What's Your Playlist?

Every week my older brother emails me his 80's song of the week.  I always look forward to his song choice because it inevitably triggers memories of our childhood.  Every week it gets me thinking how a song is like a time machine that can immediately connect you to moments in your life.  For example, whenever I hear Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know", I think of my first trip without my parents and how I bought Whitney's album with my own money.  It was a very independent moment for me.  Might sound like a weird connection but it meant something to me.  When I hear Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer", I think of my friends Dave and Vicki and our time cruising around Vegas and blasting that song.  It was a feeling of pure joy and total freedom. When I hear The Who's "Baba O'Riley", I think of Fenway Park. Fenway you ask?  Yup, because "Baba O'Riley" would always be played at approximately 6:50pm over the PA system at Fenway before first pitch.  So whenever I hear it on the radio my mind travels to Fenway.  When I hear the Beatles version of "Twist and Shout", do I think of the Beatles, one of the greatest bands in music? No, I think of Ferris Bueller lip syncing the song on a parade float in Chicago. I could go on and on. Thankfully, I have an iPod and can create as many playlists as possible. Some playlists are directly connected to memories, some are strictly Springsteen and some playlists are just songs I enjoy at the moment. My question to you: what's on your playlist?

Walkin'

I took a walk today during my lunch break.  I usually tend to ignore everything on my walks. Today, I made an effort to take it all in.  So instead of rushing through the crowds at Downtown Crossing and dodging the tourists on the Common, I took my time and took in the scene. What did I see?  Well, I saw a lot of folks doing the same thing as me. They were going for a walk. Anyway, here are some photos from today's walk:

 The Public Garden.  Looking peaceful without the Swan Boats.

A piano on the Common. This is actually pretty cool.  Starting this week there will be pianos scattered throughout the city for public use. Anyone is allowed to play just like this guy in the photo. The piano concept is presented by the Celebrity Series of Boston. Visit this site for more information:  http://streetpianos.com/boston2013/





I always walk by this book store on West Street and I never stop. Today I stopped. This is the Brattle Book Shop.  They sell discounted books outside and have a varied selection inside including a rare book collection. I love that an actual book store still exists. I'm really glad I finally paid a visit.

 Check out their site: http://www.brattlebookshop.com/

Enjoy the View

View from Columbia Point     

     I'm always searching for a good view of Boston and while I've been lucky to observe the city from a bird's eye view, I always come back to my favorite spot:  Columbia Point in Dorchester (also home to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum).  The view is free and far enough away from the hustle and bustle of town plus you can enjoy the sea breezes off Dorchester Bay.  The area is also part of the Boston Harborwalk where you can stroll the perimeter of the bay and eat lunch while sitting at one of the picnic tables.   Feel free to take a peek at the public art sculptures across the street on the UMASS campus or take a look at President Kennedy's sailboat the Victura which is on display during the summer season.  If you have an hour or two, explore the JFK Library and Museum. It's a $12.00 admission fee which is fairly inexpensive compared to some of the other museums in the city.  The exhibits give an insightful perspective from that era.  You'll leave feeling optimistic no matter which political affiliation you fall under. That you can count on.



The nautical flags spell out JFK and JBK for
John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy

The Harborwalk



JFK's boat, the Victura


 

All photos by Jennifer Stanish 2013