Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Friday shootout :Fences







http://mytownshootout.blogspot.com/
http://mytownmrlinky.blogspot.com/

January 8, 2010 'Fences' by Sandra Leigh

"All over my town there are fences - tall ones and short ones, old and new, elegant and shabby. They all have something to say - like "Keep out," "Be careful!" (like this one) or "Stay right where you are," "I'm utterly exhausted" or "Look at me. Aren't I splendid?" Some have gates; others simply define a space or support a heavy vine. What kinds of fences are there in your town? Do they really make good neighbours? Or do they just isolate us? " Sandra Leigh



Do you remember incidences or chapters in books from years and years ago?
I don't know about you, but I do.
Tom Sawyer's whitewashing the fence by Mark Twain is something I always remember how Tom tricked his friends Huckleberry Finn and others (boys and girls) to paint his work for him by pretending it was a lot of fun. They had to "pay" him for this privilege. May be it is the constant reminder by all the fences around me.

Perhaps it is the phrase: Build bridges, not fence that is deep inside the recess of my mind that has this impact.
I chanced upon this gentleman painting his fence that just jotted my memory. I studied this chapter when I was 12 and had just started my Secondary School in Methodist School in Sibu. I can't remember if it was chapter one. I never forgot. I can picture the teacher's face though I have forgotten his name.


http://annkschin.blogspot.com/2008/12/fences.html

26 comments:

Dave said...

Yes Ann, I vividly remember that story of Tom Sawyer too. He was a very clever youn fellow. - Dave

Bagman and Butler said...

Simple but eye-gripping series of crops! Gave me a sense of vertigo for a moment. I really like the way your posted that picture in three ways. Simple but elegant. Bravo! Oh yes...Tom Sawyer. He gave us instructions for avoiding work!

wenn said...

I once stayed in a rented house with this kind of fence. Awesome!

Anonymous said...

I liked your post Ann. This is a fun theme. Of course Tom Sawyer always comes to most folks mind when fences are mentioned. I ran out of battery again before I got all I wanted so guess I will use what I have. Got to be flexible.
QMM

Unknown said...

Happy 2010 again....very slack in posting, off to Bangkok tomorrow and will pop over when I am back..hugs /M

Jama said...

Nice fences! most of the fences here are made of stone and meant to keep intruders out! lol
I don't have a kampung in Malaysia, but I usually follow my sis in law when she visits her uncles in Malaysia.

Ensurai said...

Malaysians are famous for building walls and not fences...to keep folks away.

I love your photos!!

GingerV said...

ann I hope you don't mind I added you to mr Linky.

Gordon said...

Hi, Ann! That sure does look like fun. Do you mind if I give it a try? Great reading memories.

Suburban Girl said...

What a great idea! A photo of the fence being painted brings so many thoughts and feelings that a plain fence leaves out!

aurbie said...

Nice fence photos. Is that Tom Sawyer doing the the painting?

Sarah Sullivan said...

I love these shots..it did remind me of Tom Sawyer!! Wonderful shoot out as always hon!!

Kerry said...

Tom Sawyer was a favorite of mine too, and your pictures relate so well to that tale. nice.

~JarieLyn~ said...

I agree with Rebecca. This is a great post and your picture is just so alive. So simple, yet it says so much. Great job.

NanU said...

Clever photo series, Ann; I like it.

Superman said...

Hi. I am from Methodist school also. Tom Sawyer...the little story book that we need to read when in secondary school. Haha.

Barry said...

I loved this and the first thing I thought about when I saw your pictures was Tom Sawyer!

Then I thought about all the hours ob back breaking work I've put in painting the wrought iron fence that surrounds our backyard and that may need repainting next summer.

Ouch.

Barry and Linda

Incidentally the Word Verification is "dence".

Unknown said...

Ann,
I love the part in Tom Sawyer as well...my take from it, is it is all about how we frame situations in our mind. Will this next moment bring joy or can we turn something around to be more enjoyable?

Chef E said...

Great perspective! The Tom Sawyer addition came to my mind at first glance...I also would be doing that in a chair or on a stool as well...it saves a back!

J9 said...

Love the book too, and can't wait until my kids are of an age to appreciate it!

Unknown said...

now that is the way to paint! I always enjoy what you write as well as your photos. have a wonderful weekend!!

Sandra Leigh said...

Wow. That is one iconic story. Even if you hadn't mentioned Tom Sawyer, we would all have had that idea, just from the photos. The subject of your photos hasn't got Tom's talent for delegation, though. ;>)

Pauline said...

Simplicity wins the day, Anne!

A Scattering said...

It's years since I read Tom Sawyer but I remember that scene like I read it yesterday. I think it serves us all well to remember the phrase "build bridges, not fences", thanks for reminding us all. Have a great week, Ann! Elaine

Anonymous said...

Ann, I absolutley love your take on this subject. The perspectives of the man painting the fence are awesome.

Jen said...

Tom Sawyer was the first thing that popped into my head when I saw your first photo!

Cool!