Ancient Structure

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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

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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

Harmony in Diversity

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Harmony

Weekly Photo Challenge: Harmony

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As a singer I am enthralled by harmony. It is the core of my musical experience. For 12 seasons I was a soprano member of the world-renown Toronto Mendelssohn Choir ~ one of the highlights of my life so far.

What always amazed me was how 180 people from diverse walks of life and experience could come together and perform the works of the great composers ~ Mozart, Beethoven, Mahler, Vaughan Williams, Handel, et al ~ in perfect harmony. Our love for music the common ground upon which we walked to create moving moments in the choral repertoire ~ for the audience and for ourselves.

The rich texture of our individual lives coloured our voices, which the conductor then sculpted into the beautiful, warm, clear sound for which the choir is famous.

Harmony III

Similarly, these images depict the organ pipes of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. They illustrate how diverse textures and materials, when crafted by expert hands, can work in harmony to produce unimaginable visual beauty.

Visiting this great church has been one of the highlights of my travels thus far.

Harmony II

For me where there is harmony, whether in nature or in those things crafted by the loving intention of the human heart, there is peace.

I love harmony.

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … All Rights Reserved 2016

Orange … Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Orange

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Sagrada Orange

The stained glass of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is stunning. Its rich colours warm and embracing. Little wonder my thoughts turned to this beautiful church for a spot of orange.

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Sagrada Orange II

The area around the organ is surrounded by plexiglass. I suspect this acts as a baffle, but it also has its place as a mirror for all that gorgeous orange stained glass.

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Sagrada Orange III

Everywhere you are, there it is.

Perhaps orange is the new black. 😉

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … Aimwell CreativeWorks 2015

Ancient Symmetry

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Symmetry

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The ancient symmetry of beautiful York Minster

York Minster 3

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York Minster 2

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York Minster 1

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 I’m always in awe when surveying the construction and workmanship of these ancient sacred spaces.

Their symmetry is perfect. Just how did those architects, stonemasons and engineers do this way back when?

It’s kind of humbling to think that this incredible edifice, which has already been here hundreds of years, will be here long after I’m gone.

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … Aimwell CreativeWorks 2015