Gentle, Beautiful Portal (for Tara) by anahata.c
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Description
Well...I didn't think I'd make it in time, but I did...I'm away due to work and other things, and I miss all of you very much! But I had to get myself over here to wish Tara (auntietk) a wonderful birthday, as she and Bill settle in to their West Coast home after a long, long drive...
This pic...
I know there are big pillars on the left, but they made me think of a portal, which is what this neighborhood is. I live here, and some years back, Tara and Marilyn (beachzz) came here, and walked with me...
I hadn't taken up photography yet, so I was caught between two rabid camera nuts, who stopped every 2 freakin' seconds to shoot. Takes getting used to! Marilyn walked so fast, if I sneezed, she'd be halfway to the North Pole. But when I caught up with Marilyn, I'd turn back, and Tara was gone. Over and over, she'd disappear...Then, a minute later, she'd crawl out from under a bush---and I mean the low spindly kind---and beam, "I got it!" And then crawl under another bush, and disappear...
On this very street, she disappeared, only to have a major conversation with a dog. I walked over to her---Marilyn was in Wisconsin by now---and Tara was actually conversing! I mean---to the dog: "You live in such a beautiful neighborhood!" and "you have such beautiful buildings!" I wanted to tell Marilyn, "yeah, don't take this personally, but I think Tara's lost her mind..." Buuuut...she talked away, took a picture, and then disappeared behind a tree...
Next day? She was chipper as a chipmunk. Couldn't believe her stamina. If I'd crawled under a bush? I'd be in bed for a week...
Tara has been so kind to me, and so appreciative of me and my crazy pursuits; and funny and creative and so helpful to me (she helped me become a photographer!), and I want to send her a loving Happy Birthday as she settles in with Bill (who I also happen to adore). Tara, enjoy this little 'peek' into my world, and I wish you a wonderful, joyous and creative year, filled with lots of blessings, with all my love and gratitude, along with a huge Welcome Home! Mark
(I'll return soon, I promise!)
Please zoom---it's really large---
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Comments (28)
Faemike55
the narrative and picture accurately paint an interesting and fun picture of Tara and Marilyn, going by their posts here. This is a fabulous gift for Tara, Mark!
thanks for sharing a moment of your lives.
auntietk
He's not kidding, folks! He and Marilyn were so far ahead of me most of that day that I finally took a picture of the view I kept seeing over and over, every couple of blocks:
https://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/what-i-saw-in-chicago/1953929/
It isn't true about the bushes, but I DO remember that little dog! It was a cute dog, and it lived in the nicest neighborhood, and it was quite chatty. There was a terrific fire escape across the street. I took pictures of the fire escape and pictures of the dog. Just in case you think Mark makes this stuff up. I mean ... I really WASN'T crawling under bushes, but the rest of the story is absolutely true.
That trip to Chicago was one of the most memorable of my life. It was September, 2009, and I still remember it like it was yesterday.
Thank you for this portal into your world once again, Mark. I appreciated the walking tour at the time, and whenever you post a shot of that neighborhood I get all teary and nostalgic and remember you and Marilyn headed off into the sunset while I got "just one more shot." Do you know, I think I posted something like 90 shots from that trip all told? It was crazy. Several people threatened to shoot me.
Your story about that day had me going back through the galleries and looking at everyone's shots of Chicago from that time period. You'll be amazed, I think, to hear this: The Friday that you, Marilyn and I walked around your neighborhood was September 19, 2009. You posted your first photograph on RR on November 29, 2009. That's like ... just over two months! You move fast, kiddo. Do you remember I held my camera up to your ear so you could hear it click when the shutter snapped? Then when I looked at my pictures for the day I was amazed to find a picture of your ear! LOL! What a terrific weekend that was. :) Full of laughter and love and good friends and good times.
Ahhhhh ... did I thank you for this picture, dear friend? Perhaps not. Well, I love it. It's a great picture, and it has so many wonderful memories embedded in it, even though I wasn't there when you clicked the shutter. :)
Much love to you, and thank you for the birthday gift and for your good wishes.
anahata.c
lol---then you were crawling beside the bushes! I just remember you sneaking around bushes and disappearing 'into' them. Thank you, Tara---and I remember that photo, except I had a lot more HAIR back then...and my only memory of snapping your camera was, "where's the film???" Can you believe I actually didn't know about 'digital photography'? Wonderful memories, thank you!
SunriseGirl
I love this pictorial portal and especially the narrative to go with it. I am always amazed at how many people here on RR have met in real life. This Chicago neighborhood looks so charming. Thank you for sharing this little peek into your world.
photosynthesis
A wonderfully rich & colorful shot & thanks to you & Tara for sharing some funny & heartwarming memories...
wysiwig
The colors here are brilliant and the comments between you and Tara are warm and nostalgic. And with all the talk about you, Tara and Marilyn you have included an image with three people in it. This is a terrific gift for Tara.
1971s
This is a very beautiful!
beachzz
Oh man, that was such a TRIP--in every way possible. Me and my blue and green flip flops, trucking down every street, taking more fotos than I think I ever had. And how did it happen? Tara just asked me one night, "Hey wanna go to Chicago?" And off we went!!! It was beyond fun, we met lots of other RR people and walked miles and miles. This is the most perfect foto for Tara's birthday; you couldn't have come up with anything better!!!
giulband
An image of great suggestions. The escape of perspective gives the idea of an observation of the world from a distance, something that reminds me a bit the condition of those who looks at the world from TV but without being able to be part of. The colors the atmosphere the green of nature seem to describe the desire for joy but the image seems to suggest to be unattainable. A fascinating photo really !!!!
Freethinker56
Marvelous photo and sounds like fun had by all way to go! Tara happy birthday
Cyve
What a marvelous capture my friend and this place is truly beautiful... Marvelous dedication for your friend also !!!
blankfrancine
Splendid and scenic portal,Mark.Must see full size!
eekdog
Excellent discription and narrative, Mark. Beautiful area shot. I'll be 60 next week. Yuck! I'm getting old.
romanceworks
Just love this wonderful lush portal photo, and your memories of your time spent with Tara and Marilyn, which seems as lush and growing as this portal. I remember when they visited in 2009 and how much I vicariously enjoyed your amazing and inspiring time together. I have visited Chicago many times as most of my relatives live there, and yet I have never once experienced or seen the city as you, Tara, and Marilyn see it. Which is why I enjoy seeing it for the first time through the magic of your lens.
LivingPixels
Glad you had great time pretty cool shot!!!
GrandmaT
What a marvelous story! You not only gave a beautiful photo gift but a memory as well.
flavia49
wonderful
anaber
Wonderful capture of your 'kingdom', Mark:) I fully agree...It feels like a ' gentle portal', yes! I already saw so many differents photos of this place:) so many different angles,moods and views: and it is always beautiful and always NEW:) and the light is always incredible, in the night or in the day.... and lush, whatever it is the season that you photograph it, it is a magic view. As for the story:) i have a big smile!! I was a deep spy of this trip, each day:) and i felt really 'envy' lol, so to speak:))))) I remember the photos from Marilyn and Tara since the airport till the hotel and i remember the wonderful shots of Chip and many more:) I remember you and Tara in a bus and it was the photo that i chosed to draw your portrait:) You both were tired but so happy))))!! and i remember your stories of each day, when you met in the end of the day, i think, for sharing it all:) and also some scares with the cameras:) It was a wonderful and magic meeting and lol !! I remember you all together, in the night, in the middle of a road:) SO NICE!!! You were a crowd !!! I have all these memories so alive as if i have been there:) and i think that your story here, was a tiny part of the whole story, yet, so significant and so loving and so joyful:))) Your words and image shows how in this meeting, you all found joy, love , happiness and you became a family:))) This photograph, to me, it is in really the 'portal' for all the wonderful feelings and experiences that you all lived. This, is the most wonderful present that you could offer to Tara in her Birthday. It couldn't be better, Mark, i am sure!!!
** hehe!! Tara says that she has a photo of your ear???? UAUUU!!!! your ears are not 'easy':)))) i hope she shows it any day:)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Happy Birthday Tara and i wish you a great year ahead! Plenty of health, joy, love and creativity!
npauling
A very beautiful capture with lovely autumn colors just starting to show. You certainly live in a very beautiful neighborhood that would be such a joy to explore. I am laughing out loud at your description of Tara disappearing under bushes etc. and I can understand how she wanted to photograph everything. I am sure she will love this birthday dedication from you.
goodoleboy
A great photo, with splendid contrast for this dedication, but this is not the same Tara that I used to know.
UteBigSmile
Very beautiful looking capture!
nickcarter
Beautiful photo Mark, come back soon!
blondeblurr
Check - 2009 ! I see, said the blind man !... This is all very funny and quite hilarious - by putting it all together now ! I enjoyed the nostalgic trip, as much as your fine and vibrant Autumn scene, Mark and a very iconic view of Chicago - ' wie eine kleine Goetterdaemmerung '...
(left a little comment on the 2009 version for Tara)
Many happy returns Tara - a bit late, but never too late - methinks !
X-PaX
Beautiful capture Mark. I like the colors very much. Well done.
durleybeachbum
I remember enjoying that trip vicariously. Wonderful to relive part of it nw with this great photo and such great dialogue!
sandra46
WONDERFUL IMAGE
Djavad
Faites, faites et de temps en temps un cliché (comme un coucou) apporte la joie!
dochtersions
An amazing beautiful photo, Mark.What a variety of special elements come together here. There is so much to see, and it's a highlight of special colors too. (but unfortunately because of my facial pain I can not read your story, I'm sorry, my friend.).
Richardphotos
very beautiful contrasting colors and cityscape Mark