Tag: Beautiful

Day 13 Beautiful Things

The power of music is undeniable. It has the ability to transform our emotions, making us want to dance and sing. It even has the magical ability to transport us through time by triggering long-forgotten memories.

This year, one of my favorite singers released a new single. Billy Joel has been creating incredible music for over 50 years. His latest single “Turn the Lights Back On” is amazing. Lately, I’ve been really connecting with this particular song. It’s filled with meaningful messages and is just so beautiful. If you want to experience it, you can watch the video by clicking on the link above, or you can take it in by reading the lyrics posted below.

Lyrics

Please open the door
Nothing is different, we’ve been here before
Pacing these halls
Trying to talk over the silence
And pride sticks out its tongue
Laughs at the portrait that we’ve become
Stuck in a frame, unable to change
I was wrong

I’m late, but I’m here right now
Though I used to be romantic
I forgot somehow
Time can make you blind
But I see you now
As we’re laying in the darkness
Did I wait too long
To turn the lights back on?

Here, stuck on a hill
Outsiders inside the home that we built
The cold settles in
It’s been a long winter of indifference
And maybe you love me, maybe you don’t
Maybe you’ll learn to, and maybe you won’t
You’ve had enough, but I won’t give up
On you

I’m late, but I’m here right now
And I’m tryin’ to find the magic
That we lost somehow
Maybe I was blind
But I see you now
As we’re laying in the darkness
Did I wait too long
To turn the lights back on?

I’m late, but I’m here right now
Is there still time for forgiveness?
Won’t you tell me how?
I can’t read your mind
But I see you now
As we’re layin’ in the darkness
Did I wait too long
To turn the lights back on?

I’m here right now
Yes, I’m here right now
Looking for forgiveness
I can see as we’re laying in the darkness
Yeah, as we’re laying in the darkness
Did I wait too long
To turn the lights back on?

Day 12 Beautiful Things

Hey, check out these two amazing pictures! They capture the same place at different times. The top one was taken by me, and I couldn’t believe it when I saw the bottom one on Facebook yesterday. Both images are absolutely breathtaking. It just goes to show that you can find beauty anywhere, even on Facebook!

Day 11 Beautiful Things

I’ve previously posted this picture on my social media. However, I see this sculpture almost every day. It serves as a reminder of what matters: Be kind. Always.

Day 10 Beautiful Things

I was in downtown Minneapolis about a week ago for a meeting. While waiting, I looked out the window and saw Shindig. Although the name is still on the building, it has been closed for a couple of years, a victim of the pandemic and economic challenges. Most people only see it as an abandoned, closed event center.

It’s a charming venue with a small chapel-like room connected to a slightly larger event space with a bar. It would be perfect for a group of 50-100 people.

Even though most people pass by this place without giving it much attention, I always smile when I see it. It holds a special place in my heart because it’s where my oldest child got married just before the pandemic. It was a beautiful day with beautiful people, and I have so many wonderful memories from that day and that place.

Day 9 Beautiful Things

Recently, I’ve been spending more time reading things other than the news. I’ve never been a fan of fiction. This past weekend, I revisited Ernest Hemingway’s “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”. It’s been a few years since I last read any of his work, and many years since I read this story.

I was reminded of the beauty of his writing. His clear and concise style brings to life outstanding character development, despite this being a short story. Even though the story was written and set nearly 90 years ago, its themes of courage, masculinity, transformation, and mortality remain relevant today.

As I read, I could identify with the main characters and their challenges. Perhaps that is the essence of literature – to recognize oneself – good, bad, or otherwise – in the characters.

Day 8 Beautiful Things

The picture I want to share isn’t recent. It was actually taken last year. This church holds a special place in my heart as it is located in my hometown, close to my childhood home. As a kid, I never really stopped to appreciate its beauty. But now, having gotten married there, I believe it to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Day 7 Beautiful Things

Today was full of beautiful moments that I wish I could have captured in photos. Instead here is a picture from the past,

I enjoyed a delightful lunch at the new local restaurant called Bibisol, conveniently located just a block away from my office in the historic Carpenter Hotel building. The ambiance was so pleasant, and the food was absolutely fantastic, with perfect portion sizes.

In the evening, I had an amazing dinner at 22Ten! I’ve been here a few times and they never disappoint. I tried the Korean Glazed Pork from the feature menu. The pork was perfectly coated with a sesame onion crumble and served with delicious soy glazed sweet potato and charred bok choy. Presentation was wonderful. Simply delicious!

While enjoying dinner, I delighted in watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris. Witnessing the various countries float down the Seine brought back memories of my visits to Paris and the breathtaking beauty of the city.

Day 6 Beautiful Things

During the pandemic, this place brought me so much joy. Although I don’t visit as often due to my career change, I made time to stop by on my way home from work to reconnect with this special spot.

Day 5 Beautiful Things

I’ve passed by this sculpture countless times this summer. Named Playtime, it reminds us to prioritize relaxation and joy over work and stress. I particularly love its placement with the historic State Theatre in the background.