Wanderlust Won! A Road Trip through North Carolina, then Istanbul, the Greek Islands and Athens is my Excuse for Six Weeks of Missing my Blog

As soon as school ended, the next morning my best friend and I loaded the car and took off for Asheville, North Carolina antiquing and shooting photos along the way. No electronics allowed. Especially after my friend threw my phone at me. We found so many places to wander that I’m still editing. A week later , my husband and I landed in Istanbul.

Amazing adventures and so much to assimilate. We then cruised the Greek Islands on a motorized yacht and landed in Athens.

Along the way there were so many new ideas, realizations, and lessons, that I’m still trying to retain them and find a way to share experiences without becoming one of those dreaded people with the slides or a pack of photos that you avoid like the plague. As we traveled, I mentally wrote posts so I felt like I took you all along with me.I was only one pound under on baggage so you understand that I mean metaphorically. Over the next few weeks I have lots to share and hope you will tell me if I overdo.

Michael Row Your Boat Ashore

While spending a quiet afternoon sorting through photographs,I came across this image. We were in a small town in Cornwall and while the others walked ahead, I tried to shoot as much as I could. Later when I took a closer look I noticed the name Michael painted on the foundation of the building and the song started in my head. The building appears to be a church because of the cross atop the wire steeple, but I really don’t know if that’s the case. Since my memory is too crowded with junk, there’s little room for important things like the names of towns, so I will probably never know for sure. Unless one of you kind readers lives or visits near the western tip of Cornwall somewhere near Penzance and Mousehole. The photo makes me feel hopeful as if Michael had made his journey safely.

Farmhouse Recipe

To photos of:

Plaster walls with peeling paint.

Wood siding worn to its core.

The aroma of grandma’s freshly baked oatmeal cookies.

An abandoned house packed with memories.

Layer together and add a bit of blur.

Remember?

New York Rhythm

Sometimes life is frenetic in the south. Mostly because we let little things gain importance and overwhelm us. Rather than seek peace and quiet, I’d prefer a visit back home to New York. Sometimes I honestly miss the taxis and even the pigeons ( as long as they maintain a respectful distance).People expect New York to be fast paced and overgrown because that’s its reputation. But, though the pace in the city is the composite of emotion, energy, and possibility, it creates a pulse that lets you know you are alive and  that at any moment you might find yourself traveling in a new direction . Inspiration and wonder thrive while its sounds, sights, and rhythm revive the soul.

A Midnight Voyage

My ship floats serenely, silently sailing on imagination and gentle breezes. We only wait for the moment fireflies appear to guide our journey.

Taking Notice

Every time I wander down South Main Street I admire this sign.But the other day, while going through some black and white negatives I’d shot about ten years ago, the sign was there in its original condition. Plain, simple, scratched and worn, it read Frank James Hotel.In the new version,the sign remained in form, the words still peek through but it ‘s the painting that captures your attention.I’ve enjoyed the new style so much, I hadn’t remembered it’s original appearance or could honestly tell you how long ago the transformation took place. As a photographer this concerns me because it means I’ve become less observant and it’s the details that make a photo. From here on, I’ll need to take notice.

Early Morning Shadows

Early Saturday morning, sunshine reached tentatively through the blinds. Unable to light the room, it created soft patterns at the window that begged to be shot in black and white.Hopefully, the sun will regain her strength and reappear consistently.

Appearances Are Deceiving

 

A rocky outcropping of beach, the sun is shining and it’s oddly silent. Sitting in Charleston Harbor this little island  looks peaceful until you take a broader view and see the remains of the fort. Until you wander the ghostly maze  of ruins and can almost hear the voices and booms of cannons. Until you realize this is the site of the opening act of the bloodiest , most confusing time in our country’s history, The Civil War. This is Fort Sumter. Growing up in the north and living in the south, I have come to hear so many personal reactions to the war. Currently in Memphis, they are actively working to rename parks that honored Confederate generals. At reenactments at Shiloh, the Star-Spangled Banner isn’t heard, but The Bonnie Blue Flag and Dixie are sung lustily. Both events are unsettling. My hope is that the serenity of this small sunlit beach will spread to others , that peace rather than conflict will finally prevail, and the “War”  will have truly ended 148 years later.

A Bonus From Nature: Sunset vs. Full Moon

Full moon and sunset, there seems to be a question of timing. Full moon in all it’s early July splendor seemed so eager to show off that it refused to wait for the sunset to surrender. For my daughter and I watching the battle of wills on shore it captivated our attention. As we walked the streets of Provincetown, we’d check down side streets to see how the view changed. Every time we paused I felt like the Pied Piper because crowds would come up behind us and finally notice.Then all the phones came out! We followed until the sun retired and the moon triumphed in this skirmish.

A Pirate Ship in Boston Harbor : Take Time for Adventure

The reality of a pirate’s life doesn’t interfere with our more romanticized view.We see  a chance to sail the seas in search of treasure and adventure. Standing in ninety degree heat in Boston Harbor, waiting to cruise and visit the tall ships , I was uncomfortable and out of suitable subjects to shoot. Along sailed this ship and I could imagine standing on the deck, a parrot named Rousseau on my shoulder and a brass spyglass in hand. Emeralds and gold adorned my neck and command of a crew of sailors to do my bidding. Not all adventures must be that bold ,but the ship reminded me that the opportunity for adventures appear unexpectedly and I must be ready to embrace them.