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A word about the previous post.

Before I get into the details of this post, I want to thank everyone for the kind responses to the previous post. It was a very sensitive subject and I was contemplating whether or not it would be appropriate posting it at all, but it has become my habit to post the concert programs when photography is involved. I admit that while I really appreciate all comments and feedback, I felt a bit uncomfortable getting comments and praise for that post.

The concert dedication was intended to honor this young man who was the victim of a senseless act of violence. When I was contemplating how to design the program cover I wanted it to convey dignity and sensitivity. It took me a long time to ponder what would be worthy and not be too melancholy or showy and frivolous. I was not sure how to approach it. You saw the result. In the end I was satisfied with my small contribution.

But much, much more importantly than my concert program cover was the concert itself and what it stood for. It was dedicated to John as a way to perhaps help towards healing, at least a little, the Curry family's torn hearts so that they know John will be remembered not for his tragic end but for how he lived and the wonderful talents and gifts which he shared with so many.

The Curry family was in attendance at this concert and they were so strong and gracious. I was amazed by that. But when I heard stories of what John meant to so many and what kind of young man he was, it came as no surprise what wonderful family and friends he had in his life.

I did not know John well since we were new to the orchestra the year that he graduated but I do remember his presence there and his talent. I knew that he was not only talented, but also kind, witty, and well liked from the many stories that have been shared with the orchestra over the years.

Thanks for indulging me in this rumination...I should have posted these thoughts in the previous post but I just could not find the right words and I fear my words are inadequate even still.

Now on to this post...

On Saturday Jan. 10 Mark and I went to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Morris County NJ, not too far from my home, during a light snowstorm. On the way we passed this barn that really caught my eye. This is a very affluent area with really large manor homes on huge gated properties but every so often you come across a scene like this one.

There were people exploring the old barn when we first passed it so we decided to come back a little later to check it out. By the time we made our way back to the barn from the Refuge, at about 4 PM, it was starting to get darker and it was threatening to snow harder. The barn was in such tumbledown condition I though it almost looked like it was shivering in the cold and snow.

I don't ususally do memes but I thought this one fit Carmi's Thematic Photography for this week.

Camera Settings:
NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/200 second
F/7.1
ISO 6400
70 mm