Look out any window
London, ON, March 2009 [Click to enlarge]
I'm not sure why taking the train makes me feel more reflective than usual. Maybe it's because of its genteel nature: Unlike other forms of intercity transport, you don't really have to do much to take the train. There's no airport security, no maddening battling with highway traffic, no stress. Just find your seat and watch the countryside roll by. I can't understand why more people don't get on board.
This image is reflective in a number of ways. Literally, it reflects the platform as I got off the train. It was late evening, and I was coming home from a long, eventful day in the big city a couple of hours to the east. That's where the figurative reflection comes in. I felt very at peace at that moment, as I had done my best and knew the day would result in better times ahead. Sometimes, all it takes is a photo of a moment to evoke a memory that resonates.
Your turn: This photo kicks off our new Thematic Photographic theme, reflective. If you've got a photo already - or are hankering to take one that fits - simply post a photo to your blog, then paste the link in a comment here. Here's more background on how TP works:
- Every Wednesday evening, at precisely 7 o'clock Eastern, I post a new Thematic Photographic entry.
- Each entry has a unique theme. This week's is...reflective!
- You post a similarly themed image over on your blog.
- You paste a link to your entry in a comment here.
- If you've already posted something that fits (on a blog, Facebook, MySpace, wherever) simply post the link to the existing entry. Old or new, all photos are welcome.
- You may post as many photos or links as you wish. For the next week, I'll be supporting this theme with a related picture/posting each day. I encourage you to do the same. This is all about sharing, so feel free to share to your heart's content!
- Please share this link with friends, too, and encourage them to join in. The more, the merrier.
- And please accept my thanks for your enthusiasm. Your participation has made TP a true highlight for me each and every week.
Since the advent of the internet train journeys have changed... they used to be reflective for many people, but the scenery gazing has given way to screen gazing - laptops, mobiles,MP3's, etc.
ReplyDeletePeople are shrinking into their own small personal space... viewing the world second hand. many will visit google to see what the weathers like instead of looking out the window. Observation is a dying art form. Good on you for keeping up the practice.
Best wishes, Shane.
It looks like a golden carriage. I've ridden the trains in Europe and watching the countryside is wonderful. I agree.. more railways to more places would be great. Make traveling more relaxing for sure.
ReplyDeleteMy reflection for the day is here.
Beautiful shot Carmi...it has a magical feel to it...a journey to far far away. Hope Donkey's there. :)
ReplyDeleteHere is mine....
http://mayfairplace.blogspot.com/2009/04/silver-stillness.html
ps. I've got to learn how to do the "link" thing in comments.
I've never ridden a train before. Great photo. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNiiiice. I love train shots! And this one is especially fetching. Both for the real and the metaphorical reflection in it.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit more literal in my interpretation, but you'll understand why when you see it.
Thematic Photographic 43: "Reflective" v.1.0: 1953 Chevy 5-Window Pickup
I love traveling by train. Loved your photos.
ReplyDeleteI just arrived home this evening after traveling by PLANE. And I am reflecting on the life-transition I helped with - preparing my mom's home for sale, going through our family's history. So here is a photo of something reflective, that makes me reflect.
www.doves2day.blogspot.com
I love trains, and I would be very happy if the US had a system like that in Europe. My train trips from Rome to Florence to Zurich and Paris were wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLove this pic! And of course I love the trains...when I was doing the commute thing I would take the train and would always keep an eye out to what changed or remained the same. Nice reflection...ok, I'm off to find one!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you see so much more from the train, it's mesmerizing. Your shot is beautiful Carmi, the light is superb, making the reflections look like molten gold.
ReplyDeleteI'm linking to one from the archives this week - it's got three of my very favorite reflections in it :).
Camping, Israeli-style
Yes train journey's in this country are well "interesting" since well the trains we have aren't that shiny also often crowded and your right people do shrink into their own worlds.
ReplyDeleteI unfortunately never find the time to go by train and have no need maybe just maybe I'll take a train somewhere one day.
gorgeous, like liquid mercury!
ReplyDeleteI love zoning out myself while hurtling through the landscape, eyes wide open but just enjoying the blur:)
Here's mine...
http://janies-rainy-day.blogspot.com/2009/04/narcissistic-kangaroo.html
This beach is covered with ice and snow at the moment but in July.....
ReplyDeletehttp://photosandpursuits.blogspot.com/2009/04/reflective.html
My journeys are usually by airplane. I am one of those people who want to get to the place, enjoy it for two weeks and then come home. I wish I could take a train across Canada but so far that has only been a dream. Here is my submission for reflective: http://lightandvoices.blogspot.com/2009/04/thematic-photographic-43-reflective.html
ReplyDeleteThank you Carmi for being the host each week. I look forward to what your theme choice will be. You are a very talented writer as well as photographer.
Joyce
I didnt plan this .. well I did plan on posting this photo today but it was set up to post before you announced the theme .. its perfect .. here you go...
ReplyDeletehttp://onthem104.blogspot.com/2009/04/thursday-in-hood.html
here's my post. not good, but not bad, i guess lol loved your photo :)
ReplyDeleteSilver Reflections
Hi Carmi. I've seen Kcinnova doing this and it looks like fun so I thought I would join in.
ReplyDeleteI love your train photo, it is beautiful. I think I have ridden a train once...way back when I was a teen, they don't have them out here in the west.
I don't know how to do the link, but here is mine.
http://sibupegasuspower.blogspot.com/2009/04/reflective-bit-of-rant.html
I love the tones of this one!
ReplyDeleteI've got something up for reflective now Thematic Prographic 43 Yours is quite impressive Carmi. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd heeeere's Round 2 for this week. Still at the car show though.
ReplyDeleteThematic Photographic 43: "Reflective" v.2.0: 1960 Chevy Impala 2 Door
Another great theme, Carmi - thanks!
ReplyDeletehttp://writerjax.blog-city.com/thematic_photographic___reflective.htm
Here's my Reflective .. its a portion of the memorial Columbus Circle statue ..
ReplyDeletehttp://onthem104.blogspot.com/2009/04/thematic-photographic-43-reflective.html
Wonderful theme. My post has the title "reflective" at http://strangepilgram.blogspot.com/2009/04/reflective.html
ReplyDeleteI love this photograph. My husband commutes on the train (a great place to nap).
ReplyDeleteI'll try to get a pic or two up before we leave on spring break.
Riding a train always gives time for reflection. Love it.
ReplyDeleteMine is up:
bobbie-almostthere.blogspot.com
Love this idea. Made me think of a photo I took last week, that while imperfect, made me want to go back and look at it again and again. Guess you could call that reflective.
ReplyDeleteIt's here http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cvYZW8AR-U8/SdFZdOZb1HI/AAAAAAAAAf8/onaeWu1B9_o/s400/blog3.jpg
The source of my first reflective photo is revealed today!
ReplyDeletewww.doves2day.blogspot.com
at the end of our street, just here i caught a reflection...last spring i think.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit busy with NaPoWriMo this month, but I just had to post this photo which seemed to fit the theme perfectly
ReplyDeleteThat light is so fluid and warm. Lovely shot!
ReplyDeleteHere's mine:
http://buenosburritos.blogspot.com/2009/04/menden-ponds-reflections.html
Hi Carmi,
ReplyDeleteI know it's been a LONG time since I've participated, but I think I'm back in my groove again...here's my reflection:
http://fifenhorn.blogspot.com/2009/04/thematic-photographic-reflective.html
Reflections
Again, great theme! I looked for reflections in the water.
ReplyDeleteHi Carmi
ReplyDeleteSome interesting pictures appearing on this..
I have now posted a set of reflective images made this afternoon but if you look at the other images on my blog you will find many others where a reflection is part of the image.
Can't wait to see everyone's pictures this week. I like this weeks theme. I took both of these this week.
ReplyDeletehttp://savingmemoriesbydkfisher.blogspot.com/2009/04/thematic-photographic-43-reflective.html#links
here's another Reflective entry
ReplyDeletehttp://onthem104.blogspot.com/2009/04/monochromethematic-reflectiveodd-shot.html
Okay, I have one up:
ReplyDeletehttp://kcinnova.wordpress.com/2009/04/06/rainy-reflection/
http://dennisthemennis.blogspot.com/2009/03/mirror-image.html
ReplyDeleteLove the reflections...love train rides. Couldn't agree with you more when you said that at times "a photo can evoke a memory that resonates", that is exactly what motivates me to take photos however they turn out, as this is the only way I can somehow "freeze" time and encapsulate the moment.
ReplyDeleteMy first entry to this fun meme is HERE - Mix Pix
That is an amazing picture! I haven't ridden on a train in awhile, but your picture and description make me want to! Here's mine,
ReplyDeleteSweetanlo's Reflective
Some pretty fantastic 'reflective' photos up this week. Nice theme.
ReplyDeleteSqueaking in at the last minute with mine. Knew I had this picture somewhere. Took me forever to find it. Glad that I did.
My Reflective Photo
Better late than never I guess. I liked these too much not to post them even though I'm so so late.
ReplyDeleteGaze Sweetly - Reflective
Great picture Carmi!
If you have a chance, could you please stop by Sweetanlo's Reflective Post
ReplyDeleteShe has an amazing reflective photo posted and is afraid that no one will see it since she posted so late.
Thanks! (it really is a great photo and yes, I'm biased but it really is!)
Wow That's an amazing picture! Great for the theme this time! Thanks
ReplyDelete-Sweetly