Harvey Travel Arts

I scrolled through my photos in an attempt to come up with something appropriate for Memorial Day. Saw the cross on the door of a small chapel connected to some ruins and felt that it fit the emotions associated with the holiday. Something small and plain, like this glass cross peephole in a humble door; nothing to distract from those we seek to remember. The holiday has somewhat become more of an opportunity to vacation and have cookouts than it is to memorialize, and with the exception of a Presidential Mention or a marking on the calendar, some of us might not remember. But for all those who do, and all who have lost loved ones, please take a moment to brighten their day. Let's not forget those who have served. And let's not forget He who serves us. Thank you, God, for your many gifts and salvation!

My words are few this week. Sometimes I have a lot to say, or thoughts on my faith, travels, art, history, etc. Other times I don't have much on my mind; perhaps that's a good thing. I think it's okay to let the pictures speak for themselves. Let your imagination take you somewhere new. But I am dedicated to posting and sharing new photos on a regular basis, so here goes. This little place was part of the ruins that were posted last week. It's too bad much of the original structure was destroyed, but you can still see enough to envision what it might have looked like.

Blogger is apparently working again. My lost post is now reinstated. That's okay, I'll leave both of them up; I see the humour in it all. Have a good week everyone, and I'll post something new soon!

Something quirky is going on with Blogger. Yesterday I posted these two lovely photos of the dainty flowers growing at the top of a set of ruins. Earlier today, I tried to sign in and noticed that this post was missing. I couldn't even sign in, there was an error message popping up. It's too bad, because my words were a bit more eloquent yesterday. Today I leave you with the photos. Have a good weekend all!

One of the reasons Brian and I like to see old castles and ruins is because we have an active imagination, I am sure of it. There's nothing like climbing steep stone staircases and peeking out through old windows and doors to wonder what it must have been like hundreds of years ago. Fortifications were often built on high, so as to have the advantage over the enemy. Also, I'm quite certain being able to look down upon your subjects brought satisfaction to the leaders of that day. I think the fact that these delicate little wildflowers are growing at the top of this structure that was used for such heavy military action is amazing. What stories could be told from these walls!

The beautiful spring weather has prompted Brian and I to go castle hunting every weekend. There are so many ruins, burgs, castles, all kinds of things to explore in Germany, France, and well, all over Europe. We're fortunate to live in an area where many of these ruins dot the landscape. Burg Berwartstein is one such place. One of the neatest things about it are the cavelike entrances to the underground passageways, which in earlier years were used in defense. Now they serve as an interesting moment for tourists whose minds wander back in time as we peek inside and would like to explore.