I love straight lines. They are rational, orderly and predictable. There’s an inherent beauty and simplicity in them.
But as we experience the unexpected, like reversals of fortune and health, we learn that life is not a linear progression from Point A to Point B. This is not easy to accept. Most of us crave the predictable. I am no exception. In fact, I have been hungering for a return to the “ordinary” during the last year, which has been a roller coaster.
However, one could argue that life is best lived in the detours, in the unpredictable, messy, and nail-biting up and down moments. So, through these times of disappointment, frustration and loss, my eyes have been opened to the beauty of the non-linear curve and zigzag— this week’s photo challenge.
So here are some photos taken in Boston, Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Boca Raton during this crazy year, full of zigs and zags.
I see that the path of progress has never taken a straight line, but has always been a zigzag course amid the conflicting forces of right and wrong, truth and error, justice and injustice, cruelty and mercy.Kelly Miller
Chicago Skyline, Chicago, IL
Gown of an Egyptian Queen, MFA, Boston
Bas Relief, DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
Installation, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, The Linde Family Wing of Contemporary Art
Henry’s Restaurant, Boca Raton, Florida
Have you come to appreciate the detours in life and the zigs and zags of fortune? Has it been a difficult lesson for you, as it has been for me? In retrospect, have you learned more from life’s ups and downs than from the ordinary and expected?
To see more interpretations of this week’s theme, click on the links below and have a wonderful week!
http://vackrare.com/2014/08/01/zigzag/#like-10762
http://shakespearesgal2.wordpress.com/2014/08/02/the-art-of-zigzag/
http://chrisbreebaart.wordpress.com/2014/08/02/wpc-zig-zag-bench-in-montpellier/
Categories: Photography
Great shots! … Thanks for the link. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Dorothy! I appreciate your kind words.–Patti
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Beautiful images! I especially like the black and white.
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Hi Amy. Thanks! I am delighted that you think so!
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My favourite would be the gown of the Egyptian queen. Looks so elegant.
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It does look elegant, Colline! I can just imagine a tall and lithe Egyptian queen wearing it!
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I love your posts! Apart from the beautiful pictures, there’s also so much wisdom! 🙂
For the past few months I’ve had a roller-coaster of my own. Being somewhat bipolar, I cannot say that I came to truly appreciate my ‘down’ moments as these were too painful , but at least I learned to adapt to them, ‘to go with the flow’ at times and do everything possible to stay positive and happy. And, you’re right, that we learn and grow thru the hardships as for me, through these difficult times I found my meaning in life.
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Hi Natella. I’m so touched that you found my words helpful. I think we can both agree that riding the roller coaster of life makes us stronger and more adaptive to change. And yes, staying positive is key. Ironically, I find that I am at my best in these trying times. And for a long time afterwards, I am amazed that I somehow managed to do that. Take care. And thanks too for your kind thoughts. –Patti
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A great selection of images for the zig zag challenge.
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Thanks so much! I appreciate hearing from you. Thanks for stopping by.
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Thanks for the ping! Much appreciated.–Patti
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I liked Henry’s restaurant photo best. I don’t like the zig zags of life, but you are right, we do get to practice our skills during them, and come out better people, with more to offer others. I think I liked the peaceful setting of the restaurant, where a person could sit for an hour with a refreshing iced tea and congratulate herself on surviving and thriving during the latest zig zag:). Thanks for the wisdoms, Patti!
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Hi Anne. You’re very welcome! I didn’t eat at Henry’s when I was in Florida, but the place looked so inviting that I definitely want to go there when I return. Thanks so much for your thoughts on the zigs and zags of life! I don’t know many people who embrace the “downs” in life, but they certainly are wise people if they do. I think most of us learn from these moments once we have the time to process what has happened.–Patti
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Thanks so much for the ping! Much appreciated.–Patti
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I appreciate the ping! Thanks. –Patti
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I like you commentary as well as the photos… Life in the zig zags…. Yes indeed that is how it is sometimes
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Hi susipet! Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m glad the post resonated with you!—Patti
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