Have you ever made a wish by tossing a coin into a fountain? There are famous fountains all over the world people have traveled to, for the sole purpose of throwing in a coin while simultaneously making a wish, hoping that wish will come true. One of the most famous fountains is the Trevi Fountain in Rome, a fountain that gained international attention with 20th Century Fox’s release of the movie called ‘Three Coins in a Fountain’, filmed in Rome in 1954. That movie revolved around three female-roommates who all tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, hoping to find love. Although I have never seen the movie (but I will watch it now lol) the film’s legacy has become part of the history while visiting Trevi Fountain. When I was in Rome, I remember my tour guide pointing out to me—not only the historic significance of the very famous fountain—but also the fact that the famed film, ‘Three Coins in a Fountain’, was filmed there.

As a child, I remember tossing coins into a well on my farm, making grandiose wishes, expecting miracles to happen. Unfortunately for me, not one of my wishes was ever granted—the only result being a dwindled allowance short a few cents. Now that I think about it, not only were my well-wishes never granted, I don’t think that anything has ever transpired from one of the wishes I made after blowing out my candles on my birthday cake either. Maybe I am not a good wish maker? Regardless, I don’t think my lack of successful fountain-coin-tossing and cake-blowing wishes will result in a hopeless Janell. I still hold the fairytale-like belief that someday my Prince will come and that, if I desire something, I can manifest it. I guess no one ever told me that the manifestation would happen through hard work, and the magic in miracles comes from perseverance, effort and well, luck.

However, there is an undeniable beauty to a fountain, and there is something sweet about making a wish, to put a positive vibe out into the universe. Perhaps just taking the time to think about what you want, or the kindness in sending a heartful wish for another, might be all the magic that one needs to start to make the wish materialize. After all, everything is just energy in motion, so perhaps positive thoughts can actually manifest into reality?

Well, you can imagine my surprise, when I stumbled upon my very own Roman ‘Trevi-esque’ Fountain right in the heart of Beverly Hills. In between Crescent Drive and Rexford, just south of Burton Way, is an historic office building with a beautifully designed green space, complete with Roman Columns, and a magnificent round fountain whose basin is scattered with coins from local fountain-wishers.

One night my girlfriend and I were walking home from a party on Rodeo Drive. It was a warm summer evening so we decided to walk the mile home as a refreshing alternative to crawling into the backseat of an Uber. As we were walking up Crescent drive, I noticed a small green space just before Burton Way, and I reasoned we could likely cut through it and save a bit of time. I never imagined that I would stumble upon a magical Roman enclave in the heart of Beverly Hills. The fountain had small lights illuminati