franklin square and balloons

Yesterday, Ruby, my wife and I went to Franklin Square; it was a perfect Fall afternoon, almost cloudless, that bright blue sky that is close to unreal, trees, a sea of burnt reds, oranges, yellows and greens, a lovely shudder of nascent air. We all got on the carousel, wide-eyed and expectant of a world going around and around, up and down, riding nowhere, the most special destination sometimes. I took a photograph of Ruby in front of it; she was in between poses. I think that is interesting and funny, her being aware of who she is portraying , making a face, affecting a manner, for the camera.
The other night, we were listening to music of a band called "Of Montreal." Ruby was trying to keep a balloon from hitting the floor,kind of dancing at the same time. I was, too, when it got away from her, then touched it back to her. But she wanted to play by herself, like usual. I explained that life is all about how you share balloons.

Tinkerbell and the Tooth Fairy

Last Wenesday was Halloween and Ruby was Tinkerbell; I had to work, so I couldn't trick or treat with her. But I saw photographs and she definitely got into character. She wore her costume like she was ready for theater of her own imagination, make-up and wings and a magic wand included.
Last night, she lost her first tooth and my wife and I told her to leave it under the pillow for the Tooth Fairy, who give her a present. She was amazed at her tooth, tinier than I'd expect, but still momentous, a signifier of change. She was worried the other kids at school would poke fun at her; but we reassured her the other kids would go through the same thing.
In the morning, she ran into our room, "Look what the Tooth Fairy gave me, a dollar!" We were all dumbfounded and awe-struck over what happens, when seasons and people transform and the mystery is in and around us.