Don’t Fence Me In – WPC

“Fear is the highest fence.”

Dudley Nichols

MOSS ON THE WIRE

MOSS ON THE WIRE

Krista’s challenge for the week “security“, made me think of fences – those meant to keep things in and those hoping to keep things out.

PEACEFUL GRAZING

PEACEFUL GRAZING

“Security is a double-edged sword: While a fence sure protects the fenced; it also imprisons the protected.”

Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Fences – rustic or ornate, beautiful or unsightly, functional or ornamental. In my travels I’ve seen examples of every kind of fence – good, bad and indifferent, but somehow seemingly begging to be captured in a photograph.

SCOTTISH IRON

SCOTTISH IRON

“Don’t sit on the fence, break it and move out!”

Israelmore Ayivor

Fences can be emotional as well as physical. Have you ever had to mentally tear down a fence that was keeping you from achieving an important goal? What about  mental fences that seemed insurmountable until you pushed yourself over the top?

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH

“Good fences make good neighbors.”

Robert Frost

If we let them, fences will limit our ability to see the world; to experience other cultures; to explore seemingly outlandish ideas.  Like coloring outside the lines, or thinking outside the box, tearing down fences seems a logical way to approach daily life. Yes, they can provide security but as Mr. Mokhonoana says, they also tend to imprison us with their protection.

FENCE AND VINES

FENCE AND VINES

“Fences are made for those who cannot fly.”

Elbert Hubbard

It seems to me that tearing down, climbing over or simply ignoring our personal fences can result in greater personal growth and increased self-confidence.  What would happen if every time we thought “I can’t” we decided “oh, yes I can!” and over the fence we went?! Easier said than done, but worth the effort, no?

SEEING PAST THE FENCE

SEEING PAST THE FENCE

“When you have all that you need, build a larger table, not a higher fence.”

Unknown

Security…. I find myself wondering these days if the world might not be a better place if we were to build a larger table, not a higher fence. Would that it were that simple.

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73 thoughts on “Don’t Fence Me In – WPC”

  5. enjoyed the pasteur vibe and felt like a stroll in green fields here today – and this one says so much about our culture today….

    “When you have all that you need, build a larger table, not a higher fence.”

    Reply ↓

  7. Such a meaningful, thoughtful post Tina accompanied by such great images. This has been a difficult week, which led to my being more political than usual with my response to this challenge. Hopefully there will be light at the end of the tunnel sooner or later. Warmest wishes as always…Andrew

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks very much Andrew – it was a difficult week indeed. The world must be a difficult place for those unfortunate enough to have been born in the wrong place/wrong time. Yes, here’s to the light which must eventually come. Best of this beautiful season to you .

      Reply ↓

  14. Pingback: Security: Penzance | What's (in) the picture?

  16. Love your images and take on fences. You do take photos of all kinds of things, and so well too 😊 I agree that fences can be both literal and more emotional. I grew up in a place where there were high fences around my house, and lock after lock on the doors. It was all for security but at the same time, it made me feel afraid to venture out to see the world. It took me a long while before all those walls came down and I felt free to explore the world. Moving to Australia certainly helped that 😊

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  19. Being claustrophobic , “don’t fence me in” comes to mind, I loved your reflective take ..,, boundaries providing safety and opportunities to spring forth …… both for sure !

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  22. Enjoyed the photos and thoughts, Tina. Fences, like many other things, can be useful or harmful. We have to use our knowledge to figure out which is which. I like the bigger table idea, but there’s also always someone ready to break the table and scatter the diners. 😦

    janet

    Reply ↓

  26. “Follow Your Bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”
    Joseph Campbell 1904-1987.

    Love this post, Tina. So thoughtfully prepared and provocative.

    Reply ↓

  27. Wonderful thought provoking post. It’s interesting how today most people are staring at a cell phone which in a way is a social media fence. Instead of sitting at the table conversing with others, they choose to stare at the phone and scroll to see what someone had for lunch instead of talking to them about it. I like the bigger table idea. 🙂

    Reply ↓

  30. I’ve missed having the luxury of time needed to enjoy your beautiful posts lately. These images and your thoughts are as lovely as always. I particularly like the old wood fences; they remind me of quiet country life and the peace (security, I guess!) I feel when there.

    Reply ↓

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