Imagine This

Our Upper West Side apartment was one block south of The Dakota - the apartment building best known as the location of John Lennon's murder. Our New York City visit coincided with the 30th anniversary of Lennon's death, so we found ourselves amidst the hoopla of those paying homage to the late, great musician.

That morning, we first walked to The Dakota and then across the street to Central Park. We made our way past media trucks, reporters, protesters, and mourning fans, to Strawberry Fields. Named for one of the Beatles' biggest hits, this 2.5 acre area of Central Park was established and dedicated in 1981 to honor Lennon's life.

A black and white mosaic featuring another Lennon song "Imagine" was designed to evoke a "vision and hope for a world without strife, war and conflict." On this day, the mosaic was especially adorned with flowers and other memorabilia, and it became a 24-hour vigil and gathering place for mourners.

We walked through the park and noted a bronze plaque listing 120 countries that contributed flowers and money for the maintenance of Strawberry Fields, endorsing this place as a Garden of Peace.

It was only fitting that I, too, should honor the life and music of John Lennon in my own way. For the rest of the day, I vowed to incorporate the title of a Beatles' song in every sentence I uttered. Before leaving the Park, we saw a Fool on the Hill - which was really Something. Better yet, I found a Penny on the Lane! Okay, enough - Let it Be. It was time to catch the subway, and I had a Ticket to Ride.