Full size view highly recommended. This was taken on our recent vacation. Specifically, this is at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, FL. As I was about to post it to DA, my 8 year old son came over to my desk and we got to talking about Michelangelo. I did a search on Michelangelo on the web to pull up some additional info to read with my son, and we came across the following statement. I thought it was very fitting to share it with you all here...as after all, my son did take this photo This is his 4th photo that I've felt warranted inclusion in my gallery here, and don't think I'm not proud of him. I'm really trying to encourage his photography so that maybe he'll stop beating me at golf..but that's unlikely, ha! Anyway, here's the quotation I thought so appropriate:

"Just as Michelangelo saw the 'David' in the raw, unformed block of marble before he struck it with his chisel, we as parents can imagine the fine adult human beings who will emerge from our children’s growing, evolving selves. By holding this image in our minds, we can, through our encouragement, nurture our children to blossom into their fullest potential.
Each child has his own individual expressions to offer to the world. That expression can take many forms, from artistic interests, a way of thinking, athletic activities, a particular style of dressing, musical talents, different hobbies, etc. Our job is to join our children in discovering who they are."

Stephanie Martson - U.S. family therapist, author. The Magic of Encouragement, ch. 1 (1990).