Wordless Wednesday: Inukshuk

Posted on August 1, 2018 by ShakespearesGal

Medicine Lake Inukshuk

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Medicine Lake, Alberta

Wordless Wednesday: Rock Of Cashel

Posted on January 10, 2018 by ShakespearesGal

Cathedral Secrets

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Ancient Structure

Posted on September 1, 2017 by ShakespearesGal

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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Weekly Photo Challenge: Structure

A New Horizon

Posted on July 10, 2016 by ShakespearesGal

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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Harmony in Diversity

Posted on March 5, 2016 by ShakespearesGal

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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Orange … Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Posted on March 7, 2015 by ShakespearesGal

Weekly Photo Challenge: Orange

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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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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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