Killarney - Moonshine

Killarney - Moonshine
Originally uploaded by Alan Norsworthy

It's funny how a word can conjure up a time, a place, a memory and bring a smile to your face.

Such a word is "Killarney"

Going back through the images of my trip I have memories of good times, I remember the who, the when, the where and the fellowship.

As we move through our workaday life it is these moments that sustain us, keep us sane.

All this wrapped up in one word "KIllarney" which is a part of the bigger word/phrase "The natural world".
In our concrete, artificial, air conditioned, well lit, world we become detached from what is real.

I mean when was the last time you stopped rushing around to look up, at the moon?

Places like Killarney should be visited by everyone, fortunately for we few who consider it necessary, not everyone does. That saddens me.

How hard it is to escape from places. However carefully one goes they hold you - you leave little bits of yourself fluttering on the fences - like rags and shreds of your very life. ~Katherine Mansfield

Bronte_Creek - The Kettle

Bronte_Creek - The Kettle
Originally uploaded by Alan Norsworthy

Every photographer must experience the same thing.

I saw this scene, stood for a few, long moments looking at it. Walked past and back, had another look. Then decided, yes this has potential, black and white potential.

Now I knew I could 'fix' the slight angle I had to shoot it at but I stood on tip toe anyway imagining the finished photo.

I wished for my polarizing filter to subdue the reflections in the glass but made do without it by maneuvering the reflections around by slight sideways adjustments to my position.

Thinking about this made me realise ....

The camera can photograph thought. ~Dirk Bogarde

Killarney - The Stand

Killarney - The Stand
Originally uploaded by Alan Norsworthy

This weekend past, indeed the whole week was a whirlwind of preparation and presentation.

I was part of a collective "Show and Sale" of the work generated by the Guelph Photographers Guild.
Preparing for such an event is no slight effort and being present and available for hour after hour was taxing on these old bones (and on younger bones than mine so I heard).
Still I would not have missed it for the world. The laughter and camaraderie of other the exhibitors combined with the wonderful comments from passers by washed the discomfort away.

Ahh more memories ....

Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember. ~Seneca

Killarney - The end of the beginning

Killarney - The end of the beginning
Originally uploaded by Alan Norsworthy

Traveling again, this time a return journey to Killarney Provincial Park in Northern Ontario.

It's been 15 or so years since I was there, that time with my friend Grant. Who introduced me to me that wonderful place that is "The Crack".

This time I went with my friend Doug, who has never ventured far into the wilds of Ontario but was eager to go.

The Crack was singing it's siren song ...

It's not an easy hike, especially for an old fart like me but when I heard his reaction as he rounded the final bend and saw those lakes, the colours of fall and the white Quartzite mountain range surrounding him, it brought a smile to my face, an old memory seen through new eyes.

Sore muscles and tiredness forgotten.

I was lucky enough to have been shown this place and able to share it with a friend back then.

Now I am fortunate enough to take another and in doing, have passed it on to another friend, who, in turn, will find someone to share it with.

This is the stuff that memories are made of.

I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within. ~Lillian Smith

Westover Drumlin - Church

Westover Drumlin - Church
Originally uploaded by Alan Norsworthy

What I want to say today has nothing to do with the image but then again it has everything to do with it because it is a memory of a day filled with laughter and easy friendship.

What started out as a walk on a dreary, windy, gray morning ended with an evening surrounded by friends and family.

The day began with some wanderings, as usual plus a trip to visit with Don Corby who was hosting one of the Studio Tour locations. There I met Peter Young a fine art photographer who specialises in IR photography. Photographers are a strange rare breed I have yet to meet one who is not willing to share information and "tricks of his trade" it was the same with Peter who took the time to explain his camera's and techniques.

Later my wife Cathy had asked if I wanted to go out to celebrate my upcoming Birthday, a trip to my favourite Pub for curry and a pint who could refuse !
Unknown to me a crowd was gathering, all arranged by Cathy quite unbeknownst to me. It was quite a surprise as I started to recognise faces and realise I had been tricked, in a nice way.
What an evening, surrounded by friends and family, I am truly blessed. A wonderful wife, a great family and such good friends.

Thank you, one and all for a great evening...

But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,
All losses are restored and sorrows end.
~William Shakespeare