Throwback Thursday: Glendalough

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When I’m feeling distraught or unsettled about life beyond my control I turn my heart to that which brings me joy. We used to travel a lot and one of my fondest memories belongs to a couple of hours spent wandering through the ruins of an ancient monastary at beautiful Glendalough in Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

Recently, and to my great delight, I’ve learned it’s possible some of my Irish ancestors who emigrated to North America in the 1800s originated in this area.

Beyond my appreciation for its obvious beauty perhaps this explains my feelings of connection.

During these intense and challenging times I return to this memory to bring peace to my heart and to help me be a source of peace for others.

It’s what the world needs now … that and love, sweet love.

Be well and thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy E. Chiotti … All Rights Reserved 2022

Head Scratcher

Head Scratcher

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Somewhere near Bolton Abbey in rural Yorkshire, England, stands this old Roman (?) wall which someone some time ago appears to have tried to “integrate” into an expanded road system. Looks to me like the small archway helps to accommodate cyclists. At any rate, it’s a real study … and a bit of a head scratcher.

Kudos to the local government for not tearing down history in favour of all things modern.

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … All Rights Reserved 2018 … Aimwell CreativeWorks

Weekly Photo Challenge: Unlikely

Ancient Structure

Structure II

The big, old churches of Europe fascinate me. Salisbury Cathedral in southern England is one of the most beautiful I’ve experienced on my travels, and when I was last there in 2013, I’d just finished reading Edward Rutherfurd’s epic tale of the building of this cathedral and settling of the area around it in his novel, Sarum. Rutherfurd’s story provided me with a greater appreciation for the years, heartache, politics, conflict, et al, poured into the mould of this incredible ancient structure.

Structure

Of course, when visiting these old churches it is important to look up and take in all the astonishing detail that might otherwise be missed. For instance, the stonework in the vaulted rafters, the patterns and subtle shifts in colour depending on the angle of the light. As always when I am drawn into the dramatic curves and arches of such an edifice, I am in awe of how the masons and engineers of centuries ago could construct something so beautiful and so enduring with the primitive tools at their disposal.

Structure III

An incredible structure, indeed.

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … All Rights Reserved 2017

Weekly Photo Challenge: Structure

 

 

A New Horizon

Look Up

York Minster

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I am always inspired by the joy to be experienced when looking to a Higher source and rising above the travails of life.

When we look up we welcome a new horizon.

When we rise above we make room for the heart to heal.

Note the heart shape in this glorious stained glass window.

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … All Rights Reserved 2016