Category Archives: B & W
Watery Blade
Watery Blade, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
It’s a challenge taking photos when it’s overcast, but it can be also be pretty hard shooting in bright daylight (ever notice those harsh shadows across the face of someone you’re taking a pic of?).
So for Simply Hue’s weekly Creative Challenge, I was out there with “Black and White” in mind. The forest was dark, too dark. As Bumpy went hunting for mushrooms, I went hunting for an image, and this is what I found. I’m a fan of waterdrops: they hold a minute universe within them. Incredible.
Now, I could’ve posted some of the shots I’ve taken in the past, but that’s cheating in my eyes. I participate in these assignments to make me think, see, execute.
So, what are your challenges this week?
Joseph’s Hands.
Joseph’s Hands, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
Joseph hands tell stories: stories of milking cows in the dark winter mornings, of holding his wife when she was young and they danced at a summer ball, of the figures he carves out of wood. He nearly died after a felled tree crushed him, leaving Joseph in a coma for weeks. His daughter suggested he take up wood carving to bide his time as his body healed. He creates some beautiful pieces; I think before we leave I’ll ask him to carve me an angel…
Still waters run deep, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
As we drove up the dirt path heading into town, we passed Joseph wandering in the fields, binoculars hanging around his neck from a worn leather strap.
“What are you looking for Joseph?”
“Stars”, he replied, the corners of his mouth betraying the trace of a smile.
“But Joseph! You can’t see the stars at this time of day!”
“Ah, but you don’t know what stars I am looking for!”
Meet Joseph
Meet Joseph, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
Joseph is an important man: he owns the cows which supply our fresh milk. So when Joseph walks by, we enthusiastically offer him something to eat and drink (usually coffee and “kuchen” (cake)), but today was different: Joseph preferred a cold beer!
Spiral.
Spiral, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
When I see such a spiral staircase, cut from stone by hand and assembled with just some mortar and basic laws of physics, I think of the wonderful novel: “Pillars of the Earth” (a favorite). This shot I took at Chateau de Chambord, which despite its lack of furnishings and flagrant grandeur a-la-Versailles, is an impressive and overwhelming structure.
Sunday Afternoon
Sunday Afternoon, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
Contemplation, originally uploaded by On Linden Way.
Springtime in France heralds a new season of “Brocantes” all over the country. I happen to love “brocantes”: flea markets, antique shops, junk shops, second hand, consignment, and garage sales. The phrase “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure” rings true in my ears as I stroll along from table to table, each one laden with an assortment of bric-a-brac, fine china and silverware to downright trash.
These gentlemen were more than relaxed this past Sunday, seemingly not giving a care in the world if an item on their makeshift display counters caught the eye of a passerby. Heck, they have all summer in front of them! If by chance you come to France this summer, here is a great link to all that is “Brocante”. Bon Chance!
