What makes something beautiful?

 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

As I was driving by Hensel Park last weekend, I saw the golden glow of the sun on the pavilion.  I ended up deciding to turn around and take a picture with my digital camera.    Hensel Park, owned and operated by Texas A&M, is located on South College Ave. at the north edge of the College Station city limits. Granted, that is the Aggie north.  Aggie north, south, east and west are dependent on where something is in relation to the railroad tracks, Texas Avenue, Northgate and Southgate.   Any, getting back to the point, the City of Bryan sign on South College Ave marks the back boundry line.    

Now is this pavilion REALLY beautiful?  I almost hoped that I wouldn't get caught taking these pictures.  My friends that work on the A&M campus would likely think that I've lost all sense of reasoning.  It wouldn't surprise me if most people that live in Bryan and College Station were not even aware of the pavilion's existence. 

 Is this pavilion beautiful?  As I snapped pictures of it, memories of time spent in the park over the years came back.  I decided that the pavilion was beautiful because it is the distinguishing characteristic of the park.

Walking down memory lane: 

I grew up in College Station.  As a girl, I remember getting to have at least one picnic on the last day of school at Hensel Park.  The pavilion's cover amplified the sounds of school kids laughing and playing.  I also faintly remember people trying climb onto the roof.  I remember my Dad flying kites with us there.    

As a college student, I used to play ball with my dog in the field.  I discovered that the park also had trails through the woods.  Nothing to spectacular, but it was a nice diversion one afternoon. 

My grandparents lived about a mile from Hensel Park.  When my boys were little, my grandpa would regularly take them to the playground there.  I didn't even think to take pictures of the playground.   Maybe it is because the playground equipment is new and modern.  The old see saws, swing sets, and merry go round type things have long since been replaced.  

I've driven by that park millions of times on the way to my Grandparent's house, on the way to the feed store that was located in downtown Bryan, and on the way to my first real job at the Bryan Police Department.    That pavilion in Hensel Park is part of my hometown.  It is part of my memories.  It has always been there.  I hope nothing ever happens to it.  I think it is beautiful.