Joining Sunday Stills for the first time. This week, the challenge is "to find an opening (a window, knothole, fence…) and use it to frame something on the other side." (I am using photos from our FullTime-Life archives just this once. From now on, I will try to meet this weekly theme challenge with new pictures!)
This challenge immediately made me think of the Chinese Garden in Portland Oregon. This meditative space is an area of beauty and serenity in the middle of the City.
In this other picture, you can see the high rise building just beyond the garden's boundaries.
If I lived or worked in that building, I'd visit this garden every day!
Looking ...and walking ... through these gates help to establish a feeling of serenity .... as if you've left the cares of the world on the other side.
The picture below is from the Japanese Garden at House on the Rock, in Wisconsin.
We enjoyed the Garden more than we did the rest of that particular attraction.
Here's a picture of one of the serene spaces beyound the gate.
These are wonderful, Sallie, and such fabulous openings.
We took the girls to the House on the Rock a few times, lots of years ago. It can be a bit much. I don't remember the Japanese garden, though I know I would love it.
Posted by: Penny | March 04, 2012 at 07:32 AM
Well done. Feels almost like spring in Ohio.
Posted by: Joe Todd | March 04, 2012 at 07:44 AM
Clever, creative and well thought out! The garden looks lovely.
(it's rained all day here, with near freezing temperatures..).
Posted by: hazelisles | March 04, 2012 at 07:56 AM
I love the frames you found in the landscapes and the beautifully serene spot within. Lovely shots.
Posted by: Carver | March 04, 2012 at 09:51 AM
I love the first shot, well done!
Posted by: Linda | March 04, 2012 at 09:59 AM
Lovely shots and you have certainly demonstrated your compliance with the requested desiderata of the meme, Sallie!
Posted by: Nick | March 04, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Not even sure I understand this meme, but I'm intrigued and may try it some week. I won't pass your comment regarding House on the Rock on to Frank Lloyd Wright. LOL
Posted by: donna | March 04, 2012 at 01:04 PM
I agree - I'd go there everyday if I was close!
Lovely place and you captured it's 'Zen'qualities beautifully.
Posted by: Carletta | March 04, 2012 at 01:26 PM
Great place!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Posted by: Boom & Gary | March 04, 2012 at 02:38 PM
Great job! Love them all!
Posted by: bettyl | March 04, 2012 at 03:41 PM
love these beautiful gardens! really wonderful water features and architecture. i think everyone dreams of having one of these for themselves (or at least nearby).
Posted by: TexWisGirl | March 04, 2012 at 04:11 PM
very peaceful, very calming!
Posted by: Theanne | March 04, 2012 at 04:21 PM
Welcome to Sunday Stills! Cool pictures! Looks like a great place to take a peaceful stroll!
Posted by: Dana R. Doyle | March 04, 2012 at 05:37 PM
Nice opening, and view. Chinese gardens seem based on tranquility.
Posted by: Geogypsy | March 04, 2012 at 07:24 PM
When I saw the first shot, I knew it was the Chinese Garden. Awesome!
Welcome to Sunday Stills!
Posted by: Ebie | March 05, 2012 at 12:17 AM
What a beautiful and peaceful place. I love the way you framed that first shot, Sallie. Thanks for sharing the beauty.
cheers :)
Posted by: Pam | March 06, 2012 at 04:08 AM
I agree..very clever and what in interesting theme...
Posted by: Michelle | March 06, 2012 at 11:55 AM
another meme I was noto aware of. Love the openings you found :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep Photography | March 07, 2012 at 03:34 PM