Welcome to the Benches

1/11/13 -103-

These photos were taken in Mid November 2012.

The location was in downtown Bethesda, Maryland.

The "Take It!" came from having looked at this bench or years and the happy message it gives to anyone who sees it. I actually sat on this bench after having taken the photos. Funny how the message and the graphics resonated in my mind enough so that the lack of any cushion was not even a factor.

The After Take: When this picture has been shown the first question seems to be "where is this located? People want to know where such a work of art is on public display. That the art work has been combined with a practical use is not lost on anyone. In spite of what we know will soon be hard to sit on for a long wooden surface, this been is very inviting. I will endeavor to capture some more photos of the other benches that are randomly placed in sidewalk locations throughout the town. It is this type of civic minded approach translated into action that is part of the attraction which lives here.

I am in hopes you have a favorite outdoor place to sit that brings you joy in either its visual appeal or from the memories attached to your having sat there on some happy occasion. What comes to mind is just looking at a wooden picnic table and benches that one might have in their backyard. If in the right frame of mind, just a glance at it will bring back a flood of memories of meals and/or activities that took place on these great facilities. They sit there with an almost visible welcome written all over them. In due time they have a history attached to them, almost like they are an old friend that we can rely on to be a part of any happy experience we want to bring them.

Thanks for joining us for the current photo presentation. You are cordially invited to return Tuesday, January 15th for a new picture that we hope you will enjoy.

Wishing you all my best,

Bruce

PS: This is one of those photos I have taken that does not instantly have a story attached. Here I contradict myself, for it really does give off a message, I just need time to hear it. Thanks for listening!