Mikeology

Just as I expected to celebrate the move into my new home this week, I learned that a special friend from long ago had died from cancer last April.

As it happens, WaterFire Providence was celebrating the fight against cancer this weekend. Downtown was teeming with cancer survivors, cancer fighters, and their loved ones. After saying good-bye to some house guests, I walked over to the Capitol and the riverwalk with my camera.

I sobbed for my friend while taking these pictures of tributes and dedications.

I hope to have more to say soon.

I rarely update this blog — you may find me regularly on Facebook and various political sites — but for those of you who don’t possess or desire an addiction to social media…

I present to you some pictures of my new condominium prior to any renovations. All rooms have a western brick exposure; blinds are pulled shut to reduce glare.

Sad times are brewing for a family member, so I’m feeling pensive.

Providence’s Waterfire festival tonight offered some time to ponder things.

Marriott, Westin, and GTech form a ring around fire-lit Waterplace on the north side of downtown Providence.

Waterfire bonfires

One Citizens Plaza overlooks Waterfire on the east side of downtown Providence

Providence river water mirrors fires overhead

Tourists and volunteers become floating participants in Waterfire ceremonies

Apologies to all for the quality of these iPhone snapshots — this weekend I will make a new attempt to shoot Waterfire with my Nikon.

Waterfire begins with a ceremonial procession of canoes and small boats at dusk

One by one, the boats light bonfires in the middle of the rivers that intersect in downtown Providence

Eventually, bonfires ring Waterplace

Looking eastward along the riverwalk toward Waterplace from Providence Place near my apartment

A smoky haze from the bonfires builds over downtown Providence as world music continues into the night