Lens-Artists Challenge #213 – Here Comes the Sun

Never Forgotten

“Sharing tales of those we’ve lost is how we keep from really losing them.”

Mitch Albom

This week it seems Amy has given us free rein to share images of most anything “under the sun”. Since we’ve just returned from a visit to NYC, I’ m sharing some favorites from our trip. Although our visit was specifically meant to reconnect with our family, no trip to NYC (for me) would be complete without a stop at the 9-11 Memorial. In the image above I was focused on the lone flower left beside a loved one’s name. The granite slabs surround the water elements that fill the footprint of each of the twin towers while the city looms peacefully in the background. For me the scene reminds us that life goes on but those no longer with us are not forgotten.

9-11 Reflection

“Memory warps time, as it does the sights and sounds and smells of reality; for what shapes it is emotion.”

Sherwood Smith

As I walked through the grounds outside the memorial, I was taken by the scene reflected in the glass walls. There we see people going about their everyday business as if time had erased the horror of that day. What the image does NOT show is the long line of visitors waited patiently to enter the memorial’s museum, proving that no, we have not forgotten, nor will we.

Subject Becomes Photographer

“The observer is the observed and therein lies sanity…”

Jiddu Krishnamurti

I couldn’t resist capturing the image above and sharing it here. Throughout Asia, especially while in Angkor Wat, I took so many images of monks I could fill dozens of posts with them. I laughed out loud as I saw the tables turned when this monk crouched to photograph the memorial.

Fun in the Sun

“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.” 

Joseph Addison

Each time I visit the area around the 9-11 grounds I’m amazed at the addition of yet another colorful creation of wall art. The one above screams to me of fun in the sun and playfulness that as “grown-ups” we would be wise to remember. After all, a hearty laugh is always balm for the soul.

Barn Buddies

“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

Winston S. Churchill

If you thought immediately that it was odd to see horses peeking out of barn windows in the heart of NYC, you’d be absolutely correct. In fact these two are housed outside of the city in the rolling hills of New York’s Hudson Valley. As different as it could possibly be from the noise and chaos of the city, the valley (just over 2 hours north) is a place of verdant foliage, peaceful small towns, and more horses than cars. This and the following images are from the nearby countryside.

Equestrienne at Work

“There is much we can learn from a friend who happens to be a horse.”

Aleksandra Layland

Although my posts don’t often feature family members, this week I’m including the image above of our granddaughter . She’s a city girl – NYC born and bred but loves the country and especially her time with the horses. When not in school she also volunteers at a therapeutic riding center for the disabled.

Under the Sun or Sun Going Under?

“The sunset paints scenery crimson and gold. Oh, wondrous nature dyed in colors bold.”

Richelle E. Goodrich

I’ll close this segment of my post with the final sunset of our Hudson Valley visit. I had to smile since Amy’s challenge is called Under The Sun. In the scene above, perhaps the vice is versa! In any case, it was quite brilliant until it had taken its final breath, and even then the sky was glorious as it finally faded to black.

Free Puppies!

“He giggled like a puppy being tickled by a kitten wearing a duckling costume.”

Jim Benton

Back in the city, I happened upon this poster for an upcoming Broadway show. The quote below the image is exactly the way the poster made me feel! Here’s hoping it’s a big hit 😊.

(Note, obviously my signature applies to the photograph of the poster, not the poster itself.)

Home Sweet Home

“If Light Is In Your Heart You Will Find Your Way Home.”

Rumi

As always, as much as we love to travel and of course to be with loved ones, we are always very happy to get back home. Sunsets on Kiawah can be brilliant, as was the one I’ve shared above.

We thank all of those who responded to Patti’s Motion challenge last week – it was great to see all of the creative approaches to different kinds of movement. We hope you’ll join us this week with your “under the sun” images. Be sure to link your post to Amy’s beautiful original here and to use the Lens-Artists tag to help us find you. Next week Ann-Christine will lead us so be sure to check her out next Saturday. Until then, as always please stay safe and be kind.

Interested in joining the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.

Tags: countryside, LENS-ARTISTS, NYC, photography, sun, travel

• August 20, 2022
• Photo Essay, Photography
• 92 Comments