Hello, Providence!

I'm writing this on a Sunday afternoon, using a little quiet time to unwind after a rather hectic week.  The conference I attended was interesting and useful, but I also spent a lot of time on my work computer in between sessions and at night, trying to stay caught up so that Monday morning doesn't slap me in the face!  But I did manage to use a longer lunch break to snap some quick photos of downtown Providence.  I absolutely love the "arts district" right by the hotel, especially the windows filled with local art work and some of the beautiful old world architecture. 

 111 Westminster Street, tallest building in downtown Providence, affectionately referred to by locals as the "Superman" building

I've never been to France, but my imagination tells me I'd find similar architecture there.  Isn't this building lovely?

One of the prettiest downtown churches, Grace Episcopal, is undergoing renovation, but I was able to capture this shot without any yellow tape or scaffolding.

Windows and philosophy...a nice combination!

Another great combination...Providence artists displayed in storefronts!

And I simply couldn't resist this photo, after my post last week about Far From the Madding Crowd...

Here's another old church, the Beneficent Church of Christ.  Beneficent--what a lovely word, meaning kindly in action or purpose.  Seems like a fitting name for a church...

I also love that the downtown area is filled with parks and fountains:

Statue on grounds of Johnson and Wales University

This boat, smack dab in the middle of one of the downtown green spaces, reminded me of Longfellow's poem The Secret of the Sea...

  

Ah! what pleasant visions haunt me

As I gaze upon the sea!

All the old romantic legends,

All my dreams, come back to me.

Sails of silk and ropes of sandal,

Such as gleam in ancient lore;

And the singing of the sailors,

And the answer from the shore!

In each sail that skims the horizon,

In each landward-blowing breeze,

I behold that stately galley,

Hear those mournful melodies;

Till my soul is full of longing

For the secret of the sea,

And the heart of the great ocean

Sends a thrilling pulse through me.

I'll be back tomorrow with a few stories about my day trip to Martha's Vineyard.  Until then, have a lovely start to the week.  I bought a small sign in Providence that reads:

It is a good day to have a good day.

Here's to a good day for all of us!