The first outing

18 April 2008

My first foray into the elusive arena of the ‘Artist’s Date’ was done today.

I had chosen to go out photographing for this week’s endeavor. I thought I might not be able to due to inclement weather. Luckily, the clouds, while choosing to stay, held themselves together so no drops made their way down till I was done.

It has been a good long while since I have taken out what I consider my ‘real cameras’ for a spin. I dearly love the little digital gizmo I have mainly played with for the past year but it isn’t the same as the old ‘SLR’s’.

I had originally planned to go snapping at just one local cemetery here in small-town-land. I was focused solely on the one just off of the main highway through the city. However, on the start of my jaunt I recalled another cemetery on the out-skirts of town. I randomly decided to head there first.

The place is named 'Calvary Cemetery'. It is literally up on top of a small hill.

Here's a snap shots of the main gateway in.



The following are a few pictures of the cemetery itself. The first two illustrate the 'hilly' component of the property. I find the second one interesting as the gravestones literally flow down like steps.





The majority of the markers are 'elderly' in nature. They have either worn away to a great extent and/or acquired fungus.







The stone pictured below was obviously one of a sentimental nature. I haven't seen one quite like it ever that I can recall.



In the picture below I caught a robin perched on the very tip of a stone. Unfortunately, it is a bit hard to see. But, I assure you, the birdie is there!



Oh! I almost overlooked this one! I couldn't make out the name well, but the attribute ascribed to the person was thought provoking.



Now, off we go to the other cemetery that lies smack dab in the middle of town. It is unnamed to me as it had no formal markings on its gates. There was no one around to ask about it, either.

This marker begged me to take a picture of it as the deceased and I share the same birth date but not year. I thought that was rather odd. What are the chances of one coming across that? Especially when looking at so few graves, in a small town, no less.




This Evelyn must have liked birds or birdhouses.



Ole Hanson and spouse win for most unique headstone of the day! I believe that these are pieces of petrified wood. (I wasn't interested in actually touching them to find out.)





This fellow had a tree sprout up in his grave.



This one must have been grand in its day.



These linked markers struck me as a tad creepy. I understand the sentiment and symbolism but none the less it was unsettling.



Here are closer shots of each part of the joined markers.





Here's a couple of 'side' photos of the second graveyard's view.






Well, that is all I am showcasing for this first blog entry.

I will close offering some random thoughts on the whole 'cemetery' experience.

I have always found them 'peaceful' in general. When I was a child, I would wander about them given a chance. In fact, my sister and I often biked miles to old ones to explore them. I'd look at names and dates. I'd wondering who they were and what had they done? What their life was like? I recall thinking about the stories that their lives might have written in the world.

The differences in the ambience of the various cemeteries are thought provoking to me as well. I find more of an affinity to those that are unique. It seems the streamlined ones of our modern times lack some personal essence.

Anyways, that's the first week, folks.