Sunday, November 29, 2009





Windows can let you see out or invite you to see in.

The first glass used in windows was by the Romans. They did not use it for viewing the outside world but for insulation. Window dressing, window shopping, "window to the soul", window to the outside world, corner office with a window...so many metaphors have developed throughout the centuries that we no longer even stop to think what a wonderful invention the glass window has been for civilization.

Windows are decorated for all to see as they pass by. Some are barren in order to give a clear view...some are covered to prevent a clear view. To gaze through a wall of windows facing out onto a sunlit mountain range or or peering though 8 inch thick glass from the safety of a deep water submersible onto floor of the deepest ocean trench can be a life changing moment.

The next time you see something truly amazing from behind the safety of a window or wall of glass...think not only of the amazing scene but also of the amazing invention you are looking through!

Dan

26 comments:

Cynthia L. H. said...

You speak as if you have had the submersible experience...if so, did you take photos?

Dan Felstead said...

Cynthia...LOL! No I have never been in a submersible...just a dream of mine! But if I ever do...I WILL take pictures.

Dan

The Lly Dilettante said...

Beautiful. You're right, I should try to remember the window and not just what's on the other side.

dianne said...

I am a great admirer of windows and doors for that matter, I have a 'thing' for them, so many lovely designs set with glass to let the light and brightness in, keep out the weather, they are our windows to the outside world.
In England, Scotland and Great Britain in the 17th & 18th centuries there used to be a window tax and glass tax so aren't we fortunate that our view of the outside world is not taxed, how drab it would be without glazing. ♥

jennifer black said...

Oh my gosh. I love the wreath against the curtains. What a lovely lovely Christmas card that would make! Hint hint.
;-)

Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes, Dan. Here's hoping for a wonderful holiday season for you and yours.

jb

MadSnapper said...

I have a passion for old houses and windows and doors. i checked out all of yours and they are all prime examples of my passion. thanks for sharing, my part of Florida is sadly lacking in buildings like these.

Valerie said...

Without a doubt your pictures are amazing quality. I'm a windows and doors and buildings person. Only occasionally do I see windows worth snapping.

shabby girl said...

You're right, I don't think about the glass itself at places like the aquarium! The thought has crossed my mind about the glass breaking, however. :)

Sunny said...

What a wonderful collection of windows. I especially like the windows in the red building with the bench, in fact I like the entire picture.
I think windows and doors make a building.
Sunny :)

Dan Felstead said...

Lly...like so many other things...we just take windows for granted!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Dianne...yes we are lucky but in the US....it wouldn't surprise me that down the road they will revive the "Window Tax"! It seems they are taxing everything else nowadays!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Jennifer! Glad to hear from you again. Thank you for the kind words and that is a good idea about the lace window!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Sandra...thanks for the comment. In Florida however you all have the beautiful retro colors of South Beach, the bright whites of the beachfront stucco houses. I think we all have unique buildings no matter where we live.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Valerie...thank you. I think we often pass by windows or doors and so many o them have such great character and say so much about the owners within.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Shabbygirl...an aquarium is a great example of form following function. Without the wonder of glass or lexan...look what we would be missing!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Sunny so do I and both windows and doors can get quite expensive!

Dan

DawnTreader said...

Enjoyed this series of pictures! I have a "thing" for windows and doors too... This time of year in Sweden if you go out at night, it's especially inviting to look at windows because of all the extra lights put up for Christmas. The buildings may be all alike but the windows show that a lot of different people live there.

septembermom said...

The window does bring so many gifts to the observer. Love the lace curtain photo and the wreath.

Lynda Lehmann said...

Gorgeous subject treatment, Dan. Do you use that new high density method some photographers are using?

Thanks so much for your Thanksgiving wish. Sounds like yours was cozy and "yummy". Ours was okay, but okay is good enough--I guess!

I try to count my blessings. Family times are often bittersweet....

Dan Felstead said...

Dawn Treader...I agree. This is the best time of year to go "Window Shopping"...Oh, by the way...I shipped your photo today.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Septembermom...The lace curtain and wreath was on a house in my favorite small town...New Harmony.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Lynda...thanks for visiting. Yes the majority of my pictures anymore are processed as HDR (High Dynamic Range)...I love the process.

Dan

DawnTreader said...

Thanks Dan, I also got your email! Looking forward to it!!! :)

Dan Felstead said...

Dawn Treader...let me know when you get it. I want to make sure it made there alright.

Dan

Unknown said...

I don't know what fed my soul more , your very eloquent writing of your experiences or the gorgeous pictures ? I stumbled onto your sight searching for barn roofs. My son is building a barn for our three horses and I was searching for the type of roof I wanted so I could show it to him. My search came to a dead halt when I saw that absolutely breath-taking sky , the perfect barn, and the way the trees and bushes seemsd to carress it saying," all is well , the storm will pass ." Thank you for sharing , inspiration is something I can never get enough of .

Dan Felstead said...

Thank you Ila...you are very kind!!

Dan