Friday, August 17, 2007




There's just something about Buffalo.

Yesterday on the subway, Tom and I sat behind a dad and his young son and, not being certain which stop to get off for the Bison baseball game, I told Tom that we should simply follow those two because, most likely, they were headed toward the game, also. The son resembled every kid you'd ever seen at a movie baseball game.

So we alighted from the car when they did, but alas! They weren't going to the game. But call it a mistake? No way, for Tom and I walked along two blocks to the beat of an amazing rhythm-and-blues group playing to released-from-the-office crowds for the daily lunchtime concert. A soundtrack for our stroll past happy people and tables for the Thursday Farmer's Market, with rows of bright gold,green and red fruit and vegetables.

Hot dog vendors, everywhere, and yes, we succumbed and ordered two. We slathered them with mustard then sat upon a short wall amongst trees resembling an orchard growing out of concrete. Friends smiling, talking with heads bent close, laughing and oh, everyone was in such a great mood!

When I first, 14 years ago, got off the plane to come live here in Buffalo, I felt in my heart that people were singing and dancing in the streets. And yesterday--not for the first time, either--I viewed that with my own eyes there in downtown. 

As I said, there's just something about Buffalo.

Tom and I felt we'd been invited to a party. And something else? I felt I'd glimpsed a tiny bit of Heaven,for here were streets where people danced, laughed, sang or just walked with smiling, grateful eyes.

Freedom begins on the inside then flows outward. It colors everything seen with the eyes and felt with the heart, like music played so all can dance and celebrate.



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5 comments:

Saija said...

"from the inside" ...

that's where warmth and smiles and good cheer DO start!

sounds like a wonderful day ... and i must admit to just a wee bit of envy - since i wish with all my heart that leo was well enough to enjoy an outing such as you TWO had ... though, we did go out for supper yesterday - which we hadn't done in about 3 years! and we walked there from our condo (it's a block away!), so that too was a blessing ... :o) ... it ain't all bad! just the way we look at any given situation, right?

blessings on your weekend!

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

Dear Debra,

What a lovely happy adventure. You have eyes and let us all see!

Please pray for Paul. He is in the hospital again.

Kristi

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a beautiful day Debra, I could just picture you and Tom there enjoying each moment together....love your description of the surroundings, it makes it so easy to capture the sights and sounds. Good to hear that you had a great day in Buffalo!

Dapoppins said...

My city always seems more rushed than this! Singing and dancing! What fun.

Judy said...

Beautiful post, Debra.

Felt like I was right there with you.