For the Beauty of the Earth

For the beauty of the earth is the phrase that keeps occupying my mind today.  I am overwhelmed with the beauty found in this city.  Yes, there are roaches, there are rats in the subway, there are mice in apartments and of course bed bugs that run rampant in the city.  Trash bags lines the streets every few days.  You should never step in wet places because you have no idea if it's water or something else.  Sometimes it smells bad all over the city too.  Yes, people are mean and brash and tell you exactly what is on their mind.  Sometimes they will run over you with their stollers on a street that has no room for them.  The apartments are dirty, they are hole in the wall places but there is still beauty in all of this.
There is beauty in the parks of this city.  Central Park is too marvelous for words.  There is always something happening there and I stumbled upon swing dancing and Big Band Jazz on Saturday.  I met an elderly man  by the name of Gary and enjoyed his company for a bit as we listened to the sounds of music that brings people together from all ages and all backgrounds.  Not only did I stumble upon the great music but I stayed in the park all day and stood in the standby line for Shakespeare in the Park's Measure for Measure.  I met a nice lady from Jersey and we talked for the hours we were in line. We both got the last two standby tickets for the last performance and it was amazing.  I know getting the last two tickets was a total God thing. 
There is beauty in the people of this city who come from all over the world to live, to be tourists, to follow their dreams.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't meet someone new.  That's amazing to me because in San Antonio, I guess I just don't get out much, but here I have no choice because there is too much I want to do!  So, naturally, I meet great people along the way.  Sometimes, I even spend an evening with them listening to live music and riding on a motorcyle through the streets of Chinatown.  I know i'm crazy but it sure is fun! 
If walls could talk the apartments in this city would have amazing stories to tell.  I love that!  There is history all over the place and so much character in each different part of the city.  There is beauty in the opportunities here.  Not just opportunities to pursue dreams but opportunites to experience new things, to enjoy finer things in life for free, like theatre, like dancing, like amazing meals.  All those things are available to any one and everyone here.  For example, I stumbled upon free Tango dancing in Union Square on Sunday night and a really nice gentleman by the name of Bill taught me how to tango.
There is beauty in the way people love Jesus.  It's like an all or nothing deal here.  You are either 100 percent in love with Jesus or you could care less and only think of yourself. When I go to church on Sundays I realize this place is such a mission field and I'm surrounded by people who are passionate about Jesus!  It's beautiful. 
Today the reason the phrase "for the beauty of the earth" has run through my mind is because I have had an amazing day  I have found beauty in the farmers market on 168th and Fort Washington.  I loved looking at all the fresh fruits and vegetables that come straight out of the ground.  They look so fresh and full of flavor.  I believe that when I come home I will be visiting the farmers market on 281 frequently and I'm going organic.  I think I might like it.  See, that's beautiful...a girl who doesn't like veggies wants to go to a farmers market and buy some. Amazing. 
I have also found beauty today in Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters two subway stops away from me on 190th. As I was walking through Fort Tryon Park and the Heather Gardens I stopped to look out across the water and the view was magnificent.  I just stood in awe of God's creation.  I parked myself on a bench and enjoyed the view for a bit more. There was a tug boat next to a huge cargo ship out on the Hudson River, I could see the George Washington Bridge in the distance and I was  enjoying the nice cool breeze that would blow through every once in a while.
 I very much enjoyed the park but then, when I made it to The Cloisters I was again, overwhelmed with the beauty of the medieval art housed there and the architecture inside the building itself. I walked into the entrance and I had to step back and take in the coolest entry ever.  It was a huge staircase with a beautiful arch at the top, there was a blast of cold air that hit me when I walked in and I felt like I had just been transported to a different era.  I loved that moment.  I think the architecture was more fascinating to me than the actual art itself.  The stained glass windows were beautiful.  The tapestries were so intricate and the style of the art work was very interesting.  One thing I loved about this museum was that it was just a peaceful place to be and the people walking around were really respectful and very quiet.  My little outing to this museum was a treasured moment in my New York summer. 
As the day continued I just felt like it was a perfect day.  Everything just seemed to fall in place so well.  I got home did laundry and I loved it.  I normally hate laundry day but today I loved it.  It only took only 2 hours to wash, dry, fold and put away.  After laundry was a birthday party for South Carolina's own Johnny D and then dancing with a total stranger. Not really,  he was at the birthday party and  was going to Connelly's on 45th for some west coast swing dancing  and invited me along so I couldn't pass it up.  I can't express how much I love dancing!  I love it, I love it, I love it!!!!!   The evening ended with a trip to a 24 hour diner on the Upper East Side called Gracie Mews, good company, good conversation and a taxi ride home. 
There is beauty in the life I live and it's days like these that I can't help but enjoy the beauty all around me. Not just in nature but in people, in relationships, in circumstances and the way things happen.  I love this place and I can't believe I have only one week left.  I'm gonna soak it all up and enjoy every last moment. 

Love,
A girl who lives a beautfiul life, Miss Gulley in Manhattan.