Monday, April 1, 2013

What I Found on my Easter Parade!

I was walking down Broadway in my hometown of Saratoga Springs, NY late Easter morning   feeling lucky. I may be biased, but I think I live in one of the most charming small cities in the country. The main street has so much to offer: restaurants, boutiques, cafes, a popcorn vendor, and yes, ice cream parlors.


   Early in the Morning on Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY
 
 
And I'm so excited that we'll soon be adding a Bow Tie Movie Theater and Northshire Book Store to the main street. Yes! We're actually opening a book store instead of closing one! Okay...enough bragging. I want to tell you what happened on my Easter walk.
 
As I left the focal part of town and headed toward Skidmore College...
 
   
 
...I saw a frenzy of activity in front of a prominent resident's home. She was throwing a surprise Easter party for the community. It's not unusual. Stopping at her house on Halloween is all the treat you need and she offers a dazzling display for all to enjoy around the holidays.    
 
 
 

 
 

Because of privacy, I won't tell you her name, but look at the fun she offered all who stopped by on Easter. So glad I had my camera with me.
 
 
 

       Baby Animals 
 
  
A Jellybeans Buffet!
 
 
 
Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny
 
 
 
Spring Flowers!
 
 
 
Even the Horse got to Wear a Bonnet
 
 
 
It wasn't just about the beauty, treats, and stunning home, however. It was about people from all walks of life gathering at a neighbor's front yard for conversation and a few laughs. I love how some people go out of their way to make a community fun and unified. I know of one man in Albany, NY who tunes up the neighborhood children's bikes every spring and a woman who offers a story time on her porch for children during the summer. It can be anything from a senator in Peekskill hosting a  barbecue to a school creating a neighborhood flower garden. It's simply about getting together and sharing  with those who live close by. Here's to the people in our communities who realize how important kick back moments are and take the time to offer them.
 
Is there anyone you know of who does special things to bring your town/city alive? I'd love to hear about it. 
 
Now, let's go to a concert...Sugarland, Jake Owens, and Little Big Town sing Life in a Northern Town:
 
 
 
 
"A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings. You, the people must give it this soul."—Pope John Paul II


7 comments:

  1. What a lovely community you live in! Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures of your Easter adventure.

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  2. This makes me want to move to your town. How nice for you and how wonderful that you take the time to appreciate it. Thank you for sharing.

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  3. Absolutely delightful! No, I don't know anywhere near here where that is done! The pictures are beautiful!

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  4. Hi Peggy- what a wonderful post and makes me wish I could have wandered along your streets on Easter! Thanks for sharing, and I loved the pictures.

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  5. Hi Peggy,

    You do live in a beautiful quaint little town. It sounds as if the people are extremely hospitable to one another and that is wonderful.

    I enjoyed the pictures and the article.

    Ciao,
    Patricia

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  6. Thanks everyone! I sincerely love living in Saratoga Springs. I even commute 45-minutes each way for work so I can.

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  7. I enjoyed this essay and the pictures along with it. Life in Albany, NY seems very tranquil. Nice way to live your life.

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