Reflection Realm

The Conservatory Water at Central Park, New York.

Despite having visited NYC multiple times before, it was only on this day that I finally had the opportunity to fully explore one of Manhattan's most iconic landmarks: Central Park.

I vividly recall the day The Green Lung of New York City was finally reopened after months of closure due to the pandemic. It was a crisp autumn day, and the sun was shining brightly, casting a warm golden glow over the park's lush vegetation. It was a beautiful moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter for the city and its people.

As I stepped into the park, I was struck by the vivid colors surrounding me. Once lush and green, the trees had transformed into a vibrant tapestry of oranges, yellows, and reds. Dried and flaky leaves rustled under my feet as I walked along the winding paths. I felt like I was wandering through a painting, each turn revealing a new scene of natural beauty.

Venturing deeper into the park, I encountered a serene lake, reflecting the colors of the trees surrounding it. The tranquility of the water was broken only by the chirping of birds and the gentle sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. The park was alive with the sounds and smells of autumn, a feast for the senses that left me in awe of nature's majesty.

My eyes were drawn to the serene reflections on this pond. The still water was only disturbed by the occasional leaves gliding across its surface, creating ripples that danced and sparkled in the sunlight.

I was struck by the beauty and charm of this peaceful scene and knew immediately that it would make the perfect subject for a panoramic photograph. As I set up my camera and tripod, my thoughts turned to happy memories of sailing remote-controlled boats with my son in a park near my hometown.

But as I pressed the shutter button, something caught my eye. Across the pond was a small hut that I had just noticed. Intrigued, I made my way over to investigate. To my surprise, I discovered the shed was a rental place for sailing remote-controlled boats!

The discovery brought a flood of emotions and memories rushing back, and I couldn't help but smile at the serendipitous nature of it all. No matter how often I look back at this image, it always brings a mix of feelings - the bonding times with my son, the memories of my hometown, and the charm and whimsy of this unexpected place in Central Park.

May this artwork invite you to sit back, wander your mind to happy memories, and transport you to a mirrored realm - perhaps far from home, but always close to your heart.