city fog

There is something so powerful about not being able to see where a building ends and the sky begins.

The world feels untethered, unbounded, without those weighty lines that hold us to the earth. 

lately

And then spring blooms...

Boston, Forever Strong

There are no words that can express all the emotions of this week in my city. My heart is so heavy. I am thinking of all those who were at the finish line on Monday, and their friends and family. So many people's lives have been forever changed and my heart aches for them. 

My instinct in these situations is to stay home and give into fear. This week has brought up memories of other bombs in another city  and another time that I was lucky. At that time and place I felt so alone and so incredibly vulnerable. 

Tuesday morning I didn't want to leave my apartment, but I forced myself out the door. I left my building and walked all around this city: Dewey Square, downtown, the Common, The Public Garden, and the streets of Back Bay. And this is what I saw: people on park benches, children playing, kind eyes, flowers and signs of support for the victims. There seemed to be an extra gentleness in each interaction. Walking the streets on my own, I felt so connected to the people I passed - there was such a sense of community, and the feeling of safety that that brings. 

Thank you to the many heroes whose quick thinking and selfless actions helped so many people on Monday, to those with extra space who took in stranded visitors, and to those who have walked our streets these past few days with kindness - you have shown me what grace and goodness and strength there is here, and how the light will always find a way. 

I love you, Boston.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”       - Martin Luther King Jr.

These ducklings are ready for spring.

Spring style at the Make Way For Ducklings sculpture in Boston's Public Garden.

Little People Project

Have you heard of the London-based artist Slinkachu? In his Little People Project, he creates and then abandons tiny figures in public places. These mini installations are photographed up close and far away.  Check out the images of his installations from his blog - some are so emotionally affecting. I wish I would happen upon one of his vignettes in my city.

paintbox

It is probably clear to anyone who reads this blog that I love public art, especially works that have an aspect of graffiti to them. In Montreal, I was always on the hunt for interesting art when strolling the streets (see here and here). Walking around downtown Boston the other day, I was excited to notice that some of the utility boxes have been painted.

(This box in downtown crossing was painted by Adam O'Day.)

Then I started noticed painted boxes all around the city! Paintbox, a program through the Boston Arts Commisson, has asked local artists to use the utility boxes in their neighborhoods as canvases. What an amazing idea! There is even an interactive map to help you find them. I am excited to find more of these as I get to know Boston better.