The Grand Old Lady #4 by olivetreeann

The Grand Old Lady #4

When you start looking closely at something, what do you notice? If you're looking at a leaf, do you notice its veins or the little hairs that capture the dew? If you're looking at a treasured object, do you see its memories or the craftsmanship that produced it? If you're looking at a gem, do you see its value or the way the light bounces off its surface? When I look closely at the Grand Old Lady, I see the vines which creep up her sides. In winter they are nasty tentacles crawling upon her and threatening to suck the life out of her. But throughout the other seasons they will be leafy boas thrust about her like feathers around a movie star's neck. Such is the process of aging and time. One moment it is a demon and in the next it is full of beauty. Perhaps it is the perspective. If one's life has only focused on the outward appearance, age and the wrinkles and withering that come with it are a cause of despair. But if the inward person has been nurtured and grounded in something bigger than oneself, then age brings wisdom and depth of character that can only be enhanced by time, never taken by it. This is what I see in the life of the Grand Old Lady and on this sunny, breezy day; she has become a metaphor of me. I think that is why I am so deeply drawn to photograph her.
I am really liking this series!
February 20th, 2012  
Poignant summary, Ann. So beautifully expressed and the photo is just as special. What an entertaining series!
February 20th, 2012  
Wonderful capture
February 20th, 2012  
This is so insightful. Age does bring wisdom and perhaps it's good to use that wisdom. I can understand why you like to photograph her.
February 20th, 2012  
@dmariewms Thank you Marie- I'm really glad you are. It's turning into something very significant to me.
@cimes1 Thank you Carole. I am glad you are enjoying this as much as I am enjoying putting it into words.
@kerristephens Thank you Kerri. I appreciate your comments- always so faithful and usually one of the first!
@mrssmith Thank you Carla. I hope they are insightful. I want to make a difference somewhere, even if it's from home at my computer.
February 20th, 2012  
Wonderful capture. I love the textures
February 20th, 2012  
@kimmistephens Thanks Kimmi!
February 20th, 2012  
Brilliant image - love the texture.
February 20th, 2012  
great texture, nicely done Ann
February 20th, 2012  
Beautiful capture AND awesome comment on what this has meant to you. Really well put . . fantastic metaphor. The real meaning of life, Ann.
February 20th, 2012  
Wow your thoughts and these pictures are such gifts to share with us. Thank you
February 20th, 2012  
Lovely thoughts and a great shot to go with them!
February 20th, 2012  
@la_photographic Thank you Laura!
@sarasdadandmom Thank you Terry!
@karenann Thanks Karenann!
@pandorasecho Thank you Dixie!
@twinsplusone Thank you Sharon!

Thank you so much everyone. Your appreciation means the world to me.
February 21st, 2012  
Hi Ann! I did notice how when you really look at things you see all of the details, more and more! Its a unexpected side effect of photography and a very lovely one too!

I have been so busy at school that I haven't posted. I missed you!
February 21st, 2012  
The magic is in the details for me as well. Beautiful photo.
February 21st, 2012  
@potsbypam Thank you Pam- I noticed you weren't posting and I figured it had to be school. Glad to see you had a bit of time to pop in and say hi! You've been in my prayers!
@changingtides Thank you Allie- and that new lens of yours is capturing some beautiful details on those amazing birds!
February 21st, 2012  
Ann I am loving your perspective on this. These are some gret shots and a wonderful reminder to look at things a little closer and enjoy all the beauty there is to see. Too often we simply take a picture and then move on
February 21st, 2012  
Wonderful textures in your shots. I'm loving seeing how you capture this lovely building and reading your interpretations of it too.
February 21st, 2012  
textures of wood and contrast with bare vein is terrific
February 21st, 2012  
Just catching up a bit after being away..love your pictures The Grand Old Lady 1 - 4.
February 21st, 2012  
All those little details is what tells the whole story. Each little thing has its meaning. A great photo to go with your story
February 21st, 2012  
@bkbinthecity @alia_801 @peterdegraaff @bruni @digitalrn
Thank you so much Brian, Alia, Peter, Bruni and Rick. This series has become very special to me and your encouraging comments are carrying me through a rough week. I can't thank you enough.
February 22nd, 2012  
I, too, am loving your barn stories. Very good points you make up there. I usually see the latter in those choices you listed for looking at gems, leaves ,and treasured objects.
February 22nd, 2012  
this is outstanding my favorite - you have found subjects that are totally bringing out you true talent - keep it up - fav for me - i love everything about this really i do!!!!!!!!!!
February 22nd, 2012  
@espyetta Thank you MaryBeth! Perspective is an interesting thing- sometimes it's too narrow and other times, it's too broad. I'm always looking for a balance, but I don't know if I achieve it or not. I try!
@adobewaters Thank you Adobe- you are a treasure!!
February 22nd, 2012  
Splendid meditation.
February 22nd, 2012  
I love your writing and find it resonates deeply with my spirit!
February 23rd, 2012  
@allie912 Thank you Allison!
@potsbypam Thank you Pam!
This has become a great exercise in thought and word for me. I am glad you are enjoying it.
February 23rd, 2012  
Ooh there's just something about this image....
Have to fav it! I just love it.
February 23rd, 2012  
@kloud Thank you Bonnie! I am honored!
February 23rd, 2012  
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