Sunrise

“Watching a sunrise, we open ourselves up to the beauty that nature creates, knowing it will never repeat itself just like this again.” ~ Jake Rajs

Joy Follows Like A Shadow

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”
Buddha

Vision and Verb

Our collaborative blog at Vision and Verb is blossoming, evolving, and turning out to be a beautiful thing.  Now in our second rotation of  writing posts, the core group of bloggers has started to find their respective voice.  We are learning who will frequently be funny or who will be reflective.  We’re learning that even though we are separated by continents we are unified by similiar life experiences.  And, the images…oh how wonderful they are!

At Vision and Verb, we are grateful for each visit and comment left on our posts.  Through the comments we are branching out and meeting even more new friends.

So, please allow me to simply say “Thank You.”  Thank you for your continued visits here as well as thank you for your visits to Vision and Verb.  Each visit and comment is truly appreciated.

Familiar Things New

“The two most engaging powers of [a photographer] are to make new things familiar and familiar things new.”

-W. Thackeray

Golden Berries in the Snow

“The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.”

-Paul Strand

Lines and Curve

“I often painted fragments of things because it seemed to make my statement as well as or better than the whole could.”
~Georgia O’Keeffe

Snow

“When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I’ll know I’m getting old.”  ~Lady Bird Johnson

Dragon Park, part three — “Music City”

Continuing with my exploration of the mosaic sculpture at Dragon Park, I noticed many references to music, perhaps due to Nashville’s nickname “Music City.”  (Part One.  Part Two)

From Wikipedia:

Music City, USA: WSM-AM announcer David Cobb first used this name during a 1950 broadcast and it stuck. It is now the official nickname used by the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Nashville is the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and many major record labels.^[41] This name also dates back to 1874, where after receiving and hearing a performance by the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Queen Victoria of England is reported as saying that “These young people must surely come from a musical city.”^[42]

Do you suppose this is Dolly Parton?

And, is this Minnie Pearl?  Anyone remember her?  Or am I showing my age?

And, the Tennessee state cultivated flower — the purple iris.

Who would have ever thought that the Dragon Park could provide such a learning opportunity!

Dragon Park, part two — “The Faces”

I was almost child-like in my glee as I discovered new themes and objects woven into the giant sculpture in my recent visit to what is often referred to as “Dragon Park.”  (See yesterday’s post.) The artist, Pedro Silva, also piqued my interest and curiosity.   He refers to this genre as “Public Art.“

I’m sure the Nashville “locals” already know the background of the artist and this park, but I found exploring the park with my camera refreshing, exhilarating, and simply fun!

Some of the faces in the mosaic sculpture:

Dragon Park – Part One

I took out yesterday (in my car with new  TN license plates) to explore my new city.  Sally (my GPS) and I determined the route to Dragon Park.  I had heard about this park and wanted to see what the excitement was all about.

Today’s post is simply to give you the overview.  As you can imagine, I absolutely loved the details in the mosaics.  You’ll have to wait for the next post/s for the details!

“About Fannie Mae Dees Park

Also known as “Dragon Park,” thanks to artist Pedro Silva’s mosaic-tiled sea serpent sculpture, Fannie Mae Dees Park sits across the street from the Vanderbilt campus and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

Leashed pets are welcome, and the park is graced with plenty of trees and shade. A picnic area and a recently refurbished playground make it an ideal spot for families. A small public restroom is located near the playground equipment.”

(Information used from Parents Connect)