In 2009, let's dwell in hope...
...and take Ben Franklin's words to heart.
Let's appreciate every sunrise for the gift it is.
Take time to watch the sunsets.
Help protect human rights and civil liberties.
Cherish our freedoms.
Remember our history.
Get involved in our communities, government and schools.
Indulge our child-like wonder and sense of fun.
Shake things up.
Honour our achievements.
Open new doors.
If a door closes, open a window.
Notice the beauty all around us, even in the damaged or broken.
Spend lots of time outdoors.
Remember things aren't always what they seem.
Ride a bike or take a hike...
Do something different.
Create something magical.
Bask in the sun (don't forget the sunscreen)!
Explore foreign lands, even if only through the pages of a book.
Learn more about other cultures and traditions.
Practice tolerance and understanding.
Protect the environment.
All photographs, December, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Gina, thanks for the lovely compliments!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 09 January 2009 at 12:25
Wow, great photos. Excellent shots. I will have that on my agenda!
www.GinasPics.net
Greetings from the old world
Gina from Germany
Posted by: Gina | 09 January 2009 at 07:05
Thank you so much! We had fun in Philadelphia - such diversity there. I hadn't visited in years; it's changed quite a bit. A big city, but manageable. Yes, Ben Franklin was brilliant. When I was eight years old, my grandmother gave me a copy of Poor Richard's Almanack. It disappeared somewhere along the way, so I was thrilled to find another copy of the same edition this trip.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 07 January 2009 at 12:16
Ben Franklin was a wise man - I'm going to share this quote with my children tonight. Thank you!
Great photos, great captions!
Posted by: dutchbaby | 07 January 2009 at 06:14
Thanks so much, Kathy.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 05 January 2009 at 12:57
Nancy, thank you! Hoping you and Joe and family have a fantastic year ahead! xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 05 January 2009 at 12:56
Helen, I appreciate the kudos. Thank you so much. And a very Happy New Year to you too!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 05 January 2009 at 12:55
What a fabulous array of photos and images! Provocative, whimsical, serious ...beautiful work! Thanks and happy new year!
Posted by: Helen | 05 January 2009 at 12:53
Happy New Year Tara! Thank you for posting all these amazing photos along with your words of wisdom. I wish you all good things in 2009.
Posted by: Nancy Sotham | 04 January 2009 at 12:38
Thank you Christina! I could say the same about you.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 04 January 2009 at 00:56
You inspire me in so many ways. : ) I love that.
Posted by: Christina | 04 January 2009 at 00:51
Jordan, read about the Liberty Bell's significance at http://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/. It's a big deal to Americans.
It seems the Constitutional Center is designed primarily for schoolchildren. The Liberty Bell's new home is much more impressive.
I missed the cemetery, but looking at your photos, must make a point of going there during my next visit. Thanks for the tip!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 22:52
I was in Philadelphia last year delivering a paper at a conference and everyone in Canada said "dont go see the liberty bell, its overrated" so I didn't....actually I went to the Constitutional Center and I think that probably sucked even more (yeah, i get to see Barbara Bush's Peal necklace and Nancy Reagan's White house China!).
So what on earth is the significance of the liberty bell anyway? Did it ring after the declaration of independance or something?
I did however go visit an old cemetary (which seemed random at the time) but it was one of the most facinating things I saw there. There is an old house on the ground which Thomas Jefferson once called the most lovely estate in New England.
Actually photos from my trip are on facebook here (although I not the photographer you are):
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=21727&l=51cef&id=516773292
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23718&l=0d3f4&id=516773292
Posted by: Dowew | 03 January 2009 at 22:44
For you as well, Tammy. Hope the computer connections improve, but the important thing is that you're happy and healthier and enjoying the new year. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:09
Thank you for the kudos, Chris! No, the stars came from a shop in San Francisco. That's my daughter's loft in Philadelphia. Merci bien!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:08
LOOK at what you've done. How many great photos have you taken in your travels? Did you make those stars that are hanging by the sunlit window reflections? They are so beautiful.
I love this post. Thank you for your readership and for things that matter.
Posted by: Chris | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Nita, thanks for the kind words. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Isn't it a great wall, Steph? That neighbourhood is full of old buildings that have been restored or in the process of restoration. The locals make a real effort to beautify their area. I'll be posting more photos soon. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Gill, love the idea of you coming to Philly. What fun! As for the mundane sometimes blurring our vision, sad but true. The trick is to keep looking beyond the mundane and not let ourselves get too distracted by trivial things. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Thank you, Becca! Wishing an equally bright new year for you and yours!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Hi Karyne! Thanks for your visit. I have the "Without Reservation" book, as well. Next time you're in Paris, do get in touch. As for your 40th birthday, what a treat the week in Paris must have been! Thanks again for your comments.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Amen my dear friend! My computer will not comment on a comment and has trouble pulling up your blog to comment. That's what I get for my chosen mountain life. LOL
May 2009 bring you much joy and love. XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Leonie, thanks! Happy New Year to you and Nic as well. Hope to see you here or there! xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Well we all have an occasional lapse, don't we Robin? Thanks for the compliment about my photos.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Thanks for stopping by, Donna! Hope the new year is filled with good things and many blessings for you.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Thank you, Yoli. I agree hope has magic and power attached to it.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 20:06
Incredible photo's!
Posted by: Kathy Mc | 03 January 2009 at 18:49
Great photos and powerful thoughts.
xoxo Nita
Posted by: nita | 03 January 2009 at 13:07
Tara, fantastic words to live by, every one of them something to strive for this coming hear! Things are not always as they seem, love that wall!
x..x
steph
Posted by: stephanie | 03 January 2009 at 13:07
wise words and sage advice
happy new year to you and your man
xo
leonie & nic
Posted by: chocolate covered musings | 03 January 2009 at 13:07
The red wall.
Need I say more?
Timely advice, Tara. We all need reminding to focus on what is important. The mundane details of our lives sometimes blur our vision, don't they?
Love that Liberty Bell. Maybe the next time you pop over to see the lovely Jordana, I'll go too and you can show me around that cool city.
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 03 January 2009 at 13:07
Great advice given through lovely pictures!!! I hope I can follow it..at least most of the time:)
Posted by: My Melange | 03 January 2009 at 13:07
Thank you for all the reminders Tara, I hope to tick all, or at least most, of these things off my list this year.
Posted by: Donna | 03 January 2009 at 03:24
Those are wonderful words and images. I do want you my friend to hold on to them as the year unfold and never forget that magical word--hope.
Posted by: Yoli | 03 January 2009 at 02:18
Wonderful photos and advice! Thank your for sharing your vision with us :)
May your new year be filled with all things bright and beautiful!!
Posted by: Becca | 03 January 2009 at 02:07
Bon Nuit!! I stumbled upon your blog from Dana at Awareness...your title caught my eye. I had my first trip to Paris March 2007 ( alone) and fell in love with the City of Lights! I am enjoying reading your posts! I know I will be back to Paris one day. I often wondered if it is different living in Paris from being a visitor. I had such an amazing experience...I hope you do too! I had always wanted to go to Paris but this desire was solidified when I read the book, "Without Reservation," by Alice Steinbach(k?)! So, for my 40th, I treated myself and had a magical week in the City of Lights! All the best for 2009!
Posted by: Karyne Whalen | 03 January 2009 at 01:00
Marilyn, no worries - it was a crazy hectic year! So good to hear from you. Wishing you and J a wonderful 2009! xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 00:34
Sarah, thanks so much! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 03 January 2009 at 00:33
Hello, Tara! Happy New Year! Sorry I was so absent on your blog last year...life intervened. ;) Hope all is well in your world. I've missed reading your writing...look forward to reconnecting in 2009. xo
Posted by: Marilyn | 03 January 2009 at 00:30
What a wonderful New Year's reminder of all the little things that are important and bring us joy :)
Posted by: Sarah | 02 January 2009 at 23:10
That is classic Philadelphia brownstone architecture, isn't it? Thanks, Colette! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 02 January 2009 at 22:55
Merci bien, Susan! Hope to see you next trip. Wishing you and yours a wonderful new year, as well. I think you need another trip to Paris, don't you??!! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 02 January 2009 at 22:54
Judith, thank you! And you're absolutely right about the hallways! :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 02 January 2009 at 22:54
I recognized Philadelphia at the top :-) Lovely set of photographs and sentiments!
xoxo
Posted by: Colette Copeland | 02 January 2009 at 22:50
LOVE the photos and the luminous colors. Here's wishing you and yours a blessed and happy New Year!
xo
Posted by: susan | 02 January 2009 at 22:50
Brilliant post, Tara ... . each image, each thought - just perfect.
I do fully believe that when one door closes, another opens .... . .
it's just that the hallways are such a bitch!
:-)
Judith
Posted by: judith | 02 January 2009 at 22:50
Merci bien, Carla. Hope floats!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 02 January 2009 at 22:28
Thanks, Mary. Yes, I like the whimsy in that tree surround in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 02 January 2009 at 22:28
Beautiful. May the new year be full of all of these.
Posted by: Carla | 02 January 2009 at 22:23
Nice photos and the railing with the forks just struck me as the most humorous! Had to laugh at that one.
Posted by: Mary T. | 02 January 2009 at 22:23