A World of Friendship and Peace

"Nakayoshi" by Anonymous Sculptor

On even the most-hurried visit to the Newport Beach Public Library, one has to smile back at the expressions on these faces.  Two children, good friends, exude happiness and contentment in this sculpture which was a gift from the city of Okazaki, Japan to the city of Newport Beach, California.  

Though the sculptor is anonymous, he or she has perfectly represented the idea of sister cities -- or as they are known in much of the world, twinned cities.  

"Good Friends" or "Nakayoshi" the sentiment is the same and a fitting reminder that peace on the macro level begins with good relationships at the micro level.  Baby steps toward a world of friendship and peace.

In the Details

Bowers Museum architectural detail

The beauty is in the detail, at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California.  The architectural detail of the museum building is just the beginning.  A permanent collection of artifacts from California and the Americas and beyond, plus a constant stream of visiting exhibits, layers a mind-expanding and culture-evoking layer of detail on top.

Which makes one wonder about that old saying,

"The devil is in the details."  

Maybe it is time for an update:
"The beauty is in the details ..."

Ocean Lessons

Almost ready to roll, Dana Point, California

The ocean can be such a good example for all of us.  Huge ships and the smallest raft or kayak are welcome.  Red, yellow, black or white makes no difference.  Political attitudes are unimportant compared to nautical rectitude.   

The fresh air, wind and waves are great equalizers.  Surely.

Yet, do some sailors still feel they are more equal than others ...

San Juan Capistrano's Los Rios District

Los Rios District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Good things come in small packages.

The old adage is certainly true in the case of the Los Rios historic district of the city of San Juan Capistrano.  A walk here, on the shade-dappled street across from the train station, is a little history lesson in the people and past of the city and of the entire southern California area.  

So many lives, so many stories, over such a long time, spring forth or whisper gently as one strolls ...

Peerless Dining at the Pier

At the base of the pier in San Clemente, California, restaurant sounds clatter, almost sparkle, in the sunshine of the daytime.  And at night, the magic of candlelight and the warmth of outdoor heaters shimmer among dinner conversations.

Below, all is lively, during the daytime, or calm, in the night, as ocean waves tumble beneath the restaurant.  In such a haven, can intrigue exist?  Or will it be swept away by the great sweeper of duplicity ...