It's the Little Things (even for Big Ben)

     As the seasons officially changed yesterday, it was reminder of time ticking onward.  It also reminded me that sometimes, it's the little things that keep the big things in order.
-Balance.
-Don't overlook the small details when viewing the big picture.

     The most-photographed and world-renowned timepiece is Big Ben.  Built into the "Imperial" (as it was known at the time) British Parliament building complex, it gongs and rings the time for London--a busy, modern world-capitol.  A mostly original mechanism turns the 4 sets of hands.  The workings must still be hand-wound.  The bells are enormous--some of the largest in the world.

And yet, what do you think keeps the time accurate?  That helps measure the swing of the central pendulum?  Some coins and small pieces of metal.

Those seemingly insignificant trinkets manage to keep the entire operation "working like clockwork".  Who'd've guessed?  Not the throngs of thousands who admire that the huge clock tower is correct (to within a few seconds)!  But it just goes to show you that sometimes its the small things that greatly impact the large ones.  And that sometimes a simple solution is perfect.

Random NYC shown in Images

    As the seasons are poised to change, I'm reminded that some things are "constant"… including the random juxtaposition of things in New York City.  The topic of Chance, of situation and accidental union!  The quality by which it "might never have happened" is part of its magic... part of why we, Life's lovers, feel illuminated and renewed by its quirky humor.  Here are real images from "around town":

Nope, they're not hunters: they're professional bird photographers who stalk migrating birds that pause in Central Park (according to National Geographic, wild birds get closest to humans in our park)!

Some of Manhattan's pest-control red-tailed hawks, relaxing near other city-dwellers.

Pool parties atop high-rise buildings.

Free stargazing every summertime Tuesday along the High Line Park.

Free concerts, from fire escapes, given to passersby along the High Line.
(Below) Parades of color...

A sunset wedding outside the NY Public Library on Fifth Avenue (above)

My artistic friends gallivanting enthusiastically across Broadway!

You never know what may appear outside your window!

Going to see a musical… and also petting some horses.

Generous orchard-fresh samples at the many Farmer's Markets within the heart of the Big City.
All of which is savored by local foodies! (below)

Before the beaches/public pools open, there are spontaneous celebrations of warm weather (above)
You see EVERYTHING on the subways (below)!

(especially on Underwear Day in March)

The amazing "Free Little Library" movement "sprouting up" all around the city.

A lovely mix of folks enjoying a sunrise breakfast.


...which could be on someone's Fire Escape Soirée

You can do your own farming! (2 of my friends participate at the Grange)  Farm-to-table restaurants are becoming more widespread throughout the boroughs (one opened in Long Island City this year).

A campfire environment near 42nd Street.

A little free evening ping pong before going home from the office.
And you never know when you'll turn a corner and experience Art… (below)

…like this guitar gathering at Union Square Park, one Tuesday late afternoon! (above)

The Easter Parade along Fifth Ave still brings a few "good eggs".

On certain summer nights, the glorious sunsets align with the crosstown streets to "frame" picture-perfect colors!

The NYC "black squirrels" who only reside on the Upper upper West Side and Stuyvesant-town.
Using small spaces for something clever… (below)

Even the "shipping carton shops" that popped up in Brooklyn and midtown (below).

Aside from the "Bridge and Tunnel" crowd, there's a spirit of adventure to be found!

Folks use Central Park for everything: boating, riding, picnics, and even rock-climbing.

And sometimes artwork and creativity are purely/thankfully spontaneous.
You never know when Lincoln Center might attract something extraordinarily admirable...

Go fly a kite!

Culture comes from both preserving history (like the old Dairy, above) and innovation in reclaiming the High Line into a park (below), whose final segment was unveiled yesterday.

Or the mini-golf course that was recently constructed on an old Lower West Side pier.

Or in the way an abandoned factory was artfully incorporated into Chelsea Markets. (below)

The unexpected news-worthy events occur (above) or movies/model-shoots commandeer a street.

The President's motorcade occasionally comes to town, perhaps involving the United Nations.

Other government employees famously visit the city during Fleet Week!

But there are also traffic-free places like Govenors Island (which also hosts the Jazz-Age Lawn Party)...

Vehicles are welcomed when they "bring to town" a new kind of Food Truck!  Or an intriguing antique Italian fire engine?

Even the Mobile Post Office brings all kinds of customers… even on horseback.

And of course, the PEOPLE--via their idiosyncratic whims--add to the "melting pot"… celebrities included.

The story of the "Little Red Lighthouse" is kept alive!

Did you know NYC had a Sheriff?  Its got City Marshals, too.  Just like the Wild West.

The city's rotating art exhibits and random scenes keep us "on our toes"… (next 6 pix below)

 The changing seasons encourage new and unusual sights amongst the mundane… (below)

Even the literal overlapping of history breaks the monotony (as in below).

Organized unity of participation keeps the city humming...

…certainly during City Streets Weekends, when designated thoroughfares are for bikers, skaters, scooters and joggers only!  (and Walking Tours, like the one I joined last month, about architecture).  

New events like Donald Trump's highly-promoted Central Park Horse Show (a tradition for the next 7 years, at least) brought galloping beauties back to the park, where none had trotted since 2007.

Ah yes, creativity, organization, balance, silliness, wisdom and camaraderie keep things ALIVE!