Gaining perspective

Today Shandi, her son and I went in search of pictures in downtown Bakersfield. Our town has grown so much in the last decade what with all the new malls and shopping centers; meanwhile, loosing its special charm.

Downtown Bakersfield is the original community, with it's tall buildings decorated in ornate architecture. Although we need our Targets and our K-Marts, we shouldn't have to lose the majestic quality of our original buildings. They have been restoring the downtown area in hopes of bringing business back. The area is now filled with small community businesses; coffee shops, art galleries, small dinner-theatres, restaurants, and boutiques. As with most established communities, there are many old trees lining the streets as well, giving you the impression of a relaxed atmosphere.

As we get downtown the streets are barricaded off, as we are having a street fair and car show. With the many old cars and old building it made me feel as if I stepped back in time.

I turned a corner and found myself looking up at this image. I realized when stepping back, how different it became.

I don't know how many times I have looked at things and didn't really see them. Or they are always there and I just never took the time to look at it at from a different angle.

Stepping away from the building, I gained this perspective and saw the entire work in relation to the architecture surrouding it. This is where I gained a true appreciation for it.

At this point I realized that there is a place for the old and the new within our community with each one having it's place in our lives.