Friday Shoot-Out--Main Attractions

"Pray, pray to the Lord with me, because the whole world needs prayer. And every day, when your heart especially feels the loneliness of life, pray. Pray to the Lord, because even God needs our prayers."

— St. Pio of Pietrelcina

The main attractions of Vineland are trees, lakes, and a shrine to Padre Pio. Actually, the shrine is technically in Landisville which is right next door. I included a shot of trees and a lake near where I live. I also included a shot of a building that reflects many of the buildings in my area.

I wanted, though, to focus on the Padre Pio shrine of which I included some photos. If you are interested in learning more about Padre Pio, there is a nice website about him at http://www.padrepiodevotions.org/index.asp
which is where I got the above quote. Aside from the interesting story about Padre Pio, there is another more local story of this shrine. My boyfriend John has an Uncle who lives in Delaware. A few years ago, his wife died. They had been married several years and had several children. He has at least thirty grandchildren now. Everytime he is in this area, he stops at the Padre Pio shrine and prays for her. He still cries for her.

I am not Catholic. However, in visiting this place, there is a feeling of peace and love. I like it because it is outside which somehow appeals to me as opposed to inside a church.

Hope you enjoy!

Friday Shoot-Out: Skyline

This shoot-out topic is skylines, picked by Kate in Kansas at http://kate-growthspurt.blogspot.com/
I was a little worried because Vineland is sort of a farming town and what would the "skyline" really look like. I guess I was comparing it to the famous skylines like New York City. Then I read her description of what she meant and it dawned on me (pun intended!) that many different things could fall under the topic of "skyline". Most of these shots are taken in Vineland. I included shots of trees because they are the skyline of many New Jersey towns and is actually one of my favorite things about NJ.

In the past year, I have actually gone to several different cities, so I included some skylines from my trips. I took a trip to Washington DC with M, John, and John's former mother-in-law (we are friends--it's a long story!) I also went to Boston last February for a professional conference. Then there were the three trips to Colorado (another long story!).

Finally, many of you may not realize that South Jersians associate themselves quite closely with Philadelphia. Most of us in South Jersey were heart-broken by the Phillies losing the World Series. This is in contrast to North Jersians who typically associate with New York and are probably celebrating the Yankees win. Therefore, I included a shot of the Philadelphia skyline taken during a visit to the Camden Aquarium. Although, I must admit, if I had a shot of the New York skyline, I would definitely include it. I went to grad school in NYC, commuting there twice a week. Quite often, I got a full view of the NY skyline at twilight and it was truly breath taking.

I loved this assignment because I love looking at the sky. As Jimi Hendrix once sang, "Excuse me while I kiss the sky."

Friday Shoot-Out Windows and Doors

 

 

 

 

What a great topic this week! Windows and doors are not only perfect for their architectural beauty but also work as wonderful metaphors. I can't wait to see what everyone did for this week.

I have included a round window which I took in a museum at the Smithsonian. I know it does not fit "hometown" but I just really liked it and wanted to share it. I also included a door from Wildwood and I do count Wildwood as like a second home. There was just something about this door that I liked.

I have also included a shot from a nearby door because I liked the symmetry and colors of the flowers.

Last week, I shared "doorway to nowhere" and this shot got a lot of feedback so I decided to bring it back since it fit the topic so well. I decided to stop and get a closer shot. What I realized is that there is also a "window to nowhere". I am wondering if it is a sculpture piece because this same place also has an interesting mail box which I will share one of these times!

I hope you enjoy!

Friday Shoot Out--Food

For this shoot-out, street food in South Jersey, is, in one way, best represented by produce stands! Where I live in Vineland, there are many of these as well as farmed land. It is one of the things I love about it! Especially the fields of sunflowers which are in their infant stages right now. One of the pictures is of the farmland, just a piece of the vast expanses found in Vineland.

I also shared the Vineland produce auction, one of the biggest of the area. This picture is of one building among several. Then, Five Points Farmers Market. It is called five points, I believe, because five roads used to converge there; however, one of the roads is now blocked off.

The picture of Pat's was taken for multiple reasons. I pass by it everyday and my eyes and thoughts are always drawn there. Some places hold their ghosts. In the sway of the shredded plastic and the ravaged wood of the sign, spirits echo its past existence, reminiscent of loss. Yet, around its decay, life goes on.

Enjoy!