Detour Ahead

On Friday, as I was walking to work… something across the street caught my eye. It was the tiniest bit of color, against a dirty backdrop. I was across the street, but could tell it was a small collection of balloons tied to the fire escape – likely left over from a celebration a few days before.

I decided to cross.

Got a little closer and yup – definitely balloons.

Were they really the remainders of a party, or did they get caught here – by wind and by chance?

As I continued my walk to work, I found myself looking down at the bottom of a sign. Two rolled up newspapers seemed to be perfectly affixed to the metal bar.

It looked too intentional to be random, and I figured someone fashioned a makeshift area to sit down. When I looked over, I realized I was right next to a curbside valet stand. My guess is that one of the valet guys created this. I found it quite nifty.

Looking up, I realized the sign itself was a huge “Detour Ahead” sign. And, on closer inspection… had some more writing underneath.

Flowers, Clouds, and Birds.

It was one of those mornings where, seemingly everywhere I looked, there was something amazing and interesting to see. Something most might overlook.

It was difficult to turn around and walk the remaining distance to my job. I felt like the city was imploring me to go off of my regular path and just wander.

I felt as though the city were trying to tell me my understanding of things was all wrong. That a detour is not a warning, but a promise.

Related:
A Surprise Detour
Black (and Blue) Balloons
This Made Me Unbearably Happy
Perseverence