Symbols

 The current Round Robin topic is from Ruth, the Scrabblequeen  and the topic is ‘Symbols’.  My original hopes and intentions were to go into Seattle and take a photo of the Space Needle and Pike Place Market – very iconic of Seattle.  However, the first opportunity I’ll have is … well, today!  I’m going up there to do a family portrait session.

  I feel like I’m ‘cheating’ by using my work related photos for this particular challenge.  However, there are many symbols involved with weddings that I decided to go ahead and use some photographs from weddings we have had the honor to photograph.

The wedding ring is the most instantly recognizable symbol for married couples.  There are many theories about the origins of the wedding ring.  I’ll go with a ring is a circle which symbolizes eternal.  In this case, hopefully eternal love for each other. =)

The unity candle (variations – the rose ceremony, unity sand, etc.)  Generally a family member from the couples families will lit the two candles which represent their individual lives.  During the ceremony they will take their individual candles to lite the one in marriage.  Many couples blow out their individual candles.  However, lately I see more keeping them lit to symbolize that they aren’t losing their individuality in the unity.

 

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue …  This is from our most recent wedding.  The bride’s something old is the handkerchief that her grandmother received from her grandfather while he was serving in WWI.  The something new is the pearl bracelet,  Something blue – the ring and something borrowed is the frog that belongs to her sister.

Now what are they supposed to symbolize?  Each in a sense are to symbolize good luck.

Something old – continuity to the bride’s family and the past  

Something new - optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead 

Something borrowed – an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride.

Something blue - Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, "Marry in blue, lover be true."

Now are you the least bit curious as to what other symbols were found by those who participated in the Round Robin Photo Challenge?  Let’s go check them out by clicking –> HERE! =)

Before & After

This current Round Robin Challenge was suggested by Vicki of Maraca. The topic is 'Before and After'   Being exactly as it says:  anything "before" and, well, "after."

I briefly considered a photo of our Thanksgiving dinner before everyone ate and then again afterwards.  However, I got busy and caught up in the day.  Meaning I forgot. =)  I thought okay, Christmas decorations.  Except we will be doing that THIS weekend.  IF things had gone as scheduled I could have shown you the before and after photos of our kitchen remodel.   Instead all I have is before and 'in progress', which isn't the challenge. (sigh)

The kitchen before the start of remodeling.  It had THREE doorways for such a small kitchen.  And do you see the cord running along the door frame on the right?  That's the plug for the refrigerator!  REALLY!  The kitchen had a drop down ceiling, pink 60's PLASTIC tiles and blue flooring.  BTW, the kitchen photos were taken with my point and shoot that I carry in my purse.

As you can see, this isn't a true after photo as work is still in progress.  The stove still needs to be replaced (after Christmas), walls and ceiling need to be finished, upper cabinets ... so much work still ahead!  Oh and if it had been day time when I took this current photo of the kitchen you would be able to see more of the big window in the dining/living room.  Everything is new in this kitchen ... or will be once the stove is replaced and the new overhead microwave is installed.

Okay so back to the entry,  it now means I need to do some actual thinking to come up with a "REAL" entry for this challenge ... oh my, this is going to hurt!   Then today, PAY Day came along and inspired this before and after entry! =)

My poor wallet before payday ....

And my wallet after I cash the check ... (sweet)   BUT, it was before I paid bills, bought groceries, etc ...

And my wallet again after I paid the bills, got the groceries, Uncle Sam took his cut, etc .... (sigh) 

That didn't last long!  At least I have A dollar to my name!   Shhh, I better not let it be known that a dollar is still in my wallet or someone will nab it,  like my husband or daughter.   Now be sure to check out the other Round Robin participants.  I promise it won't hurt your wallet! =)

Link to ->  Round Robin Photo Challenge