Saturday, 14 January 2012

The joy of circles

Most of these photos seem to come from in and around churches or cathedrals and that probably reflects the joy I find in visiting these very often ancient buildings.


The bishop's gardens, le Jardin de la Berbie, in Albi with circular patterns described in boxwood hedges.  This is how it would have looked from 1678.  Everything is tended by hand, watering, pruning, weeding.


A circular window above an ancient door in an equally ancient church in the south of France.


A small gravestone behind a small church in England.


Circular panels in this stained glass window in a church in central France.  The colours are so rich and vibrant.



The final picture possibly brings me most joy because I made the effort to go out very early on an autumn morning to catch this reflection while the mists were rising from the river and before any breezes ruffled the water.

A two-in-one post for the Photo Hunts.


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12 comments:

  1. Dr. Cheryl Carvajal14 January 2012 at 11:28

    That last one is my favorite, though they are all lovely!

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  2. YTSL14 January 2012 at 12:17

    All great choices for the theme. I went with a different take on the theme(s) -- but now that I've seen yours, I'm kicking myself for it not occurring to me to put up photos of moon gates that I have! ;b

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  3. annie14 January 2012 at 15:18

    These are all fantastic! Visiting places like this brings me joy too. Happy weekend!

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  4. A.14 January 2012 at 15:23

    Hi Shakespeare, I think that one is my favourite too!

    Hi YTSL, I think your version was great! I'm sure you'll find a use for your moon gates in the future. :) I look forward to seeing them.

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  5. A.14 January 2012 at 15:29

    Hi, annie! I must have started my reply at the same time as you commented. Thank you. :) and a happy weekend to you too.

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  6. Gattina14 January 2012 at 15:39

    You found a wonderful combination for both themes ! Very beautiful !

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  7. Adullamite14 January 2012 at 16:04

    Some great pictures there! Such talent. The colours in the stained glass are excellent, very difficult to catch.

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  8. Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe14 January 2012 at 20:35

    That bridge photo is my favorite! Breathtaking.
    Thanks for joining The Saturday PhotoHunt.
    I hope to see y'all next Saturday... to share in your Bliss!
    Sandi

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  9. Kay L. Davies14 January 2012 at 20:54

    I agree, some very beautiful photos, but the last one is simply wonderful. I enJOYed your post very much.
    K

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  10. Alison15 January 2012 at 20:13

    I can see why you love them - gorgeous pics!

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  11. Jenny Woolf18 January 2012 at 21:22

    Nice post. Made me think that the circle is an obvious religious symbol of eternal life, but actually that thought had not occurred to me till I saw your pics.

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  12. Relax Max21 January 2012 at 19:37

    They are all wonderful, but the bottom one spoke to me for some reason. Great shot.

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Forethoughts, afterthoughts, any thoughts. Tell me.