Signs, Signs & Window Views: Sedona

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Since my last post featured

Sedona's Chapel of The Holy

Cross, I thought that
for Lesley's Signs, Signs,
today, I would

continue with

photos of the various

notices posted

around the grounds.

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Beavertail Cactus

After a warm, brisk
climb to the hilltop,

I could completely identify with

The Rocks!

 
 And for Mary t's Windows
 and Doors,  I also wanted to share shots of the home

 one sees when

 looking down into the valley below.

 Take note of the astronomical observatory. Can you imagine starting each day within sight of these brilliant red hills and ending it by gazing at the stars in that huge expanse of clear sky?

This might possibly be the closest we earthbound creatures get to

Heaven until Judgement Day, (and some of us aren't even sure of our chances then)!

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I'm linking this post to Signs, Signs today. For more quirky signs from around the world, check out Lesley's meme at the link below....

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http://signs2.blogspot.com/

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And for Window Views, &Doors Too, stop by and visit Mary t. here...

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http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

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African Windows and Doors

Ensconced in the warm and cozy homes we take for granted in our North American lifestyle, it is easy to forget that neither safety nor comfort are a given for a vast majority of the world’s citizens.

Nairobi





Nowhere has the line between the haves and have-nots been so clearly drawn for me as it was on a trip to Kenya several years ago.  Our safari tour found us lodged each night in beautiful surroundings, with turquoise pools to splash in, and so sumptuous a dinner buffet laid out that we could scarcely make a dent in it.

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On route to the next lodge in the mornings, we watched schoolchildren and adults emerge from their small houses, impeccably dressed for the day in uniforms and bright shirts. A steady stream of people made their way along each side of the road, often walking long distances to work or class.

Their daily struggle to get by requires ingenuity and tenacity.

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Outside the city, youngsters carried home jars of kerosene for use in the family cooking pots. Adults set up their sewing machines and shops outdoors…others led donkeys to aid in bringing home precious water...

and at every corner, groups of men gathered together...clear indication of a fractured economy that does not guarantee a job for everyone.

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I came home with renewed appreciation for what I have, and a desire to share some of that goodness with those who must make do with so little.
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I will return to Africa, this I know, but not to take...next time it will be my turn to give.

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I am linking this post to Mary T’s ‘Window Views…and Doors Too.’ Drop by her wonderful page to see more…

http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

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Window Views in Belfast

Because Mary was unable to access her computer for last week's Window Views, I'm reposting this piece to link with her this week...

I have previously  posted photos of the brightly painted doors, colourful signs and wonderfully ornate windows to be found in Northern Ireland.

But most of you will know the other side of this picture...the Troubles that pitted citizens against one another, ordinary families on opposite sides of the street who were separated by much more than mere pavement....

On  a recent trip home to my birth city, I saw reminders of those troubled times everywhere. The Peace Line that divides the city still stands...barriers and barbed wire circle buildings long out of use, and progress seems stilled in its tracks.

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It saddened me immeasurably to photograph this proof of a time when hatred won out over reason.

 

Yet we Irish are nothing if not resilient.

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Overshadowing the ruins are signs of new beginnings. Reason rules once more...and slowly, but inexorably, we edge ever closer to being united through our love of the homeland that lives in each of our hearts.

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I'm linking this post to ' Window Views...and doors too', a wonderful meme hosted by the very gracious Mary.

Do stop by the link below to see windows and doors from many corners of the world!

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http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

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You may be interested in these previous Irish posts:

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http://imaginationlane.blogspot.com/2010/07/immigrant-experience.html
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http://imaginationlane.blogspot.com/2010/08/city-divided.html

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http://imaginationlane.blogspot.com/2010/07/young-of-belfast.html

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Celestial Windows

Belfast City Hall,

which I thought church-like when I was a child.

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Salisbury Cathedral, England

Since I posted dark and mysterious windows last week, I thought to offer contrast today with portals so heavenly and bright, one can easily imagine spirits being drawn to the light that beckons with a promise of hope and joy.

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St. Peter's Catholic Church, Belfast, N.I.

Growning up with the Troubles in Northern Ireland, I have not always been a fan of organized religion and the wrongs so often perpetrated in its name. That said, I have since sat quietly in a good many churches, temples and abbeys…and felt myself infused with love, goodwill and the unrelenting sense that mankind’s innate goodness will triumph above all.

I hope these windows will offer momentary respite from the trials of the moment and be a sweet reminder that each day is precious beyond words….
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St. Brigid and St. Patrick
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland

I'm linking this post to Mary T's Wednesday meme, 'Window Views...And Doors Too!'

For more intriguing photos, do stop by the following link...
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http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/
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Mysterious Windows

Lincoln Castle, England

Windows let in light...they illuminate our inner rooms and allow us to clearly view the world outside our doors.

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But when those windows are besmeared by the ravages of time and weather, an element of mystery adds drama that clouds their usual clarity.

These are the windows into which I eagerly peer, in hopes of uncovering what secrets have been hidden...
and returning them to the light.

Asford Castle Boathouse, Ireland

Bose Farm Dairy Shed, Surrey BC, Canada

I've picked windows that intrigued me and am linking them to Mary T's 'Window Views...and doors too!' . For more photos, do stop by the following link...
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http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

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Irish Doors

I have recently discovered a new meme, which I know will quickly become one of my favourites.

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Mary at

'Window Views...and doors too!' clearly shares my lifelong fascination with arches and openings of all kinds.

Looking in or looking out...entering or leaving...every portal has a story to tell, a unique viewpoint that is like no other.

On a trip home to Ireland several years ago, I was fascinated to discover doors that were very old; some restored to a bright new gloss, others left to nobly bear the ravages of time. They are all beautiful to my eyes...

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I'm posting a few of my favourites here and linking them to Mary's meme. For more such photos, do stop by the following link...

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http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

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