Cynthia and I found ourselves at Liberty State Park early yesterday morning. I had only ever been there once, and Cindy never had been. Of course, we were after a bird. Only a bird could ever get me to endure that torturous insanity of the 6:30am rush hour commute I had fled from so many yeara ago. But even a rare bird could not quell the fury and frustration I experienced by the time we arrived at the park. I was tense and irritable, a situation I hate when I am around my girl.

Lost in the park, I made a wrong turn down the access road to Ellis Island. In my foul mood, I projected an ugly encounter with the police officer standing guard at the gate.

The blessing of this universe is that when you allow yourself to be open to it, a single act of kindness can reverse a course of senseless misery.

The officer could not have been kinder. Asking us to turn around and pull over so that we did not block the pass, he came to the car and patiently offered us directions and guidance on the parks best places. As his humanity erased the black cowl covering my eyes, I was able to see, at last, the beauty of downtown's skyline against the rising sun. All animosity left me as I took in the wonder of the view in front of me.

I asked if I could leave the car a moment to get a better look, to which he graciously acceded. Life was about to get even better.

Heading onto the brick paved walkway, an almost Ozian landscape lay in front of me. The curvature of the path as it receded into the horizon seemed to lead right to the front doors of New York's Downtown. The only thing missing was the gold on the pavers and emerald on the city.

I needed to capture this. I needed to share it so that others might enjoy its beauty. I set up my camera and shot away.

Locals rarely appreciate the wonders of their home. Liberty State Park is less than 30 minutes away, and I had only been there once. It made me wonder how many countless residents of Piazza have never visited the Leaning Tower, or those in Brugge who have failed to gaze longingly upon Michelangelo's Madonna and Child? The list could go on and on. Do those who call Philadelphia home know that, in addition to the rich history of this democracies beginning, they are surrounded by the treasures of Rodin? How many in California climb Half Dome? Do Wyomingite's take the time to visit Old Faithfull. Anyway.....

I hope you enjoy this brief moment of a morning's stroll at Liberty State Park.