Reflections – Thursday, July 14, 2016

Carol A. Hand

“Water” is the focus for today’s photography course assignment. Although the St. Louis River is less than a mile away, and the shore of Lake Superior just a short drive or bus ride, the likelihood of scattered showers inspired me to stick closer to home. (I was caught in the rain yesterday when I was photographing streets.)

I could always do this assignment another day, but showers are predicted for tomorrow, too. I decided it was best to find an alternative. Then, I guiltily remembered a “water” task I delayed despite my granddaughter’s frequent reminders this year.

“Ahma, can we set up the fountain today? Please?”

I had planned to build some type of stand for the fountain first. But today, I realized that is not likely to happen any time soon. So before the showers that still look imminent arrived, I finally set it up.

It wasn’t the easiest subject to photograph. Figuring out what would work best required at least 75 shots. Most ended up in the trash. These are the photos that survived.

DSC01583

DSC01590

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, the fountain has a story.

On the many trips my granddaughter and I made to the nearby garden center over the years, she always headed to the water fountain display first so she could play. (She still does.) When she showed me this fountain two years ago, we laughed. The symbolism of “hands” has obvious significance for our family. (It’s our last name.) How could I turn down her exuberant request to buy it?

I love my granddaughter’s choice – open hands presenting flowing, life-giving water. I’m grateful for this chance to share this story today, along with the life, love, and laughter this simple water fountain symbolizes.

***

Copyright Notice: © Carol A. Hand and carolahand, 2013-2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Carol A. Hand and carolahand with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

29 thoughts on “Reflections – Thursday, July 14, 2016”

    1. Thank you so much for your lovely comments, Sanpha. ❤

      (I am editing a book manuscript now, but it's not like this post. It's based on research about Ojibwe child welfare – a critical ethnography that covers the history of oppressive treatment, present challenges, and hopes for a different future. This photography course helps me balance, and kindness like yours does as well. Thank you again.)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Boozhoo, I amd reading old posts and I am so impressed with your strong sense of writing. Not only that the humble and the quiet person had got a tough side to sand up and fight for her own right….You are an inspiration … Thank you

        Liked by 1 person

  7. I love this sculpture, it looks so real, the hands of a kind and gentle person, and your photos are beautiful. I love water features too and like your grand-daughter I’m drawn to them wherever they pop up. I can see my neighbour’s water feature across the road from my bedroom and it mesmerises while I do my hair. It is so calming. Thank you once again for sharing. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m not surprised to hear you love fountains, Dave – the sight and sound of water flowing and gently splashing – a peaceful respite for a musical soul. 🙂

      Like

      1. When I was in Europe, almost forty years ago, I was fixated on the fountains. And I didn’t even have the opportunity to see any of the major fountains one sees in the movies and travel films.

        A friend has a small natural water fall on their property (In the hills of Southeastern Ohio), and I could sit there for hours as the water fell, with the cool air in my face, and the soothing sounds. Even if I was tense, it would soothe and calm me.

        Yes, Carol, I guess this may be tied to the musical side of me.

        If there is an afterlife, maybe there will be fountains and waterfalls everywhere!;-)

        Liked by 1 person

  9. The photos are beautiful, Carol, and made all the more significant by the picture you conjure up of the hands offering living water. Lovely.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Thanks for sharing the pictures and the story of this lovely and unique fountain!!
    And salute to both the beautiful grand mother and her grand daughter!! ❤❤❤

    Liked by 1 person

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