Summer of Love

Everything Changes

by

Matthew T. Lipson

2.1 : Summer of Love

Moving to the San Francisco Bay Area at four was the greatest influence on my life.  My eyes widened, as my family walked around Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park, The Cannery.  San Francisco was still expressing the values of the Summer of Love.  People were dressed colorfully.  The borders of Aquatic Park were lined with puppet theaters, people selling artwork, clothing, jewelry, and other handmade arts.  Groups of people were just hanging out on the grass enjoying life.  To my young mind, this was normal.  San Francisco was the home of free expression.  All the arts were represented and for all ages.  This awed me.  The energy was palpable.  I thought this must be normal.  Little did I know this was just a moment in time.  History would soon correct itself and go back to a more conservative, middle ground.  I would watch the 1960s fade in San Francisco, while holding in my heart and soul the love, colors, creativity that had impressed itself on me when I was four.