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Category: Manny Kagan
Fridays with Manny
Spring in Palm Springs
In the past, pre-pandemic, we used to come to Palm Springs every Spring, to participate in the Palm Springs Photo Festival, where I took workshops with many great photographers. Since it was postponed again this year, we had a different excuse for a visit.
Our older daughter’s significant other owns a house in Bubbling Wells Oasis, in Desert Hot Springs, a fifteen-minute drive from Palm Springs airport. Jeff bought his house there 30 years ago, when it was in the middle of a deserted area with underground hot springs. Now there are quite a few homes, a golf course and a hot springs spa. We stayed there for three relaxing days, dined in very good restaurants in Palm Springs, where we saw quite a few tourists.
To avoid almost one-hundred-degree heat, we stayed indoors during the day, where I started to write my next book, Retirement Solutions for Smart People, which I will finish by the Fall. And of course, I came home with over 800 photos. Since cacti are abundant here, I chose three for your enjoyment.
Enjoy and share with a friend.
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Cheers,
Fridays with Manny
Mother’s Day
I have a special reason why I’m writing in advance about Mother’s Day, which is celebrated on Sunday, May 8th. I was blessed to have two mothers. Mama Liza gave me birth, and I lived at home with her until the age of 20. When I got married, I moved in with my wife and Mama Masha, my wife’s mother. For the next 20 years, until her passing in San Francisco, we lived together and traveled from Latvia via Israel to the United States. Both of my mothers died a long time ago, but I still think about both of them. Their love and care helped me to become who I am today – a person who loves and cares about others.
Online, I read about the history of Mother’s Day. In America, Anna Jarvis, started Mother’s Day in 1908, and then later denounced the holiday because of its commercialization of presenting moms with flowers, cards and other gifts.
I think that my photo-book “42 Encounters with Love” can be the best gift you can give to your mother. It can not only can be an expression of your love; but also, unlike flowers, it will not ever fade, nor will my beautiful roses, which I offer to you with love.
Enjoy and Share Love!
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Cheers,
Fridays with Manny
What Is Your Message?
We are constantly bombarded and influenced by messages from the world around us. Therefore, we need to be very selective which messages reach our brain. Over 35 years ago, one of my coaches, Tom Hopkin, recommended a morning ritual: to stand in front of the mirror and to repeat, “I love myself, I love myself.” Since only by loving ourselves, we can learn how to love others in our lives. This message of Love, many years ago, led to the production of my photo-poems book, “42 Encounters with Love”. Please order for yourself and loved ones.
Besides common sources of information like social media, television and newspapers, some leave their messages on the trees.
During our recent visit to Golden Gate Park, my wife noticed small white tags attached to the trees. Someone wanted to send messages to the park’s visitors.
“God loves each of us as if there was only one of us.”
“Be patient, God is not done with you yet.”
“Truth is the enemy of a rebellious heart.”
What is your message to yourself, which can benefit others?
Enjoy and Share Love!
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Cheers,
Fridays with Manny
How to Celebrate Spring
Spring represents a rebirth of the nature. New leaves adorn trees and flowers bloom everywhere. In addition, there are two holidays that relate to one another, and take place in the spring, as well. Passover and Easter both represent rebirth. Passover signifies the birth of the Israelites as a nation, after living in Egypt for 430 years and moving to the Promise Land with a short stopover in the desert for 40 years.
Easter uses eggs as a symbol to represent new life and rebirth, and is an extension of the ancient custom, which was adopted to celebrate the memory of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Whichever tradition you follow, lets celebrate Spring’s arrival with beautiful flowers from Japanese cherry blossom trees.
Enjoy and Share Love with a Friend!
Money Solutions
Cheers,
Fridays with Manny
Spring Is Here
On Friday April 1st, I fooled myself and instead of staying in the office, I drove to Golden Gate Park for a stroll in the Botanical Garden, to experience spring. If you received my latest book, “42 Encounters with Love” (if not you can order here), you know that, in addition to my other skills, I write poems.
SPRING
I know that Spring is here
Because the Japanese maple tree
In our backyard has burst with red leaves.
It looks as if the burning bush
Mysteriously appeared in San Francisco.
The majestic magnolias flowers
Are showing their beauty.
The Calla lilies stick out their heads
To manifest their royal glory.
Red tulips have opened their mouths
To absorb the morning dew,
And yellow daffodils
Bounced together as in the dance.
The colorful tapestry covers the ground.
White daisies, pink flowers
And blue forget-me-nots.
The navy-blue and white hyacinths
Fill the air with their fragrance.
I know that spring is here
Because the world is filled with beauty.
In the Botanical Garden I photographed many exotic looking flowers; but I also encountered people who came here just to relax.
Enjoy and Share Love with a Friend!