Coming back from the beach last week, I had some time to kill, so I pulled over in a cemetery and next to this vine-covered chapel. Again, herein lies that struggle of beauty verses ugliness. The beauty of the vine in all its splendor during the summer months needs to be matched up against the structural damage that can be done by 'this beauty', as it claws its way into the stonework and mortar. My grandmother's grape arbor never faced this dilemma. Constructed by Grampa, it was sturdy and strong and seem to hold up fine through Maine winters. In the spring, a slight repair here a dab of white paint there, and it was ready for business. All summer long, it seemed, I would steal a grape here or there, but they were always mouth-curdling sour to my taste. But in the fall, her canned grape jelly always tasted so delicious on that warm toast. Another mystery of life, I guess... or a grandmother's touch.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Chapel Window
Coming back from the beach last week, I had some time to kill, so I pulled over in a cemetery and next to this vine-covered chapel. Again, herein lies that struggle of beauty verses ugliness. The beauty of the vine in all its splendor during the summer months needs to be matched up against the structural damage that can be done by 'this beauty', as it claws its way into the stonework and mortar. My grandmother's grape arbor never faced this dilemma. Constructed by Grampa, it was sturdy and strong and seem to hold up fine through Maine winters. In the spring, a slight repair here a dab of white paint there, and it was ready for business. All summer long, it seemed, I would steal a grape here or there, but they were always mouth-curdling sour to my taste. But in the fall, her canned grape jelly always tasted so delicious on that warm toast. Another mystery of life, I guess... or a grandmother's touch.
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I like your mysteries, Birdman.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to be in that chapel, I'd prefer to have the vines around, but not on, the window. Makes a great photo, though.
Yes, life is full of mysteries...grandmothers and queens in Ocala! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe had vines growing on our house in Ocala and it was a constant struggle to keep pulling them off...if you waited too long they took paint and stucco with 'em.
Plus, in a year or so they would completely cover the house. It's a jungle down here!
Yes, its damage can be bad. But I love to listen to the hum of bees in it in high summer.
ReplyDeleteGrandma's magic? Nah. Tons of sugar makes anything better! That much I know.
ReplyDeleteBet it's pretty when in bloom.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful story to go along with a beautiful picture! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNice web of vine and intriguing window . . .and I agree w/Elenka about the sugar :)
ReplyDeleteThis photo has a mysterious charm about it.
ReplyDeleteNice shot, it made me think of an old English movie.
ReplyDeleteI bet this will look gorgeous in spr... I mean, summer, but it's no less beautiful now! :-)
ReplyDeleteI think we're so captivated by the vines after they turn green that the resulting damage to the wall is ignored. It's a lovely photo now, too.
ReplyDeleteGrandmothers touch can do miracles!
ReplyDeleteTHis is beautiful! And I also imagine it full of green in Spring!
ReplyDeleteLéia
I agree with these comments...I also think it will very beautiful in several weeks...
ReplyDeleteThe image is a nice meditation on the nature of structure and decay.
ReplyDeleteThe literary quote I just got was Hesse saying something to the effect that when faced with the insane, the only way to react is to be sane. Hesse was never a member of the United Stated Congress. Some of those people really scare me.
Absolutely wonderful photo!
ReplyDeleteI love the aged look of this shot.
ReplyDeleteIt looks so mysterious this time of year. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is my kind of photo!
ReplyDelete