Wonderful Photos of Fathers and Sons

From a feminine perspective, if there's an interesting relationship it is that of father and son. While Daddy might be wrapped around his little girl's finger,  the ties that bind father and son are straightforward. The older is a role model, leader, teacher and friend.

Whether it was being with my brother and father or my husband and son, I have seen a unique dynamic where son strives to please and dad wants only the best for, and expects the best from, his younger counterpart.  In the many other examples I've seen over my lifetime too, through friends and acquaintances, this particular family tie is bound like the loose ends of a basting stitch, capable of sliding back and forth from respect, love and pride, to frustration, confusion and misunderstanding.

There is undoubtedly a deep connection of affection, but perhaps because of the whole tough-guy thing, it seems to be more covert than it is with a daughter. While spontaneous hugs, cuddles and kisses are part of dad's time with his Sugar and Spice, the same reactions takes on a rougher edge when delivered to a son, displayed by a quick knuckle rub on the head, playful roughhousing, or an arm thrown around the shoulders.

It is the hero worship of son for father that affects me most. Decades ago on the Donna Reed Show, actor Paul Petersen paid tribute to his TV father in a song that said what I know many young men feel:

"When I was small, I felt 10 feet tall, when I walked by his side.
And everyone would say that's his son, and my heart would burst with pride."

I saw that sentiment reflected in the eyes of my own boys as they chased around after my husband, emulating him, unconsciously and consciously, from his walk to his sense of fun. For him he wanted only that they be better men than he believed himself to be..  and so the dynamic began.

"And I only hope that some day, my own son will say,
'My dad, now here is a man.'"

In honour of all fathers, as their special day nears, here are some wonderful photos of men and their boys:

Famous Fathers and Sons

Famous Father and Their Famous Sons

iPHOTOS.com Fathers and Sons

Clipart.com Fathers and Sons

Photos of Fathers and Daughters

I'm a big fan of dads. One was my first love and another is, hopefully, my last.

The relationship that a little girl has with her father is a special one. He is the hero, the strongest, bravest man. To him, she is his princess, to be protected and loved.

As a wife and mother, watching that develop between your husband and children is equally remarkable.  I remember whne  my guy held his newborn daughter for the first time. Watching this strong man try not to appear terrified, while seeing what was definitely a new love affair already in bloom was a beautiful thing.  Not to mention there's probably nothing sexier than a tough macho man in the company of a little lady.

No less interesting to follow, though, was  the dynamic that formed with their dad as both of our girls grew and matured. While his word was law and accepted with respect, they also could get away with far more than their brothers. And knew it. A batted lash, a demure pout, a sweet giggle melted any steely resolve in situations where perhaps a little was warranted.  

Now as young adults, the man they see is still their hero, despite the fact that he is pretty much a pussycat in their company. Watching them interact this Father's Day is going to be particularly bittersweet for me as I said goodbye to my own daddy just short weeks ago.  I never doubted the special relationship between father and daughter, but I have never felt it more intensely than I do these days.

So in recognition of that unique and loving bond, here are some wonderful photos of men and their girls, just in time for Dad's celebration on Sunday.

Life Father's Day Special Famous Dads With Their Daughters

iPHOTOS.com Fathers and Daughters

US Weekly Famous Dads and Daughters

Clipart.com Fathers and Daughter Photos

Zany Photos of "World's Best Father" and His Daughter

The Best Father's Day Illustrations

This Sunday is Father's Day.  In selecting cards, many people nowadays are adding the personal touch by creating their own, with some of the wonderful images that can be found on online. The variety is endless, perfect for all personalities and styles, whether the intent is to match your own or your fathers.

Growing up I was always a Daddy's girl. He was my hero and the cards I gave him were a reflection of that admiration. The covers of the ones I made as a child, and the ones I bought as I got older, were images that I felt suited him. They were depictions of golf and old cars, lakeshores and rustic cabins. The verse inside was always sentimental, always carefully considered to communicate my true feelings about the type of man and father he was to me.

My brother, on the other hand, wouldn't have dared to be so overtly affectionate. It wasn't the macho thing to do. So his cards to Dad were typically decorated with humorous images, the message inside respectful, but funny. They did manage to convey the feelings he wanted to express without being overly drippy.

So, if you are among the many who feel the best way to honour Dad is with a greeting personally created by you, whether you want to make him chuckle or feel warm and fuzzy, then here are some wonderful sites with images to get the project started.

iCLIPART.com

Acclaim Images

Clipart.com

ClickArt Online

Great Photoshop Ideas for Father's Day

This weekend we celebrate Dad — the guy who was every little girl's first love and every little boy's first hero.

Yet despite the impressive stature, when it comes to gifts and accolades,  fathers are often given short shrift compared to their maternal counterparts.  Mom's cards are usually full of flowery prose and verse, extolling her virtues and the power of her maternal love.  Humour, on the other hand, is what's typically in store for Dad, all evidence of sentimentality covered by light teasing and corny jokes.

When we shop for Mom appreciation is shown in numerous ways: clothes, flowers, sweets, jewellery, fragrances or spa treatments. Sadly, it seems imagination goes out the window when it comes to shopping for Dad. While the tie cliché might not be as apt in today's more casual society, we do tend to stick to something when we think we have a winner. For me, that meant giving consideration year after year to my father's love of sweets, foul-smelling cheese and good whiskey.

Certainly you like to go with a winner when you have it, but a gift, given in heartfelt love, should take some thought. Sitting in front of a computer all day, my mind does tend to run to technology and the differences it has made in so many ways to the lives we live now. I began to wonder what Photoshop might be able to offer in ideas for Father's Day. Here's what I discovered:

Photoshop Collage for Father's Day

A 'Manly' Project for Father's Day

Create a Father's Day Card in Photoshop

Father's Day Card in Photoshop

Create a Personalized Father's Day Greeting

Celebrate Dad With This Great Free Template

Lovely Photos of Lovely Places

"There is a place, Where I can go
When I feel low, When I feel blue."
There Is a Place, Lennon and McCartney

There's most definitely a place in this world like that for me. While it's unfortunately a little too far to visit as often as I'd like, the beautiful French River is an annual destination for recharging and relaxing.

The annual spring trek this time, from which I have just returned, was more welcome than normal coming on the heels of a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride this past month.  The birth of two new grandbabies within a week of each other (meaning two new moms needing mom's help), followed shortly after by the passing of my father, had left me feeling emotionally drained and mentally exhausted.

Given the fact that I could barely organize my thoughts, let alone an extended weekend holiday, by the time I left last week, I had added physically done-in to my condition.

Arriving at our cabin, one of a rustically-elegant group that are part of a lodge, my husband and I both felt the tension leave us, as softly and gently as if carried away on the gentle breeze off the slowly flowing river. The music of the rustling leaves continued to soothe. Days of hiking, resting and a few tours on the pontoon completed the healing. My return to work on Monday was with a new refreshed attitude.

Now, while  I can't visit the glorious French River every time I feel the need, I do have all the lovely pictures I took to tide me over until the next visit. And should I become bored with them, I can always enjoy beautiful photos of similar places on sites such as iPHOTOS.com.

Rivers

Forests