The lamppost in the middle of Parker's Piece has its own Wikipedia page - not because it was the first electric light in Cambridge (though it was) but because it has had 'Reality Checkpoint' scratched into its paintwork (despite the best efforts of the council) continuously since the early 1970s. It's supposed to be the crossing point between the real world of Mill Road and the town to the left and the 'reality bubble' that is academic Cambridge to the right. It's the only light in the park, right in the centre of the intersecting paths, and very important for inebriated cyclists wobbling their way home. The 'Catholic Church' is in the background - it is huge and was no doubt meant as a 'statement' in a city that was the birthplace of the Reformation in England. Lyn (@lyno) pointed out that yesterday's was photo 999 - my reality checkpoint is that that means there must be about 50 000 photos stored on my computer!
Three good things:
1. Good old simple spag bol for tea - no turkey in sight.
2. Parker's Piece - a rare patch of land dry enough for hoops.
3. Captain Scarlet - RIP Gerry Anderson.
Fantastic story and capture. We had a 'tea party' this evening - Imogen didn't want any of the things I suggested so I came up with the idea of a tea party - lots of little snacks - perfect.
@judithg do you remember when alecio posted a really rubbish shotjust to see how many people would politely comment....it was hilarious, maybe I should do that on new years day!!!
Lovely photo of this to see and learn about! People do try to be polite when commenting and probably are nervous about saying a photo is rubbish in case of you feeling hurt. If you know the photographer thats a good thing!
This looks so beautiful in the light. Interesting story, toto, especially for one living in the ivory tower of scolarly research like me ;) - well, I was kicked out by the little one, I suppose.
Some gr8 light here Judith....super narrative too...congratulations on the 1000 landmark....I just did a quick count on some of the folders that I store my images on ...just short of 30,000 images (about 8 years since i first started doing proper photography) ....I really should invest in some sort of indexing or tagging application...but it will be impossible to go back and tag that lot !!!!
Congrats on 1000. I never check mine:(
This is a lovely shot and again thanks a mill for the stories that go with them, I have learnt so much and your city is so interesting.
Fav. We stayed in one of the houses between the lamp post and the church but, though our window looked out on Parker's Piece the mist/fog was too thick to see anything! Lovely shot.
1000 photos - awesome! Is a shame that the current scratches aren't big enough to get the lamp post and the words in one shot (well I couldn't anyway!)
lovely shot. I never realized the significance of this lamp post until I read your commentary on an earlier photo and have made an effort to read it since. it's a bit Narnia like!
Congratulations Judith on 1000 great shots!! By the way got given Sidney Chambers and The Shadow of Death by James Runcie, academic, vicar of Grantchester and sleuth all set in and around Cambridge!
One thousand photos...and a perfect photo to mark the spot. Wow, congratulations on your 'focus' and commitment to your project. I have loved seeing your world through your amazing photos, Judith! And I'm thrilled that there will be at least another 365 yet to see.
I believe there should be a "reality checkpoint" lamppost, or monument of some sort, in Washington, DC just outside the halls of Congress. :)
RIP Gerry Anderson indeed. :(
Congrats on shot 1000!
This is a lovely shot and again thanks a mill for the stories that go with them, I have learnt so much and your city is so interesting.
I believe there should be a "reality checkpoint" lamppost, or monument of some sort, in Washington, DC just outside the halls of Congress. :)