If you ever find yourself in downtown Lee, Massachusetts, look for the friendly bear statue in front of Ben’s on Main Street.
He’s holding a box full of chalk so you can pause and draw something on the sidewalk. How fun!
Sadly, it didn’t even occur to me to snap a photo of the art folks have left behind but I do really like the idea of giving kids and adults the open invite to be creative.
By the way, Ben’s is a clothing and shoe store for all your outdoor needs. Check it out if you’re in town!
If you’ve been around here for a while you know I like things that are “a little extra,” as the kids say.
Why have a standard bus stop bench in front of the library if you can have one that looks like an open book?
This bench sits in front of the main library in Chillicothe, Ohio. Here’s a view of the back.
Good for the library for adding whimsy to an everyday thing! Life would be more interesting if we all took a page from their book!
One of the things I like best about cities in this country is the amount of public art like this mural in New York City. It’s by Japanese street artist Dragon76. Located near the Oculus at the World Trade Center, it is a show stopper.
The colors are vibrant and it looks like the horse could leap right off the wall. I found it inspiring and I marveled at the idea someone could create such a magnificent larger-than-life thing.
Go look for art, friends. It will brighten your day!
There’s a statue on Mount Washington, high above Pittsburgh, that tells an important story, It depicts George Washington and Seneca leader Guyasuta in a tense dialog and is titled “Point Of View.”
The meeting took place in 1770 around a campfire as the two discussed the future of this region which was at the western edge of the British colonies. It was still wilderness and home to only about 200 white people.
This bronze sculpture was created by Pittsburgh native James West and dedicated in 2006. There’s a terrific narrative on this website if you are interested in the full history. Click here.
I want to point out how important this statue is. For one, public art of any kind is always special and this piece is particularly wonderful because it tells a story that is still relevant as we continue to have tense conversations regarding the future of this place we call America.
It’s also important because it captures one moment in time and tells a much bigger story that is not taught in schools. It brings to life something that might otherwise be just a footnote in a book. I’m a history buff and still often found high school history class an absolute snooze. I marvel at how we take interesting stories and reduce them to something so dull.
So it’s gratifying when art collides with a fascinating story like this one to create a powerful testament to our origins.
Also, know that you get a great view of the city from up here and that this is the best place to catch the sunrise.
If you go looking for it, know that there is not one online source that provides good directions to this statue. Not one. It is located on Grandview Avenue at the corner of Sweetbriar Street on Mount Washington. It’s a relatively short walk from the incline stations.
It’s Saturday which means it should be Adventure Day. I hope you are out experiencing something fun, interesting and fabulous.
Life isn’t meant to be spent in a cocoon. You owe it to yourself and your mental health to shake things up as much as you can – even if it’s just a different route to the grocery store or a walk around a nearby town that looks interesting.
Do something enriching every chance you get. Life is for the living and it’s hard to tell how many more Saturdays you have left. Do not waste them.
This mural is from Pittsburgh’s famed Strip District. It’s so vibrant and full of life, I find it mesmerizing! Plus, there’s a black cat!
Happy adventuring, friends! Get out and go!
Doesn’t she look like she could dance right off the wall? These are the things that make life exciting. These artistic tokens, left scattered about the world, are waiting for you to discover them.
This one is in downtown Cleveland. Go see it for yourself. Better yet, set out into the world and look for your own discoveries! Report back. I like to hear what you’re all finding!