferris wheel in the world was delivered in 1894 and spurned concessions and steeplechase rides and freak shows ever after. The Coney Island we know from the movies was born

Can you imagine an apartment under the coaster??

The day wasn't as sunny as we had hoped, and we knew we would be fighting blown out skies in our pics, but I love to see a new part of the world - especially an iconic place I had heard about all my life!  (Yes, I realize it's only about an hour and a half away, but I told you - I don't do city and turnpike driving well!) I was surprised at how much smaller Coney Island looked than in the movies. The old Woody Allen sagas, and more recently "Brooklyn" make it look as big as the Jersey shore boardwalks that I am used to, but it is actually very intimate now. However, it more than makes up for its size with icons that have been around since the 1930's. Tillie is looking over you everywhere you go. We saw the parachute jump ride. And then there was the Cyclone -the oldest wooden roller coaster. I cannot believe people ride that thing - but Michele says she does every year. (some comfort zones are not made to be walked out of - at least that's my excuse....)

The park mascot "Tillie" was a "frightful funny face with  44 grotesque teeth." Considered scintillating, it  hinted at impropriety!

The early rides sometimes made ladies ankles show in the wind - a big thrill for the park characters!

The Parachute Jump!

Although we saw the original Nathan's Hot Dog joint, we opted for the equally famous Wahlberger and OMG! - worth the trip right there! Original recipe sauces, pickles, and freshly thin sliced onion rings from red onions! We got an adorable waiter, who couldn't have been more Brooklyn if he was from a movie cast.

We caught some dapper gentlemen, and elderly couples sunning on the benches, and some of the usual boardwalk characters. We came across the Coney Island Freak Show School where you can develop some new hobbies and talents! I loved the sign - "LOOKA_LOOKA !".

Looka Looka!!!

With full bellies and happy smiles, we headed home! Once again, I encourage you to take a vacation near your home and see what this varied country has to offer right in your own back yard. A few hours can make you feel miles away from home and routine!  Do it this week! And send us some postcards in our gallery!