#BostonStrong

I might not be from Boston, but I'm from CT and know some people who do live in Boston. We all know I'm a New York sports fan all the way, but even that can be put aside in light of recent events. It's terrible to turn on the news (or log in to social media) and see all that was going on in Boston and the surrounding area. I'm glad we have brave people in this world who will risk their lives to protect us. I wanted to let ya'll know of some ways you can help those affected by this tragedy.

First off, there's The One Fund, the official fund for the Boston tragedy. Donations can be made on their website. Below are some items you can purchase from companies who will then donate to The One Fund as well.

Second, Alex Eaves, the creator and owner of the Boston-based company Stay Vocal, worked with William Somerby to create the shirt you see below. It costs $20 and 100% of that goes to The One Fund. You'll also be saving the planet too as the design is printed on brand new shirts that were destined to be destroyed. Due to the shirts that were available there is only men's size large, but you can get creative and repurpose it if it's too big/small (check out some ideas on Pinterest). I ordered mine already and hope you will do the same!

Third, Saucony will be selling lace plates to show support for Boston. 100% of the proceeds will go to The One Fund. These can't be purchased yet, but you can sign up for pre-sale notification (note: that will sign you up for their email newsletter).

Adidas has also jumped in and is selling t-shirts in men's and women's sizes for $26.20 with free shipping with 100% of profits going to The One Fund.

There are also plenty of runs and races being organized to support The One Fund, so look for one in your area.

Whichever way you choose, just support our fellow Americans. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the Boston tragedy. United We Stand.

The High Line

30-Day Challenge #1
Day 7
Ever heard of the High Line? Or of High Line Park? The High Line was a railroad freight line in New York City that was built high off the ground to make it safer. Freight trains were no longer used in NYC after the 80s, so in more recent years the city was gearing up to tear it down. This talk given by Robert Hammond is about how he wanted to preserve the High Line, and came up with the idea of making it into a park. So the High Line Park is born. It's located in Manhattan on the West Side, and is partially completed. It's pretty awesome from the video and what I've seen online. It looks like it adds a lot of beauty to the city, and it will be really spectacular when all the sections are completed. I haven't been to the High Line Park yet, but hopefully the next time I am back home I'll get a chance to check it out.




I think that turning it into a park was a really unique idea. It adds beauty. It attracts tourists who boost the economy. It's green. It's sustainable. It's innovative. I like that they held a design competition to find the right design for it. That gives architects and landscape architects and urban designers a chance to have their work seen and for them to work on such a great project.

Sometimes we take for granted the world around us. We don't always enjoy nature as much as we should or would like to. So take some time and go for a stroll in a park. You'll get some exercise and I'm sure it will make you feel refreshed and less stressed.

I hope you enjoyed the talk. If you're in NYC sometime you should consider taking a stroll through High Line Park.