Life – Page 2 – Chica on the Move

These last two weeks I have dealt with a couple of unexpected life changing events which have caused me to reflect on the things we seem to take for granted, until we are jolted out of our quiet existence.

I remember reading years ago a quote by an unknown author « Life is short and then you die » which left a lasting impression on me, I try to live my life with that thought in mind.

The sudden loss of my brother a week ago, followed two days later by the death of another family member made me reflect on this quote while at the same time throwing me into my memory bank of shared experiences, thank God all pleasant memories that put a smile on my face regardless of the pain of losing cherished loved ones.

We always hear that life is promised to no one and that we should live it to the fullest and in harmony with others, as much as we can, so we can spare ourselves the agony of regrets. Could have, should have after the fact will always leave a void in our hearts.

I will forever love and carry my brother with all my heart and be thankful for all the fun memories we shared along with our siblings.

Until we meet again, rest in peace my brother.

Emma Lazarus’ poem, The New Colossus, famous lines are engraved on a plaque at the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty located on Ellis Island in NYC, and they read:

“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”

Through the 1800 and 1900s the Statue of Liberty welcomed immigrants who arrived to the United States on ships, by way of New York City Harbor. These days immigrants arrive by any means possible, sometimes creating all kinds of mayhem on the way to their desired version of « freedom ».

There is no Lady Liberty heralding their efforts these days, and sometimes they are most unwelcome in the new land. The days when people genuinely looked up to the United States as the best place in the world to be, have slowly dwindled away; the reasons are many but still they come; in search of a better way of life than the one they are leaving behind.

A visit to Ellis Island, home to the famous lady, is impressive and enlightening and one that I absolutely recommend; learning its history gives you pause, makes you appreciate and understand the trials and tribulations that many immigrants endured when they decided to leave their country, and homes and families in the early days. In context, today, you can imagine the same things are happening driving people away from their homes to embark into the unknown.

« Give me your tired, your poor/ Your tired masses huddled to be Free »

https://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm

No place better than NYC for good bagels

Pumpernickel and raisins, no smear for me!

Being surrounded by calm water sources be it ponds, rivers or seas have always provided me with a sense of peace and tranquility; it allows my thoughts to flow freely and makes me feel grounded.

Water lilies? No, But close enough for me 😊

Every time I get the opportunity to be outside (weather permitting) I just think about all the parks that surround me pick one and head out to explore. Life is good 😊

Impressive and expansive grounds, include: a house, gardens, winery and village. Website: biltmore.com

The grounds are beautifully maintained, it speaks of the opulence enjoyed by the Vanderbilt family in days gone by. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark and one of North Carolina’s most popular tourist destinations and it is known as America’s largest home.

The home boasts a collection of artwork of more than 92,000 thousand items including works by Monet, Renoir and more. The tapestries alone are worth the visit.

The 250 room home’s construction began in 1889 and officially opened to family and friends in 1895.