Oh my god...

Yesterday I saw the most amazing thing that stopped me dead in my tracks. I had just left my flag football game and was running to catch the 6 train on 59th street. I had my iPod head phone on one hear, and my cell to the other as I was trying to make brunch plans before I lost phone reception on the subway. When I saw the man in front of me, I stopped. "Shannon, hold on one sec," I said on the phone as I just stood and watched the man a few feet infront of me.

He was using a newspaper as a mat as he knelt and prayed. He was clearly Muslim and it was his daily time to pray. He was just outside Bloomingdale's, kneeling, praying, kissing the ground, then would repeat the process. He was totally and fully engaged in his time of worship and nothing affected him during this time of meditation. Tourist walked around him and stared. They looked at him like he was insane for worshiping his god in public. I saw the same look in their eyes that I give to crazy homeless people that invade my personal space. It's the scared, you're gross, don't touch me I don't want to catch your disease, look.

This man's actions touched my heart. I can't remember the last time I saw someone drop what they were doing and worship openly in public because they felt it was the right thing to do. This man didn't care what people thought about him, or that he only had a newspaper to pray on, or that he was knelling next to a dirty hot dog stand. He wasn't obnoxious, loud, or insensitive to the people around him, he simply wanted quality time with his god and nothing was going to stand in his way.

It was stimulating to see someone passionate about his beliefs in the middle of a hectic city. I'm sure people could argue all day that his beliefs are false and his actions are a waste of time. But above all else, he is passionate. He is doing what he believes in by loving his god. He has dropped everything worldly and stopped to acknowledge what is important to him.

I turned my iPod off and pulled out my ear phones. I hung up the phone realizing I could be late for brunch. I leaned against Bloomingdale's still in my football jersey and soaked in the scene.
The man finished praying, kissed the ground one last time then stood and turned back to his hot dog stand.

I continued to watch him; admiring the man that made me re-evaluate my "busy day."
That's why I love this city. Just when you think you have your life together, a hot dog vender will set you straight.

Bathroom Art

This art summarizes the East Village. I believe this is the only neighborhood in the world that appreciates the creative, tacky, chaotic life style and turns it into art. These people are different and they go against everything in the norm. I love every bit of it!

Times Square Crazy of the Day

Crazy is a strong word for this fella. Simplistically practical is what this man is. Why need a fancy prosthetic leg when an orange traffic cone does the trick?! The cone doesn't really match his sailor hat, but it is free and the durable orange plastic is guaranteed to last a good 20 blocks (not to mention the fabulous reflectors on the sides that will be a valuable source of safety).
Bravo my friend! Way to be resourceful!

Homeless People that make me Smile

Well hello there sir. How are you? Your long face and droopy eyes tell me you have had a long day. Did you have a busy day saving all garbage from the streets of New York? Did you catch every NYC garbage can along 7th avenue? I can tell it bothers you to see innocent trash being tossed to the side without a second thought. You truly have a passion to save all waste city wide and I applaud your efforts. You are right, I can't believe what some people call "junk" and just throw in the garage to be swallowed alive by the waste management trucks. McDonald's cups, pizza boxes, gum wrappers, these products have feelings too! Who knows were they would be today if it wasn't for you dedicating your life to saving them from destruction and giving them a happy home on top of your head. That used napkin looks so proud perched on top of the mound. And to think, that napkin could be in some land fill in Staten Island right now!!! A suburb is no place for a used paper product. What kind of life would that be?

Thank you! Thank you for all your hard work city wide.
Napkins, straw wrappers, cups and candy wrappers world wide are cheering for ya!

Sleepy City

This is the city that never sleeps. The air is filled with the flashing lights of Times Square, smokey exhaust puffing from the over sized buses, the fresh smell of delicious treats from every restaurant, bar, and bakery, and the welcoming sound of entertainment from the heart of Broadway to the amateur streets of the East Village. In the town that encourages working hard and playing hard, it is always refreshing to catch New Yorkers going against the norm. These local sleepy heads are enjoying the day with a nap and some fresh air! What better way to truly enjoy the city then with a little New York dirt and grass (or New York garbage depending on your preference) and enjoying a little shut eye!

Dog of the Week