This photo was taken at my brother's house in Coral Gables, Fl. I can't remember exactly who took it. It might have been my brother's cleaning woman who had come to help him serve a brunch for a bunch of people (neighbors, work associates). Or maybe a neighbor took it. The framing is what makes this picture. It looks like all the stuff up on the mantel is about to fall on our heads. Sort of a metaphor for the fragility of family ties. Everyone has their arms wrapped around one another, except for me. I never know what to do with my arms when I pose for a picture. I am seven months pregnant here, so my balloon of a belly is a perfect resting place.

submitted by Annabelle Cone
Cornish, New Hamphsire USA
June 1996