Open Window's Sixth Year - 2015

Open Window was ajar most of 2015 as energies needed to be directed toward our photography business. In fact, there were only 47 posts to Open Window in 2015 compared to 231 in its inaugural year. Sadly I found it much easier to post a photo or comment to Facebook from "the field", and I know many of you don't participate in Facebook.

"Second Thought" © Claudia Ward

At the beginning of 2015, we'd planned on exhibiting in two shows in Florida, the plans for which had to change as Peter hurt his back just before we left and needed surgery once we got there. Brave soul that he is however (and with doctor's approval), we did meet up with our friends in Rincon, Puerto Rico where Peter rested and recuperated, and I got some of the best wave images I've ever taken. 

Chatham Arts Festival 2015

Spring, Summer, and Fall were filled with art festivals in New York State and Massachusetts (Memorial Day to Thanksgiving). In all, we participated in 12 art festivals (10 outdoors and 2 indoors). In addition to those, we participated in our own private show at Ashawagh Hall along with two other incredibly talented artists, 4 gallery shows, and one Christmas Fair. There's a lot of work involved in planning and executing the participation in these shows, which I hope explains my absence from Open Window. It simply could not be helped. Not only did we meet incredibly wonderful artists and sponsors, but we also found individuals who truly love our work. Connections have also been made with a Surf Clothing Company, a couple of galleries, and a framer/gallery in the Design Center in Boston. As we all know, "it's not over 'till the fat lady sings" - please pray she sings.

Good fortune had us shooting in the Southern Caribbean for a week just before Christmas. Water may have been the draw but it was the sunrises, sunsets, and fall skies that truly took our breath away, every single day. 

The Freedom Tower © 2015 Claudia Ward

As I watched the attached slide show before sitting down to write this, what struck me was how very fortunate we have been in addition to having worked harder this year than either of us have for several. Given all that, the highlight of my year was spending two nights in downtown Manhattan in the beginning of December. Having been on Wall Street on 9/11 and living down there from that day until I left in 2009, I'd seen the cleanup, read about the plans, and watched the beginnings of rebuilding, but it wasn't until December 7th (truly) that I saw for the first time, in person, what has replaced all of that destruction/construction and I must say, it is nothing short of breathtaking.

Past & Present Downtown New York ©2015 Claudia Ward

We came upon the reflecting pools our first night walking back to our hotel after dinner and I can honestly say I wept to see what we have created in memory of so many and despite so few.

The Reflecting Pools in Lower Manhattan After Dark 2015 ©Claudia Ward

The next day we explored it all and Peter was even able to coax me to the top of the Freedom Tower - something I will remember for all of my days to come.

New York After Dark from the Top of the Freedom Tower ©2015 Claudia Ward

Despite all of the despair we all felt that day, there is nothing but hope in the air as you traverse the park, or linger to contemplate  - watching the waters cascading into the reflecting pools.

As 2016 begins - there's an Open Window for all of us.

I hope you enjoy the slide show of 2015.

 

Photos and Slide Show ©2015 Claudia Ward
Music: "Up with End Credits" from the soundtrack, Michael Giacchino

 

Comments

[Mary Tanaskovic Bitting]

Beautiful slide show, Claudia; thanks for sharing it with your "Open Window" fans!
Happy 2016, Mary

[Nancy Lanzoni]

Loved, loved, loved the slide show!! The music and the photos were perfect! What a year you had. I hope that you have many more excellent adventures in 2016, although without the medical events!

[Sally Ward]

What a year!!!!! Incredible pictures of The Freedom Tower and from The Freedom Tower!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Claudia Danforth Ward]

Cataracts for Peter in Jan and Feb. Getting house ready for sale. AND, drum roll please, Paradise City Northampton Memorial Day weekend. Happy New Year my friend and, of course, to Junior as well.

Sent from my iPhone

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What a year you had! Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Will watch again. Nice job. Cant wait to see whats in store for you in 2016!!!

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[Bob Dollard]

What a year you had! Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Will watch again. Nice job. Can't wait to see what's in store for you in 2016!!!