Central Park East: II.  We've all heard that this painter or that photographer spent years rendering the same view over and over again. And I'm sure, like me, you wondered "What could he have been thinking?" And then you stumble upon a vista like this one looking west across Central Park Lake and realize it would be very easy to spend weeks, months, perhaps years capturing the idyllic romanticisim of the view. With changes in framing, lighting, seasons, boaters, and onlookers this vista could indeed inspire a creative artist for more than a media moment. (For a closer look at the lefthand image, click on the picture.)

Like me, a lot of folks were in the Park on Easter Sunday to see the cherry trees in spectacular bloom. It's not exactly what you'd expect of city folks known for their bad attitude, but New Yorkers are really great nature-lovers! In fact, people were literally lined up all afternoon waiting to photograph or to be photographed under the tree pictured at left. Henry Stern take note: If the Parks Department charged for photo opportunities, this tree would turn conventional wisdom inside out -- it would grow money!

In fact, there were some people making money in the park on Sunday as you'll see on the next page.