Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Cooling

“Let your soul stand cool and composed before a million universes.”

Walt Whitman

SHIMMERING

This week as those of us in the US continue to experience the heat of summer, Ann-Christine has asked us to share some images of cooling. Since my husband and I are enjoying the low humidity and lovely breezes of New York’s Hudson Valley this month, we are fortunate to have found several ways to keep cool. Above, the beautiful shimmering leaves of a tree canopy at nearby Bash Bish Falls (gotta love the name, don’t you?!)

INTO THE LIGHT

“Good words cool more than cold water.”

John Ray

Speaking of trees, I was captivated by the cooling shade created by the alley of pines we found at the Columbia Golf & Country Club in Claverack, NY. I couldn’t resist treating the capture above with some impressionist touches, as the path to the light was so enchanting it seemed more like something Monet or Degas might have created.

BABBLING BROOK

“Keep a cool head and a warm heart.”

Mike Love

I’ve been amazed at the difference in temperature between sun and shade, and the added element of water which lowers the temps still further. On our way to Bash Bish Falls we strolled along the babbling brook above, created by the falls’ torrents. We especially enjoyed the sounds of the waters as they made their way through the rocks. After a fairly strenuous uphill walk, we came at last to the falls – where we found several others frolicking in the natural pools below. Obviously they’d found a wonderful way to keep cool!

FALLS FROLIC

“One cool judgement is worth a thousand hasty counsels.”

Woodrow Wilson

Although nothing beats a natural waterfall, I was impressed with the waters falling from the beautiful fountain centerpiece of the Culinary Institute of America.  Located in charming Hyde Park, NY (home of FDR), the institute has trained some of the most famous chefs in America. Originally founded to train veterans returning from WWII, today the institute has campuses around the world including 2 in California’s wine country. Some of their well-known graduates include Anthony Bourdain, David Burke, Michael Chiarello and Michael Mina among many others.

SHOOTING UP, FALLING DOWN

“Keep cool; anger is not an argument.”

Daniel Webster

Finally, there is a way to restore a peaceful spirit in the cool quiet to be found behind the doors of a country church. I was drawn to the aura of this small oasis of calm that we came upon during our meanderings along the country roads. It seems there are churches of every variety around every corner of this area. This one in particular, located in the village of Philmont NY, caught my attention for it’s weathered wood, red doors and beautiful stained glass.

DOORWAY TO PEACE

“Be still and cool in thine own mind and spirit.”

George Fox

Thanks to Ann-Christine for this week’s challenge entry. Stay tuned for next week’s Lens-Artists Challenge to be published by Amy of ShareandConnect. For more information about the weekly challenge, click here.

 

Note: all images created with Fuji X-T2 except the CIA fountain, which is an iPhone 8+ capture.

 

 

 

Tags: Hudson Valley NY, LENS-ARTISTS

• July 15, 2018
• Nature, Photography, Travel, Trees
• 103 Comments