It costs a man just as much or even more to go to hell than to come to heaven. Narrow, exceedingly narrow is the way to perdition! ―
For this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, our world traveler, Amy, asks what “narrow” means to us. OK, Amy. I’m ready!
Eliza’s House, Middleton Place, Charleston, S.C.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5lluscnsdppc4li/Annie%27s%20House%20copy.jpg?dl=0
Earlier in the week, we toured a beautiful southern plantation with magnificent gardens and manor house, belonging to the prosperous and influential Middleton family from the early Colonial years through the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the decades that followed. The site also contains outbuildings, where their slaves lived, prayed and worked for generations.
On our tour, the docent reminded us that slavery was the economic engine that made fortunes for some and created misery for millions of others. Here you can see a bedroom in a freed slaves’ cabin–a simple 2-room home with a raised floor, a stove, and a porch–which was considered a “step up” from the traditional slaves quarters. This house was named after its last occupant, Eliza Leach (1891-1986), who worked at Middleton Place for more than 40 years.
Those Amazing Eyes
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xnnktw0w5tk5aoc/Barn%20Owl%20copy.jpg?dl=0
We had the good fortunate to see a barn owl this weekend at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston. I was struck by the beauty of this loved British bird with its distinctive markings shaped in a white heart. Its eyes are small and fixed, no more than narrow slits, and they have no peripheral vision. Even so, the owl has spectacular sight because its head can rotate 360 degrees and its retina is very sensitive, allowing it to hunt in very low light.
A Quiet Canal, Venice
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tnand177293194k/Narrow%20Canal%202%20copy.jpg?dl=0
Last year, we made a quick trip to Venice, which we had last visited decades before. We were saddened by its faded glory and the effects of time, tide and tourism, which has battered the city. This photo of a narrow canal with a few spots of bright color reminds me of that moment.
A Narrow Path On the Walk from Bray to Graystones, Ireland
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ywv2czkiqvlpwm1/Walk%20to%20Graystone%20copy.jpg?dl=0
Last year in Ireland, we took a long hike from Bray to Graystones, not far from Dublin. The trail hugs the cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea for miles, but near the end of the walk, the path flattens and opens up to a large field. Here you can see the narrow dirt trail leading to the town in the distance.
View of the Torre del Mangia, Siena, Italy
My last image encapsulates a recent visit to Siena, Italy.
As we walked down the narrow Via Salicotto, we spotted the famous Torre del Mangia in the distance. This slim tower built from red brick and white travertine soars 102 meters over the Piazza del Campo. At the bottom of the photo, you can see some of the crowds gathered to view one of the prettiest squares in all of Tuscany.
This reminds me of another meaning of the word “narrow,” which is reflected in the opening quote by the philosopher
. In the figurative sense, “narrow” can also describe a limited mindset–something that I am very aware of as we travel. I try to keep an open mind to new cultures, new places, and new traditions, and try not to fall into the trap of vanity tourists who want to check off famous spots on their itinerary, but view the world from their own limited perspective.In the case of the Torre del Mangia, I had to smile when I learned that the tower reportedly gets its name “The Tower of Eating” from its first bell ringer Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed Mangiaguadagni. His name combines the Italian words mangiare (to eat) and guadagni (earnings) because he had the reputation of “eating through his earnings.”
As I end my post, I’d like to give a special thanks to Amy of The World is A Book for hosting this week’s intriguing “Narrow” challenge. If you haven’t stopped by her site, I encourage you to see her beautiful images from her travels. I’m looking forward to seeing your wonderful, creative responses to her challenge.
For the rest of February, our weekly Lens-Artists Photo Challenge schedule will be:
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- Feb. 22 – Tina of Travels and Trifles
- Feb. 29–Patti of P.A. Moed
As always, Amy, Tina, Ann-Christine, and I sincerely thank you for your support. Have an inspiring week!
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
Excellent examples.
Thank you very much, VJ! I like your new icon.
All of these are wonderful for the challenge Patti!!
Thank you so much, Pam. I had to dig a bit in my archives for this one!
I love the photo of the owl, and its narrow eyes, such beautiful creatures.
Stunning creatures! I had never seen one up close before. Thanks for stopping by.
Lovely narrows, Patti. I really like the Venice canal!
Thank you, Sandy! It’s such a beautiful and sad place, I think. Many others would disagree with me!
Yay Patti, I see you made it to the plantation. I have very nearly the same image as I too was struck by the way it brought home such a sad part of our history. Loved your interpretation this week and especially your beautiful owl. As for Venice, I tend to agree with you. When we were there it was not at all what I imagined and I found myself very disappointed. I’m thinking it’s even worse now as it’s been a few years. Terrific post as always
Hi, Tina. Yes, we made it! I was very moved by the contrast between the wealthy landowners and the slaves. Seeing it on one site was very powerful. Thanks for your kind words about the shots, too. The owl was great! What a great face! And it’s so sad about Venice. It is getting worse. Very sad.
Beautiful images and wise words for the narrow theme. The capture of the owl, Wow!! I didn’t know that the owl can rotate its head 360 degrees. I love Siena! Some years ago, we watch their annual medieval parade, people from seven towns participated. 🙂
Oh you saw the parade! Wonderful. We haven’t seen that yet. Thank you too about your kind words about the images. I was amazed by the owl. The challenge was intriguing. I realized I had a lot more shots of wide open spaces!!
I, too, have more of wide open spaces images. This theme was challenging for myself. 🙂
Happy Sunday to you, Patti!
You, too, Amy! Enjoy the day!
You’ve given us a beautiful collection of images (definitely NOT narrow), and woven them together well. The little cabin touches my heart; a calm space with a terrible history.
Hi, Su. Thanks for your kind words! I tried to get a “wide” variety. 🙂 🙂 The cabin did have a peaceful feel despite its sad history.
Great photos! The first one is so fascinating to me.
Hi, Lily. It was fascinating to see the cabin and realize that it was nicer than the slaves’ cabins. Unfortunately the original slaves homes were burned down, but we may be able to see others while we’re here in S.C. Thanks for your thoughts!
Love, love, love the owl. Such amazing creatures.
Thank you, Alisa! I had never seen one up close. They are so beautiful.
I love the owl shot, but that first photo is just so lovely and peaceful. It’s definitely my favorite today.
janet
Hi, Janet. Thank you! I loved the peacefulness of it too, but I was shocked to see that the cabin was occupied until 1986….so much for modernization.
Yikes! That is shocking.
Gorgeous photos!
Thank you so much, WC. I am delighted that you like them.
Ah, some great images for this challenge. I am in agreement with you regarding Venice….🙁
Thank you, Sue! I appreciate that. And it is so sad about Venice, isn’t it?
Cruise ships and tourist overload…
Yes.
Absolutely wonderful photos!
Thank you, thank you. (Big smile.)
All gorgeous, Patti! As always! I chime in regarding Venice too…sad. And the owl – a really great image from up close. A fantastic bird – just look at the patterns of the feathers!
Hi, Ann-Christine. I totally agree about the owl. The feathers are gorgeous, as well as the heart-shaped feathers around its face. Thank you so much for your kind words about the other shots. So, we agree about Venice. So sad.
And now I don’t know after the complete deluge last year. My guess is the city will disappear totally within 20 years or so.
Maybe less than that. 🙁 🙁 There have been more rains this year.
🙁
Great photos, and stories. My favorite is the last photo. How cool that you were able to capture the top and the bottom of that tower in such a creative photo!
Hi, Lisa. Thank you! I’m glad you like that one! I thought it was an interesting shot and perspective. 🙂 🙂
The Torre in Sienna viewed through that narrow and darkened portal is wonderful. But as always all the photos are such good responses to the challenge.
Hi, Anne. Awww….thank you so much! I’m delighted you think so. 🙂 🙂
Stunning photos, Patti! I especially love the barn owl, as I’ve never seen one in the wild. They seem like such mysterious creatures.
It was funny, Jackie. When I was posting the shot of the owl, I was thinking you’d enjoy it!! I’m so glad you stopped by! Its colors, feathers, features were striking and beautiful. I hope all’s well with you!
Beautiful set of photos!!
Thank you, Nora. 🙂 🙂 I love to hear that!
Hi Patti
While I am always a sucker for Owls, and yours is gorgeous, there is something so very haunting about your evocative photo of Eliza’s room. It has such depth on multiple levels.
Here’s my submission for this week:
https://babsjeheron.wordpress.com/2020/02/16/beautiful-great-blue-herons-your-favorite-photos-and-egg-on-my-face/
Best, Babsje
Thank you, Babsje! I was very much taken by Eliza’s cabin. It had a story to tell. I am so glad we saw it and I can share it!
The window and gauzy curtain is striking and adds much warmth to the scene. Much earlier or later in the day it would have likely been so different. I think you visited at just the right time of day to capture the mood. Best, Babsje
Thank you, Babsje. It was a good time to shoot the room. What a sad and peaceful place!! I wouldn’t have thought it possible to be both of them at the same time!!
Love your collection of images, Patti. The owl is incredible! And great story about Siena.
Hi, Jane. Thank you! I was amazed at the feathering of the owl and its eyes. Siena was a lucky find in my archives. I always love the story about the “tower of eating!” It’s so iconic! Thanks so much for stopping by, Jane. 🙂 🙂
Your first shot was beautiful for the simplicity of the decor in that room, but sad because of the history of slavery associated with that time in our history.
Hi, Siobhan. Yes, it is a very sad story. I really don’t think we’ve come to terms with our past and slavery in particular. I could almost “feel” the sadness in that room. And I keep thinking that Eliza lived there until 1986!
Great shot!
Thank you so much, CB. 🙂 It was a very moving place.
Owl, path, street, tower… Good variety of narrow examples!
Thank you, Ana. I was trying to get a “wide” variety. 🙂 🙂
Excellent photos and comments. The Torre del Mangia is striking, with shadow, sun, and color. A great capture.
Thank you, John. 🙂 🙂 I was struck by the light and the tower in the distance, through that narrow opening. I’m delighted to hear that you agree!
Here’s mine then, Patti: https://suejudd.com/2020/02/17/lens-artists-photo-challenge-84-narrow/
I love your take on this challenge, Patti! Such a beautiful collection of photos. One of the things that I love about traveling is the “widening” of the mind. 🙂
I totally agree, Amy. “Widening” the mind is my objective, too. And thanks for your kind words about the shots!
I love barn owls too, well any owl actually, such amazing birds. Great photos all around:)
Hi, MM. I had never seen one up close. What fabulous feathers and eyes! Amazing. And thanks too for your kind words about the photos. 🙂 Always appreciated!
I was lucky to see one fly over me a few years ago
Amazing it was.
The Tuscan tower is impressive, Patti, and the owl so very beautiful. I’ve not been back to Venice for many years. Perhaps better that way 🙂 🙂
Hi, Jo. Lovely to hear from you. Yes, it was sad. The Italians say “povera Venezia” (poor Venice). I’ll stop by your “place” next. I hope it’s sunny where you are!
Back to back walking days in glorious sunshine. Rest day tomorrow, Patti 🙂 🙂
These are terrific “narrow” pics — especially love the one in Venice. Oh, how I’d like a return trip there!
I hope you get to go back. 🙂 It has a marvelous history, but it’s so sad about the flooding.
Lovely photos, Patti. The cabin reminds me of some of the early settler homes in NZ, often 1 room with a fireplace, a bed, a chair and a table. Interesting it was still in use so recently but having spent some years in a similar living situation, I can say that you don’t need much more in a house.
I love that, Wendy! You have really embraced simplicity. I am still “stuck” on modern conveniences–especially central heating!!
I have to admit we’ve come a long way from our earlier simple life and have filled it with more mod cons, no central heating though sadly 🙂
A beautiful and thoughtful interpretation of the challenge Patti. The Bray to Greystones trail is a beautiful walk on a sunny day and your capture of the owl looks amazing 💜 xxx
Thank you, Xenia! I wish we had a sunny day for that hike, but unfortunately it was cloudy. Still it was a memorable and beautiful walk. The owl was a nice surprise! I had never seen one up close. 🙂
What inspiring images! Thank youj.
Thank you, Celia. I love to hear that!!
Enjoyed your interpretation of the challenge.
Thank you so much, Sally. 🙂 I appreciate that!
Such an interesting post, Patti. I enjoyed reading about the slaves at Middleton Place and seeing your picture of her room. And, the barn owl is beautiful! Birds of Prey is such a great organization, giving wild birds a second chance plus educating the public.
Excellent selection…
…makes me wish I was in Southern Europe now.
these are incredible Patti and the stories behind them!