Surprise!

My Dad and I went to NYC so he could see the sites last fall.  We were only there for a couple of days. Central Park was a must, and one of my favorite places there is the fabulous Bethesda Fountain.  I wanted a better picture than the ones I had done on an earlier trip.  So we spent a few minutes at the Bethesda Terrace.  It was frustrating because there were so many people there and this guy making bubbles for tips was in my way.  These last couple of days I have been going through all the pictures from the trip to make a photo book for my dad.

And I found the biggest surprise!  

The Bethesda Fountain image is one of my all time favorite images.

The symbolism in the picture is awesome.  I really did not plan the set up.  The bubble guy makes the picture and I was so upset he was there! I was focusing on the couple to the left because I thought they looked cute and then just waiting until there were as few people as possible.

I think the bubble man looks like a puppeteer. Is he destiny deciding the life and future of the couple?  Will they be one like the bubble? Will the bubble burst or split in two?  If so what would that mean?  The couple is totally unaware of the man and they look a little melancholy.  The little cherubs in the middle of the fountain look like they are dancing.  Are they celebrating?  Finally,  the angel on the top of the fountain is like a guardian angel keeping watch over them. 

I love the picture and it has made my day today.

Graduations

Four graduation parties this past month.  Three high school graduations and one college graduation.  I enjoyed every one of them.  It is wonderful to see these kids develop into young adults.  The parties were so nice. Lots of family and friends, young and old, and a feeling of love, joy and celebration.  Great conversations and time to just be there in the now and enjoy.

Of course there was good food as well.  

And Cathy makes the best whoopee pies in the world!

Gifts

Instead of just giving cash, a friend of mine taught me to make money stars.  I am so glad I learned how. It takes a few minutes to make and depending on the side you choose, the stars look different.  I try to always make the stars now when we give a cash gift.  I like to make them, it is more personal and I think the recipient likes it as well.

This is what it looks like on the back:

This link shows you how to make it and many other shapes as well!

http://www.origami-resource-center.com/money-origami-hearts-stars.html