August 21, 2009
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Weekly Photo Challenge “OpenSpaces”
Visit and play the
Weekly Photo ChallengeTHIS WEEK, “Open Spaces” suggested by JanyeBug“I equate “Open Spaces with Privacy”, as the first thing comes to mind is “W-I-D-E Open Spaces”, where the experience is more than a vacation but a Nirvana.
True Open Spaces are spots man hasn’t interfered with, totally natural, beautifully unspoiled. Where I live, Ohio, USA, if there is such a place here, it’s hidden somewhere in a really big park or on a piece of land owned by the rich or famous. Nothing I have ever discovered is totally unspoiled but is always, in some way, encroached upon by man. To have wide “open spaces”, I must open my mind completely, ignoring what is, creating what can be a perfect few minutes, or more, away from the normal encounter.
My Photos
1- Ohio farmland, and there are a lot of farms in Ohio. They can be seen on nearly any drive you take in the state and some are beautifully kept up and some are struggling to survive.
2- Most if not all the farmlands wide “open space” is spoiled with the necessity of fencing, and the real spoiler, litter from travelers and residents alike lodges itself in the grass and around fence posts, as if it isn’t enough to have wide “open spaces” encroached upon by man’s necessities.
3- There are many beautiful parks with outstanding spots to picnic or play but the wide “open space” is usually visited by more than yourself and if it happens to be garbage free, there are always the signposts as reminders, PRIVACY IS NOT one of the park’s luxuries.
4- If the day isn’t smoggy but clear, due to a fresh rain, to lie on one’s back and stare up at the sky is a terrific option for wide “open spacious” freedom for the mind.
5- Blacking out what is, creating a wide open mind-set provides a wonderful getaway worth practicing.
6- As it’s doubtful I can leave totally behind what man is / does to have wide “open spaces”, for myself, I’ve discovered developing tolerance for things which help create a peaceful / comfortable atmosphere is very rewarding and works best for me.
Thanks always for your comments and keep on taking those photos.
Comments (14)
I sooo love the third picture ^^.
Great post! Happy weekend ^^
Beautiful wide open spaces and I absolutely love the second one.
fantastic pictures… I think my fav is the water reflection. Thanks for sharing them.
x
you know when I went for that drive in the country two weeks ago (put photos up then) I was thinking the same about spaces. How areas were more infringed upon. How there wasn’t wide open space really any longer. City sprawl, smaller farms or hobby farms eating everything up. A very nice post. I agree, space has to be inside of us. Lovely photos I especially love the quietude the park photo invokes. Lovely.
I like the two last photos , the one because it gives the notion of space in the sky at night and the last because there is a large space ..on the bench !
Love
Michel
Beautiful!
I’m so glad you participated in this challenge. Your pictures are so beautiful.
It’d be nice to spend some time sitting on the little bench in the last one – not that the other shots and places you’ve shown are less appreciated. I remember the flat farmlands in the early stages of our drive from Chicago to LA – nothing but corn for miles!
I think I am beginning to know the Ohio countryside quite well now, thanks mainly to your graphic tours. Unfortunately I have never been there though I have had the privilege of visiting Arizona, which would seem to be much dryer and more desert like, but certainly a candidate for wide open spaces. It was in the late 90′s, I think probably 1998 that we went to Arizona and visited the Grand Canyon amongst other wide open spaces. I bought my first digital camera in 1999, and I think it was that trip that gave me my initial interest in landscape photography and that is why I bought the camera. I like the sunset photo the best out of preference, but all photos are bang on theme. ~ Tim
Love the barn in the first image!
Love them all friends—will have to look through my pics
Kenneth
You came up with some wonderful photo’s for this challenge.
Dear Becca,
I agree with you about the concept of open space as private, maybe because of that I also considered the sky as an open space. It’s difficult to find a place not altered by man.
Perhaps the best open spaces are inside our heart.
You posted a link at the left module to a radio station. I’m listening the “Chill Lounge” channel – Quiet Village “Utopia”, Silent Movie, imagining I’m sitting at your bench.
Have a nice week,
Isabel
I hope the motorbikers had a great and safe trip and you enjoy yourselves together.
Love
Michel.