Open Doors
July 16, 2007 · by Christine
-Christine Valters Paintner@ Abbey of the Arts
(doors from top to bottom: Rock of Cashel, Strokestown Museum Gardens, “Out of the Blue” in Dingle, Cottage in Dingle, Church on Dingle Peninsula)
Posted in Photos, Visual Meditation | 14 Comments »
July 16th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Wonderful images!
July 17th, 2007 at 12:26 am
Beautiful pictures. A couple of years ago I used to frequent a blog which simply was comprised of photographs of doors and there would be a door of the month. I thought it a beautiful site – but it discontinued some time ago. Thank you for bringing doors into my life once again.
July 17th, 2007 at 1:15 am
Beautiful. The bottom one reminds me of a picture that means something to a man in his late seventies. It was in a group setting and several of us talked about the door being half open.
The man who brought it reminded us that it could perhaps be half shut, as well. I wondered if for him that was because of his age, and whether it was an indication of acceptance of death (because he loved the picture). But I never quite found the words to ask.
July 17th, 2007 at 5:29 am
I often see doors open in my life and can glimpse what lies beyond. But I find it difficult to step through, leaving the past behind and trusting in the future that God offers.
July 17th, 2007 at 6:52 am
Thank you, Christine…they are beautiful pictures and will give me much material for meditation.
July 17th, 2007 at 9:17 am
In my blocked up writing state, these doors speak to me. Thank you for that blessing.
July 17th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Wonderful photos. I like the second door. It appears so inviting. The blue color is happy, like a friend saying, “Come on in and join us.” And there’s just enough lovely greenery inside to see to create curiosity and welcome. It looks like the entrance to a garden, or perhaps, heaven. Very nice.
July 17th, 2007 at 11:39 am
When I first glanced at these doors, I thought “Where is the poem, the words to go with them?” But, the images are so powerful on their own. Look at the words that they have elicited from all these people already. It would be wonderful to use these images for some kind of writing exercise to see what they evoke in a number of people. What lies beyond? Each has a different feel. The last certainly brings a sense of mystery and serenity. They all set my heart stirring!
July 17th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Beautiful pictures! Each door is so amazingly different. Thank you.
July 18th, 2007 at 10:11 am
I love these images of doors. They bring back memories of some of my own travels – particularly in Ireland where it seemed there was always an inviting open door. I suppose it just reflects some of the Irish love of hospitality.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
I went away for the last couple of days to Mount Rainier and left a couple of posts for you all. How fun to come back and read the enthusiastic responses! I hesitated at putting up just images, but thought it would be lovely to see what they evoked. I like Pam’s idea of using them for a writing exercise.
Blessings to you all, Christine
July 19th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
I love these open doors . . . both the visual images and the metaphoric imagery. The church family I am part of is called Open Door Fellowship, as an expression of welcoming grace, so I think open doors particularly catch my eye, although I have always loved doors in photographs, even taken a few of my own. Finding yours today was a beckoning delight.
July 19th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Welcome Paula and thanks for your comment. I am delighted you found your way here.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:01 am
[...] week before last when I posted the Open Doors photos I was very moved by the enthusiastic response. Pam made a great suggestion to use them as a [...]