Lens-Artists Challenge #213 – Here Comes the Sun
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.)
“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.
The opening photo is so serene. Beautifully shot, Tina; the focus is on the flower and then the backdrop. A lot of feeling about this one. I’ve yet to visit the 9-11 Memorial, but I very much look forward to when I do. You have captured what I love about the city, and it is also nice to see photos showing life outside the city – gotta love the horses and your horseback rider! Beautiful photo.
Quite humbled images and text about 9/11 Center, I could feel the vibe of it.
Many thanks Cornelia – they’ve done an amazing job with the site.
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Wonderful photos and reflections/thoughts to go with them!
Thanks very much Gift
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Monks and horses are just so photogenic – not sure why but they always seem to transform the shot.
😊 “monks and horses” now I’m thinking I need to find an image with both!
Might have to do some photo compositing – maybe I’ll try it too!
Wonderful post, Tina 👏 Love the poster for the play & the words underneath evoke a great image 😂
Thanks Jez – I couldn’t walk by that one without a quick shot!
I love the emotional grab of the 9/11 memorial. Powerful photos, and I agree, we don’t forget.
Glad you included your granddaughter, very special and the SunSHINE for so many who meet her.
Thanks Donna – the power of the memorial is very special. We’re fortunate that our family is so nearby so it’s an easy visit when we go to see them. As your our granddaughter, she really is the sunshine of our lives!
Thanks for sharing images of the 9-11 Memorial. It looks “simple” but so powerful. Also liked your sunsets. So pretty!
Thanks Siobhan. The memorial is really well done, simple but powerful. The museum is absolutely amazing. They took forever in the design and construction phases but the result was worth the effort.
I love every one of these. We were struck with so much emotion when we visited the memorial and when we asked about the single flower and were told that they were placed every day beside the name of someone who would have a birthday on that particular day, we cried. That people take the time to remember those who passed away on the day of their birth.
Many thanks Kirstin. I’d seen the flowers before and thought perhaps they sold them somewhere at the site and people purchased and used them at their loved one’s name. I love that they’re for birthdays. That is so very sad and yet a wonderful thing. I think that’s true of the memorial overall, so very sad and yet so touching that those lost are so honorably remembered. Thanks so much for that info!
An excellent post, as always.
Many thanks Rupali
A beautiful post. I like the way it becomes sunnier as we go along.
Thanks I.J. – I loved that this one was so wide open!
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Perfect capture of the memorial with the flower and love the Barn Buddies shot. Had me a little worried though Tina as I scrolled down thru your post hoping to see a Kiawah sunset, but you came thru at the end…lol. Although I have to say that Hudson Valley sunset shot is impressive as well. Very nice 🙂
Thanks Andy – LOL re the Kiawah sunset. Heavens knows I have enough of them to draw from! There are, of course glorious sunsets everywhere. Always a moment of gratitude for them no matter where, right?!
As always, I enjoyed seeing your photos, Tina! You have a lovely granddaughter!
Thanks Kellye, she’s been such a joy for us. We’re very fortunate.
I was especially interested in, and moved by, your photos of the 9/11 Memorial. Last time we were in NYC Ground Zero was still a hole in the ground – we must go back again to see it now.
Thanks Sarah. Honestly they’ve done an amazing job – the museum is incredibly moving as is the way they’ve surrounded the tower footprints. It’s become a must-see destination both for those two things and the many attractions that surround them.
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Beautiful images of your trip to NYC, Tina. Love that lone flower–a compelling image indeed. Anything under the sun, so perfect. Your yellow image of the mural fits in with my “mustard” them this week!
Thanks Terri – I was thinking exactly that as I saw your subject for today. Headed back there now.
Next month we will be making our first visit to NYC. I am looking forward to it. You’ve surely increased my anticipation of the visit.
On a limited schedule (we get on a cruise ship at NYC), besides the memorial and probably Central Park, what sights should we not miss?
Oh my John, that’s a tall order. Be sure to schedule extra time when you visit the memorial. Not only is it wonderful but right next door is the Calatrava building (great people watching inside and fun shops) and 1 block east is a great mall with marvelous restaurants. If you walk through to the other side of it you’re on the river and there’s a wonderful walking path that goes for miles. In Central Park be sure to stop at the John Lennon memorial just to have been there. It’s right across from his building where he was shot. 5th Ave just for the fun of it. The High Line is especially wonderful. You walk above the city on a path filled with greenery and end up at the new developments at Hudson Yards. A great way to see the city and its architecture and tons of photo ops. Speaking of photos, a stop at B&H will leave you dizzy with the equipment possibilities you can see there. Finally, if you have time the museums are amazing https://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/museums-in-nyc . The city is overwhelming but oh so much to see and do!!!
Thanks for the tips. I didn’t think about going to B&H at all. What a great idea. “No, Lynn, I’m not going to buy anything… Just looking.” Do you think that will work? 🙂
We would love to see a broadway play, but I don’t think that will be in the cards for us this trip. 🙂
LOL I know it wouldn’t work on my husband!!
One my favorite posts!
😊 including one of our favorite people.
Amazing first photo of the 9/11 Memorial – have not been back to see it in two years…Also loved the final quote!
Thanks Laurel – honestly we’d not have gone if our family wasn’t there as we are still a bit nervous about flying but happily, no repercussions. Unlike our last (driving) trip to DE to visit the other side of the family where those who flew in ALL got covid. Sigh.
Your first shot sets the tone, Tina, and a great selection of images as ever.
Thanks Sue, I loved the latitude of Amy’s challenge this week!
Yes, I’ve yet to think of my post!
Great stories and very nice images. You’re right, the topic can also be understood as a synonym for smiling. At least here in German we have the saying „Die Sonne geht auf!“ (the sun rises!) to acknowledge the change in one’s face when turning from bitter and anger to a smile and even cheer her up to do it further and leave anger and bitterness behind. In this context I like the single flower on the 911 memorial👍. But, you saved your IMHO best image for the end 😊👍
Many thanks Andre – love the idea of your German saying and its meaning. As for the last, I’ve seen many beautiful sunsets around the world but perhaps my affection for those of our little island adds a bit of extra something to those images 😊
😊 yes, although one has so many similar images from so many locations, only few of them pop up regularly. Usually those are the images connected to certain emotions. And, yes, I also have some of these. 😊
Wonderful post, as always. I have missed you in these months that I have been away from the blog. I hope to resume activity little by little and I hope to return to your challenges soon.
Thanks very much Ana – here’s hoping we see more of your beautiful work sooner rather than later.
Sometimes your posts find their way into my daily devotionals… the 9/11 memorial photos found their way into my heart this morning..giving thanks to God for the resilience of man…. By the Grace of God
Always happy to have inspired you Ms Linda. Yes, resilience indeed. One hopes the families of those who were lost find peace and just a bit of comfort from the memorial which is so beautifully done.
Great take on the challenge, Tina. The sunsets are brilliant but I loved your Fun in the sun photo, quote and also your thoughts. So true!
Thanks Sofia – that colorful wall art really draws the eye – it’s quite huge in person!
Enjoyed your quotes and posts and thoughts!
The reflection photo was creative and all artsy!
The vibrancy of the horse color and smile of granddaughter was another fav today.
Glad you enjoyed this week’s effort Yvette. It was great to be with family and to revisit some of my favorite places. And good to get back home!
Your post reminded me how amazing it is in and around NYC- such a special area
Gorgeous images!
Many thanks Dawn
Free Puppies! Great response to this challenge Tina. I loved your images of the 9/11 memorial and your granddaughter riding a horse. Beautiful sunsets too.
Thanks Anne, isn’t that poster adorable?! How can we not smile as we pass it? I was happy to be able to share such diverse elements of our trip for Amy’s challenge.
The 9/11 Memorial shots are so moving… thanks for sharing. I have visited it twice. Once when it was under construction & then when completed
Many thanks Indra, so glad you’ve been able to visit it. Each time I do there’s something new to see, but the original memorial is still the most important and moving element.
Yes.. embedded in memory.
Thanks, Keith!Kirk@LivingstonContent.com sent via smartphone.
Wonderful photos from NYC and beyond, Tina. I have also visited the Memorial. We must never forget the horror of that day.
Thanks Susan – I find it hard to believe that it’s been over 20 years now. It truly does seem like it was yesterday. If only we’d managed to hang on to the way the country pulled together afterwards.
Ahh. Superb as always. (Am I repeating myself?) I will be visiting the 9/11 Museum and Memorial next Saturday. Lest we forget. LOVE the Home Sweet Home. Serene.
Many thanks John – I’m excited you’ve visiting the memorial. You’ll have to let me know what you think. Also your impression of the Calatrava building
👍
We saw a LOT of Calatrava in Valencia last year. He is unique!
Unique is indeed the word John!
Gorgeous post with fabulous photos and love the quotes. The horses look adorable
Thanks Alison – as for the horses….they are!
That sunset in the Kiawah is stunning, but I guess you are used to them by now as you live in the area.
Thanks Vicki – honestly I’m just as excited every time I see one as I was the first time. I never take them for granted – here or anywhere else!
What a series, Tina! Happy to see your granddaughter, so sweet. And, the under the sun and home sweet home images are stunningly beautiful! Fun in the Sun, indeed. Thank you for the treat! 🙂
My pleasure indeed Amy – thanks for the terrific challenge and your beautiful post. I enjoyed this one very much.
Perfect for remembering 911, two weeks away. My friend and family just returned from New York and they could never have enough of it. Is it the sun or anything under the sun? Regardless, your post wants me to take a puppy home.
Hi Perpetua – honestly I hadn’t thought of that or I might have waited with that one. However I agree, it’s always on my list when I’m in the city. The challenge is anything under the sun so pretty wide open! And yes, the billboard made ME want to take a puppy home too!!
Am sure you still have plenty of NY photos for another tribute, Tina.
A lovely post in so many ways. But that first shot, with its muted colour palette sets the tone beautifully.
Thanks so much Margaret – I wish everyone would have the opportunity to visit the memorial, it is among the most moving I’ve seen anywhere. There was a HUGE battle here between the original designers and the families of those who were lost. The final result couldn’t be better IMHO.
It does seem to get a good press. Which is more dignified than the scrapping between factions that memorials can cause.
Hi, Tina. You know how much I love that photo of your granddaughter. 😀❤️. The twin set of horses was also fabulous, as well as the 9/11 Memorial shots. I haven’t been back to the memorial in a while. I was so moved by it. The monk image is priceless! Have a good week.
Honestly Patti, your comment last week led me to include it so thanks for that especially. The memorial never ceases to move me. I was so happy to see the long line going in. And the monk….that was really a gift LOL.
I presume that is the horse. Since you hung around the barn, I assume you can name every piece of tack. And, you do know every flying insect around a barn has a name too. (LOL)
That is indeed the horse and I am not in the least surprised that the nasty flying things also have names! As for the tack, not so much😊 Only if decide to gift it LOL
Darn, Tina! I thought you had written a book about dogs–and I was ready to buy a copy!
The Barn Buddies is a heart warmer. Your granddaughter must get so much joy working at the riding center. Another heart warmer.
LOL, as always you cracked me up with that one Lois! Very happy to have warmed your heart today ❤️
That opening image is so lovely, Tina. The sky such soft colours on that sad scene. And I love the photo of your granddaughter, captured against the light. You must be very proud of her. 🤗💗
Many thanks Jo – and yes, we’re immensely proud of our no-longer-little one! Her kindness is beyond words, honestly. I thought the same thing about the soft sky and the sadness on the opener. I sincerely appreciate your sharing that feeling.
😊💟