Nostalgic – Weekly Photo Challenge

“Nostalgia is your brain’s way of photoshopping the blemishes of your past.”

Steve Maraboli

RED CHECKS

Typically my approach to our weekly photo challenge is to develop an idea, then find appropriate photos and finally to search for quotes. This week however, the quote determined the theme. When I saw the opening quote in my search it led me to develop a post where the nostalgic captures have all been photoshopped to allow a highlight color to bleed through. The first capture, above, seemed to lend itself to a feeling of days gone by – and the red shirt seemed to me the perfect candidate for a touch of color. In the shot below, the colorful head-wraps of the Chinese women enjoying lunch within their dreary surroundings called out to me.

COLORFUL HATS

“Nostalgia– that’s the basic sickness, and I never heard of a doctor who can cure it.”

Tim O’Brien

If you search quotes about nostalgia, consensus seems to be that our memories are a bit faulty. Apparently we tend to remember only the good and mercifully spare ourselves from any of the unhappier aspects of the past. Perhaps this is why we are constantly advised to live in the present rather than dwell on the past or worry about what’s ahead. I will admit that focus on the present is not my strong suit. I seem always to be looking ahead, sometimes eagerly and sometimes with worry. But I’m working on it!

FLYING COLORS

“If nostalgia holds you hostage, the ransom is the present.”

Khang Kijarro Nguyen

Personally, I think our memories can be great teachers if we approach them with the right attitude. We can learn from our mistakes to make better decisions in the present. Our memories allow us to keep lost loved ones within our hearts and provide a scrapbook full of positive images for those moments when we need a bit of a boost. Like everything else, moderation in the use of our nostalgic memories is the key.

RED TRAIN

“There is no cause for nostalgia save the good and life-enhancing nostalgia for the present.”

Ray Bradbury

I suppose Ray Bradbury said it best – “nostalgia for the present”; now there’s a concept 😀. Time for me to create some memories on one of the most beautiful days of the year here on our little island. Here’s hoping your day is especially memorable!

Tags: Photoshop, weekly photo challenge

64 thoughts on “Nostalgic – Weekly Photo Challenge”

prior.. on October 17, 2016 at 5:38 am said:

Such a wise take on nostalgia – the present being the cure was a good point -and I think what I like about yoga is how it helps focus the thoughts-to be in the now and all that.
Anyhow – it was a nice contrast to have the meaty text paired with such vivid and alive color select photos – each one had its own vibe!
The pink headdresses were really loud – but in a good way – Like color appreciation – but the chairs and bit of orange – went back to it a few times.

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rabirius on October 12, 2016 at 12:49 pm said:

Wonderful pictures.

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youmans1w on October 5, 2016 at 10:27 pm said:

Beautiful work, Tina

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- Tina Schell on October 6, 2016 at 7:34 am said:
  
  Thanks very much Youmans
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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Cardinal Guzman on October 5, 2016 at 4:15 pm said:

Great quote! I love the red train and flying colors. Amazing photos.

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- Tina Schell on October 5, 2016 at 4:23 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much CG–glad those caught your eye!
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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vocabularyinchunks.wordpress.com on October 5, 2016 at 5:06 am said:

Lovely post, ♡ the hats !

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- Tina Schell on October 5, 2016 at 4:26 pm said:
  
  Thanks V-I-C, they were quite something in person 😊
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
  >
  
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petakaplan on October 4, 2016 at 8:47 pm said:

Love these splash of color photos. So clever. Really works with the theme.

Peta

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:38 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Petakaplan, glad you enjoyed!
  
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Louise on October 4, 2016 at 3:00 am said:

Lovely Tina, you found some great quotes and sense of nostalgia in your photo choices. Isn’t it wonderful how our images/pictures can take on a whole new meaning and ‘life’ when presented for a challenge or post ! Ah nostalgic memories …love sharing songs and do you remember times , highs and lows … but I don’t live there permanently … SO much to look forward to 🙂 Enjoy your week Tina !

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:37 pm said:
  
  Thanks Louise! I agree, sometimes it’s really interesting to see how our captures can deliver different messages depending on how they’re used.
  
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transcribingmemory on October 3, 2016 at 6:02 pm said:

These images, and the quote and concept, are wonderful! I look forward to following!

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:35 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much TM, welcome😊😊
  
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I. J. Khanewala on October 3, 2016 at 11:09 am said:

That red train is an amazing photo

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:33 pm said:
  
  Thank you IJ, I worked hard to capture that one 😊
  
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Linda Wyatt on October 3, 2016 at 7:00 am said:

I loved those ” pops of pink and red”….. Reminders of good things in the midst of the mundane… I think you live a life of ” expectancy ” and therefore catch moments many miss. 💐

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:29 pm said:
  
  Thanks GF, always good to find some color in an otherwise sometimes dreary world
  
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Mabel Kwong on October 3, 2016 at 5:15 am said:

I really like Nguyen’s quote, that the ransom is the present. It is the present that we experience lessons in the now and get to be a part of reality first hand. I am quite like you, always like thinking forwards and planning for every situation. Sometimes that can get stressful, and sometimes that makes me forget what exactly I am doing in the present 😀

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:27 pm said:
  
  I hear you on the stress of forward-thinking, I tend to fall into that trap myself. But planning ahead can be a good thing if done well. It’s an interesting line we have to,walk, isn’t it?!
  
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Photography Journal Blog on October 3, 2016 at 1:40 am said:

I just really like that last image, Red Train.

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:22 pm said:
  
  Thanks! It does seem nostalgic, doesn’t it?!
  
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  - Photography Journal Blog on October 5, 2016 at 1:38 am said:
    
    I think so!
pattimoed on October 2, 2016 at 10:46 pm said:

Great post and images, Tina. I love the effect of the splashes of color.

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:18 pm said:
  
  Thanks Patti, I don’t do it often but enjoyed the manipulation for this week!
  
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LB on October 2, 2016 at 7:03 pm said:

Very nice! The Flying Colors in particular

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:11 pm said:
  
  Thanks Laurie, that one seems to be the runaway fav this week!
  
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dorannrule on October 2, 2016 at 3:00 pm said:

Flying Colors is my favorite but I love the special imaging featuring standout hues.

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:07 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Dor- I had fun with this one 😊
  
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K. Joseph on October 2, 2016 at 1:28 pm said:

Yes indeed, nostalgia can many times be faulty, and can also therefore be dangerous! The picture that resonates the most with me is that of the train, because I loved to travel on trains when I was young.

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- Tina Schell on October 4, 2016 at 9:05 pm said:
  
  Thanks K’ glad that one resonated with you. I fine trains very romantic somehow!
  
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Dina on October 2, 2016 at 11:35 am said:

Awesome work, Tina! A true winner again.
I love listening to old songs I used to love. They are like memories I can always revisit.

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- Tina Schell on October 3, 2016 at 12:17 am said:
  
  Thanks Dina – I agree whole-heartedly on the old song memories!
  
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  - Dina on October 3, 2016 at 1:48 pm said:
    
    🙂
thirdeyemom on October 2, 2016 at 11:25 am said:

Truly stunning Tina!

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- Tina Schell on October 3, 2016 at 12:14 am said:
  
  Thanks Nicole – not quite as stunning as autumn in Michigan but ya gotta go with what you got!
  
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lexklein on October 2, 2016 at 10:55 am said:

I absolutely love what you’ve done with the photos, and your thoughts on nostalgia are spot-on.

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- Tina Schell on October 3, 2016 at 12:13 am said:
  
  Many thanks Lex, glad you enjoyed!
  
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ms. diplomacy on October 2, 2016 at 9:05 am said:

A beautiful collection of images and perfect for the challenge!

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- Tina Schell on October 3, 2016 at 12:11 am said:
  
  Thanks Ms. D, glad you enjoyed.
  
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Dalo 2013 on October 2, 2016 at 6:31 am said:

I do not know why the first photo comforts me so much maybe because it is easy for me to imagine how happy I’d be living there 🙂 It is my favorite because of this feeling, and it is nostalgic for sure. The US flag one is powerful – reminds me of my hometown, very Americana. A nice feeling too as I just arrived back in Asia 🙂

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- Tina Schell on October 3, 2016 at 12:08 am said:
  
  Thanks Randall – probably appealed to me because I had the same clothes myself at some point :-). Welcome back to HK – look forward to more wonderful stories in your adopted homeland.
  
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wanderingcows on October 2, 2016 at 5:22 am said:

I love what you’ve done in this challenge with picking out one detail from each image. The train is my favourite!

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- Tina Schell on October 3, 2016 at 12:06 am said:
  
  Thanks WC – I had fun putting this one together 🙂
  
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Pingback: Nostalgia: Train Platform | What's (in) the picture?
Claudette on October 1, 2016 at 8:15 pm said:

Love the highlights, they do make it look very nostalgic.

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- Tina Schell on October 3, 2016 at 12:04 am said:
  
  Thanks very much Claudette, appreciate your visit and comment.
  
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Heyjude on October 1, 2016 at 7:15 pm said:

Your posts never fail to delight me Tina. I always look forward to reading your interpretation of the challenge and seeing your wonderful photos.

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- Tina Schell on October 3, 2016 at 12:03 am said:
  
  What a lovely compliment Jude – many thanks!!
  
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Tiny on October 1, 2016 at 6:20 pm said:

I love your opening quote and how it influenced your interpretation of the challenge. Lovely.

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- Tina Schell on October 3, 2016 at 12:01 am said:
  
  Thanks Tiny – my thoughts were all over the map until I saw that quote. Lucky for me!!
  
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Andrew Seal on October 1, 2016 at 6:07 pm said:

Great post Tina, especially the train. I wonder what October will bring? Happy first of the month 😊

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- Tina Schell on October 2, 2016 at 11:56 pm said:
  
  Thanks Andrew – and a happy new month to you too!!
  
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lensandpensbysally on October 1, 2016 at 5:10 pm said:

Tina, enjoyed each and every image…well done.

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- Tina Schell on October 2, 2016 at 11:55 pm said:
  
  Thanks Sally, glad this one appealed!
  
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Jane Lurie on October 1, 2016 at 1:27 pm said:

Cool selective coloring ideas, Tina. The train and flag images work really well. I am nostalgic, for sure.

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- Tina Schell on October 2, 2016 at 11:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jane – had fun picking shots I thought would work and then playing around with them.
  
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april kanew on October 1, 2016 at 1:12 pm said:

wonderful post Tina….love these shots…and your words!! I too am always looking ahead & never focusing on the present….hard to play golf when your focus & concentration is already cooking dinner & you are only on the 14th hole😬 Loving the colorful hats!!!

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- Tina Schell on October 2, 2016 at 11:52 pm said:
  
  LOL on the golf comment April, maybe THAT’s my problem!!
  
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Inside the Mind of Isadora on October 1, 2016 at 12:20 pm said:

The quote by Steve Marboli is an inspiring way to look at our pasts.
The photograph ‘Red Checks’ reminded me of a shirt I used to wear tied at the waist with my shorty jeans (age 7 at the time : 0 ).
Tina, you’ve got a nice selection of nostalgic photographs. I really love them all.
Hope you’re weekend is relaxing.
Isadora 😎

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- Tina Schell on October 2, 2016 at 11:51 pm said:
  
  Thanks Izzy – I can just picture you in your little “outfit”! Yes, I can fondly remember the tied-at-the-waist days LOL!!
  
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  - Inside the Mind of Isadora on October 3, 2016 at 12:37 pm said:
    
    Fashion …???!!!! he he : )
sustainabilitea on October 1, 2016 at 10:55 am said:

Love the train and love the Bradbury quote. Of course, all the shots are lovely. Have a wonderful weekend yourself, Tina.

janet

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- Tina Schell on October 2, 2016 at 11:44 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Janet – enjoyed my weekend immensely thanks!!
  
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