Ode to First Street

Disregard this

It's just for me to safekeep this for my own records

A stitch in time (no pun intended; I did like that book)

I'm all for keeping things the same

And I'm all for them changing too

My only point is

Why can't we compromise each just a tiny bit

And find the win/win

Ode to First Street

Picturesque street

Probably one of the few places to see the fall season in Long Beach with all the colorful leaves that hit the floor amidst the palm fronds

First street has a way of filling one with a very tangible sense of safety and security 

A welcome albeit false sense amid a very urban backdrop

To the wide street within the beach city without a beach vibe 

The ultra inviting bicycle friendly street 

With dog walkers at almost every hour of the day or night 

I miss the Halloween mayhem

The dozens of kids piling out of one car

The smiles and laughter that heralded the holiday season

And warmed my heart with the feeling of neighborly generosity and festivity

A way for the poor children of the surrounding neighborhoods to get out of their blight for one night and get treats and smiles from those more fortunate than themselves and feel the warmth of their giving. 

With houses decorated so beautifully. 

Thanks for all the sweet memories

The fireworks and parades

The cool ocean breezes 

The smiling faces of neighbors known and unknown

I miss seeing people partake of my children's hopscotch chalk-art

The lazy late afternoons on the front porch with a glass of wine watching the people stroll by and lollygagging around with my porch neighbors

I loved first street the minute I saw it

Riding my bike down it feeling on top of the world 

And I felt so fortunate to live there

Missed and never forgotten

Who could not love living there?

Happy holidays everyone!