Category Archives: New York

January 19, 2013 · 5:06 pm

Why I like New York 26: art

photo (3)Art decorates the city.  One finds art almost everywhere – in the museums for certain, but also in unexpected places.

After my adventure at Riverside Cleaners, I made my way down Broadway toward Village Copier. At 117th Avenue, Aphrodite caught my eye. One of seven pieces by Saint Clair Cemin, she stands on the Broadway Malls.

As with most art, I am not sure, I understand the sculpture. I am sure I could not explain it. But I am glad New York has the sculpture and that art fills the city. It helps make me classy.

See you along the Trail.

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January 19, 2013 · 3:10 pm

Why I like New York 25: good people

The people. The good people. Of course no place is perfect. No group of people is perfect. Of course we meet good people everywhere. And anywhere. And any time. But I met one today and so I need to give a shout out.

I dropped off some dry cleaning at Riverside Cleaners. It was a bit complicated of an order involving some work for a tailor. Maybe I am getting too big for my britches.

In the process of explaining the situation, I put an envelope with some important papers down on the counter. Going in I made a mental note not to forget the envelope. Apparently my mind heard the mental not as saying, “Forget the envelope.” So I did.

As I entered a restaurant a few doors up the street, I felt someone tug on my arm. I turned around to find the manager from Riverside Cleaners with my envelope in her hand.

Imperfect we may be, but I gotta love New Yorkers.

Let me know if you need a recommendation for a dry cleaner.

See you along the Trail.

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January 14, 2013 · 6:34 pm

Purple flowers, 43rd Street

Purple Flowers 43nd Street 31 March 2012

One March night while walking
to Grand Central Terminal,
purple flowers
peeked from a planter
in greeting.

31 March 2012
Manhattan, New York

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January 12, 2013 · 1:39 pm

Drones

Unmanned they prowl
across the sky.

While leaders pose
to justify.

Bombs may be smart,
yet children die.

Let’s also Remember the 176 children Killed by US Drones by Juan Cole

Shire on the Hudson
12 January 2012

 

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January 8, 2013 · 10:39 pm

Thank you, US Airways

Today’s travel took me from New York to Louisville – an oft-made trip. The airlines, chosen due to price, was US Airways.

This is neither my preferred or favorite airline. It pains me a bit to say that. Allegheny Airline lies in the past of US Airways. Based in Pittsburgh, Allegheny was the first airline I ever used. My love for all things Pittsburgh lasted through a number of mergers.

In recent years, I have experienced problems on US Airways – cancelled flights, rebooking issues, and delayed luggage. I have not kept score of my travel woes. I have no documentation. But it feels like US Airways has been especially problematic.

Today, they did well by me and so I need to say: Thank you, US Airways.

The plane from LaGuardia landed in Philadelphia. The layover came to an end and I made my way to the gate for the Philadelphia to Louisville flight. The announcement came that boarding would begin shortly.

I opened my bag and discovered two items missing. I checked again and confirmed my first impression. A moment’s thought led to the realization that I had left them behind on the plane from New York.

Disappointed, I wandered to the bathroom, planning how I would deal with this. A call to the airline upon arrival in Louisville seemed the first step. I held out little hope. Actually, I held out no hope.

As I neared the gate for the plane to Louisville, a US Airways staff person said, “Is there a Mr. Ko-nig in the gate area?” She mispronounced the name. Many folks do.

“Is there a Mr. William Ko-nig in the gate area?”

I waved my boarding pass and made my way to the podium. She moved to meet me.

She held out her hand in which she held my items. “Do these belong to you?” she asked.

I smiled and replied, “They do. Thank you very much.”

“You are welcome,” she responded. She smiled and went on her way. I got in line to board.

Again I say: Thank you US Airways.

See you along the Trail.

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January 7, 2013 · 9:39 pm

Purple flowers, St. Nicholas Park

Crocuses

On my way to preach
at St. James Presbyterian Church,
this harbingers of Spring
rose to greet me
from the soil
of St. Nicholas Park.

4 March 2012
Harlem, New York

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December 31, 2012 · 6:17 pm

Purple flowers, Central Park 1

Purple Flowers Central Park 23 October 2011

In and out of focus
bees enjoy the nectar
of purple flowers
in Central Park

23 October 2011
Central Park, New York

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December 30, 2012 · 2:45 am

An easy return journey

Having chronicled the challenges that I faced traveling  from New York to Cleveland, it only seems fair to report on the return journey.

Twenty-four hours before the scheduled departure, I received an email telling me I could obtain my boarding pass. I smiled.

My older son and I were on the same flight. Tricia took us to the airport, allowing lots of time in case things did not go well. Due to his platinum status, my son checked our bags. I obtained a boarding pass with ease. We went to the gate. After a couple of calls for volunteers to stay behind, the boarding process began. Maintenance applied de-icer to the plan. We took off and after a very smooth flight we arrived at LGA.

An easy return. Too easy I would say if I were in a spy novel. But I am not.

As I made my way to baggage claim, I winced when I observed that red cancellation notices had begun to appear on the flight boards. I hope all who traveled today did so with ease and safety.

See you along the Trail.

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December 22, 2012 · 9:49 am

The trip not taken part 2

As I suspected yesterday, the piece of paper I was given at the airport did not prove helpful.

At the appointed hour, I attempted to obtain a boarding pass for the flight upon which the piece of paper proclaimed I had a seat.

I did not. My reservation did not show up in the system.

From calling the help desk, I learned that I would be called back in between 28 and 37 minutes.

The call actually came at reasonably close to the 37 minute mark.

But the agent told me that my ticket was cancelled. The frequent flyer miles had been returned to my account.

After several minutes of ranting, I said, “Let’s put aside what happened and why. How can you get me to Cleveland and when?”

No flights were available today. But I was told – and received an email to the effect – that I am on a flight tomorrow.

I prepared to go somewhere for dinner. Before I left, Ryan contacted me and we went and had coffee. Then DeLaina called and we went for dinner. A good evening followed a travel-challenged day.

Now I wait. At 10:50 tomorrow morning I will put this most recent information to the test and see if I can at least print a boarding pass.

See you along the Trail.

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December 20, 2012 · 11:20 pm

On the steps, in the streets, with the people

Ministry comes in a variety of forms.
Followers of Jesus do not all look alike nor do we all do identical work.
Pillars of the Church come in many different shapes.

On December 12, 2012, Cynthia Bolbach died. A former moderator of our General Assembly, Cindy was well-known and loved by many across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Teddy MapesOn December 17, 2012, Teddy Mapes died. The sexton at West-Park Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, Teddy was known and well-loved by the West-Park community and by many in the neighborhood of Amsterdam and W. 86th Street.

A gentle bear of a man with a heart overflowing with compassion, Teddy came to West-Park a little over a year ago as the congregation connected with the Occupy movement. He quickly fit into the community. He took part in Bible study and worship and became a member.

Teddy cared for the physical building of the church. More importantly, he cared for the spiritual building – the community – the Body of Christ. He helped negotiate the creative chaos that the Spirit so often stirs at West-Park. Teddy became one of the public faces of the church.

I had only met Teddy a couple of times – but in those brief encounters, I could tell the significant role he played in the community. So today, I walked to West-Park to talk to my friend Bob Brashear, pastor of the church, about Teddy. Teddy’s biggest contribution, his most profound ministry, Bob noted took place “on the steps, in the streets, with the people.”

On the steps. In the streets. With the people. What a ministry, what a legacy.

Teddy’s death has ripped a hole in the West-Park Presbyterian Church community. I cannot imagine how painful the tear is – nor how challenging their ride through the ragged reality of grief will be – nor how long the rebuilding process will take.

But this I know: God who loved Teddy Mapes in this life continues to love Teddy Mapes and has welcomed him home. I give thanks for Teddy’s life and love and witness and faith.

And this I know: it will take time, it will be challenging, there will be tears, there will be fits and starts – but somehow, some way, some day, “every little thing gonna be all right” for the people of West-Park Presbyterian Church. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

See you along the Trail.

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