Saturday, September 25, 2004

What's old is new again

I woke up late. That was the first indication that this was going to be a great day! Usually my internal alarm clock has me stirring around....well, way too early. I had many plans for today. I decided to blow them all off!

I began by going to an art exhibit at the Lexington Cemetery. Absolutely delightful. When the leaves begin their dramatic picturesque change, I will return to the cemetery and dazzle you all with the beauty of the arboretum.

I then meandered downtown and strolled around the streets with my camera. The downtown area was the heart of this city and in some respects, it still is. Today I pretended I was a stranger to Lexington. I tried to look at the familiar with a foreign eye. It was fun. I felt like a tourist! And I imagine I looked like one snapping pictures of anything and everything.

The trees that lined Main Street have been removed. I have no idea why this happened. The beauty of the area has been marred. It is as if a beautiful woman has been stripped of her petticoats! I know that seems an archaic expression, but description of this atrocity is beyond words.

The only good thing that has occurred from this abomination is that the architecture of the old building has been revealed! When something so outrageous as this occurs, I have to look for the good.
   

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

And you found the good. Wonderful photograph. I wish I had an eye for that kind of thing.

Anonymous said...

I just love reading your blog and viewing your pictures. I remember that statue. I hate to say it, but I remember a group of guys in high school painted the horses balls red. I think the statute of limitations has run out. I also remember drinking from a public water foundtain, downtown, with a sign that said: WHITES ONLY. I remember the excitment of going to the Kentucky theater and the wonderful stained glass ceiling it had. Do you remember Cottrell's Bakery? How about Purcells Department store?  Now ya got me going! Keep on Mary, my memory isn't as bad as I thought. XOX Anne

Anonymous said...

When your journal window first popped open, I gasped in delight at the photo.  Just beautiful...I love the angle you used!  I had a day like yours.  I had all kinds of things planned; however, didn't do any of them choosing instead to play.

Anonymous said...

I've been to Lexington many times, but only to go to UK games at Rupp and for visits to the UK campus...now, it seems, I have to go and be a tourist too!  That's a great picture.

Anonymous said...

Super photo!  Glad you found some good today!  Love your saying about the petticoats.....archaeic yet timeless at the same time!

~jerseygirl
http://journals.aol.com/cneinhorn/WonderGirl  

Anonymous said...

Great pic! I never understand the removal of trees like that. So sad!
:-) ---Robbie

Anonymous said...

I hope they removed them because they were old and diseased or something...not because they just felt like cutting down trees...  Lisa  :-]

Anonymous said...

they must have been sick, bebe'...no way the historical people would stand for it any other way. glad you had a good day.

xoxoxoxo

andi

Anonymous said...

so sorry for your trees.... I would love to follow you around while you take photographs.... Virginia is fascinating as well.

Anonymous said...

I don't like the removal of trees, but I've always been partial to the removal of petticoats.

Anonymous said...

Great Pic!
V

Anonymous said...

I have always LOVED lexington (if its in va that is:-)  ) great pictures you have, its nice to find a 'local' on here, im abt an hour and a half from lexington, came down before Stonewall Country ended its run at the Lime Kiln to make sure I caught it again, great place!
:)Amy

Anonymous said...

oopps:)  just realized u are in Kentucky... sure thats a great place also!
Amy

Anonymous said...

Ya know I always blow off things I planned for the day. And I also feel hurt when I see that trees have been removed...trees that I admired and appreciated.

Anonymous said...

Ugh. It seems every city's Main St. is always stripped of its natural beauty - just to add a lightpost or a water fountain.  Makes no sense.  But you're right in looking for the beauty in the devastation.  It's all we can do when it's out of our hands. :(  I love those moments of feeling like I'm experiencing my surroundings for the first time.  It puts things into perspective.  Looking forward to the fall photos! :)

Anonymous said...

I was in Lexington last October during our trip to my grandmother's funeral in West Virginia.  Parts of that town are so beautiful, so old-world, so picturesque, as you put it.  I wish I'd had more time to stay, visit, take photos.  All I saw was what was on the way to and from the airport.  Pity.  :(

Love the photo!  Can't wait for all those fall photos coming.  :D

Anonymous said...

Mmm, I'm thinking my ex or his clone must've been involved!  He was into chopping every tree, every sign of beauty in our backyard.  When we bought the house the backyard was like a park.  When we sold the house, it was very plan and ugly.  Why do some have that urge to take away our beauty?

Monica

Anonymous said...

Love the photo! Glad you had a nice day playing tourist--sounds like fun! I'm looking forward to fall as well; especially the chill in the air and the smell of burning fireplaces. The changing leaves are great also. Who's the confederate guy on the horse?

Anonymous said...

Could that dashing confederate general be John Hunt Morgan? The one knicknamed "the thunderbolt of the confederacy", so named for his daring exploits and wild raids? Handsome chap don't you think?

Anonymous said...

Ooh wonderful photo here.  Is that Gen. Robert E. Lee?  ¤Holly

Anonymous said...

I was supposted to be in the Cemetary Art Show!  Urgh, missed it though.