5 in 5 - January 2014 - FEELING GROUNDED

               Welcome to '5 in 5' where on the 5th of
               each month I post 5 photos that I have

taken in 5 minutes. 

 

 

When I woke to a crisp frosty morning I immediately had the urge to go outside with my camera. I didn't want to go far so after getting myself together I set off for the village church. It's only across the road and at this time of year bare trees offer a glimpse of the

church from my kitchen window. I am not a church goer, but I love the sense of community and to hear the bells. 

 

 

It is a place that is quiet and reflective. Somewhere I can gather my thoughts.  The perfect place for an Artist Date. I often see something that inspires me when I am there and this occasion it was Christmas garlands hung from a tree. It made me think of a photo a friend sent me. She had gone for a walk in a Scottish glen and had come across a small fir tree decorated with baubles. It was unexpected and she realised that something so simple can bring so much pleasure. And so next year, when she is home with her family at Christmas, she has decided to take some baubles in her pocket and to add them to the little tree.  And knowing how much I delighted in seeing the wreaths, I have decided to do the same.  I will find a small tree and hang a few decorations in hope that it might brighten the day of an unsuspecting passer by.   

 

The church is set on a hill, it is an imposing landmark and I love to see it in the distance as I drive home from work. It gives comfort and it has stood here for many years. Regardless of beliefs it central to the community.  A place where we celebrate births, deaths and marriages, as well as have flower festivals and open days where homemade cakes and tea are sold.  Once you could climb to the top of the tower on open days, the views were magnificent. It's likely that health & safety would mean this is no longer possible.  We miss out on so many wonderful experiences because we are overprotected. Life should not be without risk and some pleasure.

I once liked the idea of being a bell ringer but the commitment is too much right now. The chance might be there one day, when my life slows down and I become part of the village community again. I was once very active, on various committees and involved in groups and the village pantomime. Those were happy days. Sadly life has to move on.
 

 

I liked how the shadow of this bench cast itself onto the wall. The bench looks out over the hill across fields and to other villages.  A place where you can sit and rest.  Maybe I'll take a book there to read one day, or do writing. But today it was too nippy to linger.

Lots of the headstones are old and lichen covered. They are inscribed with names of those who have lived in this village, sometimes for generations. Other graves are marked with cast iron
Celtic crosses. Those are my favourites. I care little for the 
marble that is used today. It is soulless and I can not imagine the beautiful lichen and mellow aging that comes with these beautiful headstones. Cemetery's were once known as places to go to see wild life. Luckily ours is not kept manicured, around the edge and in some older parts nature is allowed some space. The grass is allowed to grow a little and there are wild flowers and insects. It is a place I like to go and ground myself. Interesting then my choice of photos for this "5 in 5". I did not plan a theme but sometimes things are what they are. 

 

Thank you for popping by and to everyone who has taken part so far.  I really look forward to seeing your photos and if you would like to join in this months challenge you would be VERY welcome. I hope this simple challenge will inspire you to get out your camera and join in. Here is the plan:

1.  Choose a location.

2.  Have your camera ready.

3.  Set a mobile timer for 5 minutes.

4.  Take as many photos you can until the time is up.

5.  Choose 5 photos to download and share by using the link tool.
   You have until the 25th of the month to add your photos. 

 

If you want to know more there are details here.

And one more thing - when you use the link tool, please click on your post title.  This will show the web address. Please right click, copy and paste this as your link.  This will take readers directly to your '5 in 5' blog page and be easier for them to find.

  

Thank you to those who have taken part so far. I have loved seeing your photos and hope you will be back with more. 

And don't forget, you have until 25th to post your link!