Click on photo for a larger image!

There’s always something happening on the streets of New York City. Here are two men playing a game of chess, while another looks on. The chess set is out everyday and different people stop by to play. I’ve even seen children sitting across from the adult to play chess, while their parents patiently and silently observe the game.

Although I don’t know how to play chess, I like the fact that anyone — the young and old– can play. It is not a restrictive game.

Have a great week, everyone!

Paz

Click on photo for larger image!

The chronicles of a NYC park bench continue. For earlier posts see here and here.

Here someone has used a park bench as a bed. The person even managed to find a big fluffy pillow and covered it with a bed sheet of cardboard.

I didn’t see the owner of this bed. He or she had left by the time I’d passed by, but many a time, early in the morning, I’ll see someone sleeping on one of the benches. Unfortunately, homelessness is a problem in the city. The situation is better than it was a few years ago but it still presents a problem.

I’m currently reading a book called Points of Light: A Celebration of the American Spirit of Giving by Robert Goodwin, Thomas Kinkade, and Pam Proctor. It features inspiring stories of everyday people who show the spirit of caring and giving by volunteering to help others in so many different types of situations. Their stories are very encouraging. I think about how I can help others more. No matter the gesture, big or small, there’ll always be someone who needs and appreciates the help.

One of the authors, Robert Goodwin, shares his experience with a homeless man he saw regularly on the street. Sometimes, the author would give the man money. On this particular occasion, things turned out a little differently. Here’s a portion of Goodwin’s story:

Walking at a steady pace, I took off my glove and reached into my coat pocket to find some change. But I didn’t have a dime, not one penny to put in that sack on a cold winter morning.

I could have simply shrugged to myself and passed him by, determined to help him out the next time. But as I drew in front of him, something told me to stop. I looked him in the eye and said, “I’m sorry, my brother. I don’t have anything to give today.”

His eyes brightened and his lips turned up in a slight smile.

“Oh, but you already did,” he responded. “You called me brother.”

Have a great week, everyone!

Paz

Click on photo for larger image