The Life in My Years

The blog site Travel With Me, published by Sarah Wilkie is one of my favorites. There’s an old country song titled “I’ve Been Everywhere,” recorded by various artists (I’m most familiar with the Johnny Cash version). The lyrics of this novelty song lists the various places the singers have (purportedly) visited. Sarah could record her own version and literally put the other travelers to shame. This week Sarah hosts Monochrome Madness and the subject is, “Begins With P.”

Banner photo is the Pantheon of Paris. I do love the old ceilings.

Below: A Plant that I can’t Place. This unknown, to me, flower is naturally purple, but in monochrome it takes on the appearance of parchment.

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People at a Parisian Patisserie (say that fast three times)

While in Paris I shot a lot of images of patisseries and outdoor cafes. I particularly liked this one because (for me) it illustrates a classic Parisian scene (said the man who’s been to Paris – once).

People Pointing in Prague

Every hour between 8 am and 11 pm, people (mainly tourists) gather in Prague’s Old Town, beneath the tower of the Old Town Hall to photograph a mechanical presentation by the Astronomical Clock in which figures of the Twelve Apostles make their appearance from a little hiding place within the tower. After taking my own photos of the clock, I turned my camera to the spectators.

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People in Protest

Unless you’ve been vacationing on Mars, you’re probably aware that we’re having a little dust up here in the States. I’ve participated in and planned protests and photographed protests. There are emotions in these faces.

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Polish Performer

During our final hours in Krakow, Cora was resting in the apartment and I was roaming Rynek Główny, the old square. During my walk, I was drawn to the strains of a violin playing the theme to Schindler’s List. This young woman was playing beautifully and I admit that I had to gather my emotions and wipe some tears before I could take any photos.

Why is she smiling below? Maybe because it was my last few minutes in Krakow before heading heading home and I left her most of the zloty I had in my wallet (what the hell else was I going to do with it?).

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Portrait of a Pooped out Player

Some years back, a friend of mine was doing temporary work for one of the owners of the San Francisco Giants and she managed to score tickets in the second row right behind the owner’s seats. And she didn’t want to go to the game! So I made the sacrifice. It was a great photo opportunity.

Anyone who follows baseball knows that the most demanding position is catcher. I think the image below of journeyman catcher Eli Whiteside illustrates the fatigue that comes with the position.

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Pyramid

San Francisco’s TransAmerica Pyramid, once maligned and now a (mostly, except for the diehard curmudgeons) beloved part of the City’s skyline.

Portraits of Pups

Pooped out Pooch. One of my favorite places to take photos of dogs is at the dog show. At the end of a full day, the English Setter below looked like she’d enjoyed about all she could stand. Take me home, mom.

Below: My son’s dog Jasmine, when she was a little porky. She since went on a diet.

Phinis (Finis)

Please visit Sarah’s site, Travel With Me, to see her wonderful gallery. Then scroll to the comments where you can find links to other takes on Begins With P.