Picturesque: In plain sight

On a drab day, I walked down the path from my house to the sidewalk. At the foot of the path, crocus blooms poked barely above the mottled grass.

The dabs of violet were hardly noticeable. A smile was coming on. Who else today had spotted this shy cluster huddled by a tree? And then I had to wonder: What do we Grand Rapidians notice that we think others miss? What's that public secret that tugs at the corners of your mouth? Or makes you wonder? Or perhaps sends you on a mental rant?

It's the season for spring fever and time for another Picturesque. Throughout May, all registered users on The Rapidian can add a photo to our Picturesque: In plain sight collection. Contribute original photos or photos that you have permission to distribute.

My list: 

• The old-fashioned one-way sign pointing into the parking lot at Cherry and Diamond.
• The bashed-in orbs lighting up the east sidewalk at Grand Rapids Public Library (111 Library NE). I always have to wonder what freak of nature Michigan weather made that possible. With the streaks of dust, they also look like watchful retinas guarding our 'brary at night.
• The magenta backdoor between Lake and Fulton when heading north on Packard.
• Approaching the Lake/Fuller intersection going west on Lake, the single car lane turns into two lanes, and the bike lane gets swallowed up by the right turn lane. It's precarious for bikes merging left to continue west while cars whiz by to go straight and left or decide last-minute on a right turn.

So now that you'll be out and about more, don't forget to pack a camera as you go about your routine. Share your images, a caption and let us know where we can scavenge these sights in GR!

From The Rapidian staff: Each week, a Rapidian staffer will publish a piece related to goings-on at The Rapidian, developments in the world of citizen journalism and tips for making the most of the site. Click here for past editorials.