"Acceptance is not love. You love a person because he or she has lovable traits, but you accept everybody just because their alive and human" - Albert Ellis
This weekend has left me with a renewed hope and faith in humankind. What was supposed to be a weekend of mountain biking and hiking in New Jersey turned into a cultural adventure in and around Manhattan.
Saturday:
Peter and I had planned to take our bikes out on some trails and maybe even venture up to Kaaterskill Falls but after looking at the weather forecast for the weekend, we decided to stay in the city. Still craving an adventure I was nice enough to let Peter choose an activity from my list. He chose exploring St. Pat's and St. John the Divine.
On occasion NYC still takes me breath away. To be surrounded by modern architecture and tourist trap shops and then be staring up and the amazing Gothic architecture that has made St Pat's such an attraction is truly amazing. St. Patricks is just as beautiful inside as out! I'm hoping to go back when their renovations are done and there is less scaffolding up everywhere but the structures are still breathtaking. We didn't get to do too much exploring due to the wedding that was going on but it was still great to walk around and see (what we could) of the architecture, Saints, and art.
We walked past a few other gorgeous churches, St. Thomas in particular, and had a fun time being tourists and standing on the street while reading the buildings' history off our Iphones.
After this we headed up to the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine which is the largest Cathedral and Anglican church, and the fourth largest Christian church in the world. And let me tell you.... IT"S HUGE! I mean, it looks big on the outside but you can't get a true grasp of it's size until you're standing inside the hall. What I didn't know about this church is that it was founded on the principles of being a "multicultural congregation." Throughout their history they have been known to support different charitable causes throughout the world and are also supporters and advocates for many different refugee programs. Each of their 7 chapels is dedicated to a different culture and each is gorgeous in it's own way. The church is also known to be extremely progressive and for it's continuing art installations. During our visit the church was hosting a display by Jane Alexander speaking of the "lasting disfigurations in South Africa and raising issues about human nature that resonate with viewers internationally." While the art was incredibly striking and immediately captured our attention, it was even more shocking to see this work in a century old Cathedral. The acceptance and willingness of the church to share this work and stand behind Jane's cause was very moving to me. Where I grew up, well... let's just say you would never see nude art hanging out in the churches. The mission of this church to be a "house of prayer for all people and a unifying center of intellectual light and leadership" really struck a chord with me. The love and acceptance of cultures and different beliefs in the St. John community is magnificent. Oh and the gardens in the back and absolutely outstanding, a lovely break from the dirty city.
Keeping on with the theme of culture and acceptance...
Sunday:
GAY PRIDE PARADE IN NYC
With the Supreme Court decisions that were made this week (equal rights HOLLA!) Pride weekend in NYC was in full swing. I had the opportunity to attend the Pride Parade with Peter and some of our closest friends here in NYC. While some people look at images from the parade and just see scantily clad men and women dancing and acting scandalous... I saw a celebration of individuality, love, and acceptance. We stood across from The First Presbyterian Church where many members of the congregation were out handing out water, fans, and support! I saw newly wed couples (with federal rights) that couldn't help but share their joy with miles and miles of supporters. I saw individuals with disabilities, Police, military, colorful Latinos, a man riding a Chipotle burrito, couples old and young, all there to share their joy and pride in who they are. But mostly I saw miles upon miles of happy New Yorkers, there for no other reason than to cheer on their fellow human beings. How glorious is that?! I found myself wiping happy tears more than once....
It's so easy to get caught up in the negativity and politics of the world. This weekend reminded me that there is hope out there for us humans. If a million New Yorkers can get together and stand in the hot sun (and then pouring rain) for 6 hours just to show support for their fellow humans.... we're all going to be alright.
** Making good headway but still lots of fun adventures to be had!**
Summer To-Do ListSaturday:
Peter and I had planned to take our bikes out on some trails and maybe even venture up to Kaaterskill Falls but after looking at the weather forecast for the weekend, we decided to stay in the city. Still craving an adventure I was nice enough to let Peter choose an activity from my list. He chose exploring St. Pat's and St. John the Divine.
On occasion NYC still takes me breath away. To be surrounded by modern architecture and tourist trap shops and then be staring up and the amazing Gothic architecture that has made St Pat's such an attraction is truly amazing. St. Patricks is just as beautiful inside as out! I'm hoping to go back when their renovations are done and there is less scaffolding up everywhere but the structures are still breathtaking. We didn't get to do too much exploring due to the wedding that was going on but it was still great to walk around and see (what we could) of the architecture, Saints, and art.
 |
| Wedding Crashers... oops |
After this we headed up to the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine which is the largest Cathedral and Anglican church, and the fourth largest Christian church in the world. And let me tell you.... IT"S HUGE! I mean, it looks big on the outside but you can't get a true grasp of it's size until you're standing inside the hall. What I didn't know about this church is that it was founded on the principles of being a "multicultural congregation." Throughout their history they have been known to support different charitable causes throughout the world and are also supporters and advocates for many different refugee programs. Each of their 7 chapels is dedicated to a different culture and each is gorgeous in it's own way. The church is also known to be extremely progressive and for it's continuing art installations. During our visit the church was hosting a display by Jane Alexander speaking of the "lasting disfigurations in South Africa and raising issues about human nature that resonate with viewers internationally." While the art was incredibly striking and immediately captured our attention, it was even more shocking to see this work in a century old Cathedral. The acceptance and willingness of the church to share this work and stand behind Jane's cause was very moving to me. Where I grew up, well... let's just say you would never see nude art hanging out in the churches. The mission of this church to be a "house of prayer for all people and a unifying center of intellectual light and leadership" really struck a chord with me. The love and acceptance of cultures and different beliefs in the St. John community is magnificent. Oh and the gardens in the back and absolutely outstanding, a lovely break from the dirty city. |
| One of many, many sections by Jane Alexander |
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| Gardens |
Sunday:
GAY PRIDE PARADE IN NYC
With the Supreme Court decisions that were made this week (equal rights HOLLA!) Pride weekend in NYC was in full swing. I had the opportunity to attend the Pride Parade with Peter and some of our closest friends here in NYC. While some people look at images from the parade and just see scantily clad men and women dancing and acting scandalous... I saw a celebration of individuality, love, and acceptance. We stood across from The First Presbyterian Church where many members of the congregation were out handing out water, fans, and support! I saw newly wed couples (with federal rights) that couldn't help but share their joy with miles and miles of supporters. I saw individuals with disabilities, Police, military, colorful Latinos, a man riding a Chipotle burrito, couples old and young, all there to share their joy and pride in who they are. But mostly I saw miles upon miles of happy New Yorkers, there for no other reason than to cheer on their fellow human beings. How glorious is that?! I found myself wiping happy tears more than once....
It's so easy to get caught up in the negativity and politics of the world. This weekend reminded me that there is hope out there for us humans. If a million New Yorkers can get together and stand in the hot sun (and then pouring rain) for 6 hours just to show support for their fellow humans.... we're all going to be alright.
Here's to a week of Love, Acceptance, Pride, and Joy!
** Making good headway but still lots of fun adventures to be had!**
Bike from Westhampton to Montauk
Visit Washington DC
Try Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Explore Governor's Island
Explore Roosevelt Island
See Kaaterskill Falls
Visit the NY Botanical Gardens
Bike the Manhattan Greenway Loop
Visit Grant's Tomb
Run the steps in Morningside Park
Try the Trapeze
Explore Greenwood Cemetery
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