16 April 2009

Sepia Scenes 26 & This Way Thurs-Way 4: Old Man

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Last week, I have been mentioning about the Strength of Life. Hardworking people who have to struggle day by day just to fulfill their basic needs. A life that takes a lot of strength, courage and a positive attitude, which some of us might not even dare to dream about.

This is another street scene that caught my eye. An old man was walking from the river on the side of the road, carrying some heavy water loads on his shoulders. I don't know what the water was for or where he headed to, but my mind said that someone in his age should be having the privilege to spend more leisure time and enjoy the pleasures of life...

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

I have been trying to add a sepia effect on this photo because in my thoughts scenes like these should belong to the past. Sadly but true, this is still one face of today's reality in almost every corner of the world. It only appears in different forms.


I really hope we can take care of ourselves and care more for each other. Raise the strength within our souls and try to make a better world. Have a great week, everyone!


Thanks to Mary

Thanks to Pacey


21 appreciated note(s):

Unknown said...

Hi Rosidah, I also see similar scenes here. Well done too for the sepia. And very clever to combine them both.

Patti said...

The sepia does make it look like it is from a long time ago, instead of present day. I can't imagine the tough life many people have throughout the world. My life is quite soft!

thanks for visiting me, Rosidah

Jenn Jilks said...

Very touching!
Thanks for visiting my blog.

dot said...

Life is not always good for some. Seeing this reminds me to be thankful for the easy life I have.
Beautiful sepia shot!

Unknown said...

Yeah, adversity can be our strength.

That man must surely have an inner strength to live and cope with life.

Thanks for the pic.

Mojo said...

Truly one should not pay so heavy a penalty for having the misfortune of living a long life. Perhaps he has outlived his children? Or never had any. Surely if he had any they wouldn't leave him to struggle like this.

The photo itself works in sepia, (though I probably would have opted for black and white myself as a matter of personal preference) but I'm glad you posted both versions. And completely agree with the reason why you posted both.

Sherrie said...

Hi!
That's a wonderful Sepia photo! Thanks for sharing it! Have a great day!!

Sherrie

Bryan said...

Interesting Arnold quote and a bit amusing that he'd be talking about strength.

This is a great photo. He does seem to exude strength and persistence in his age, which is heightened by the sepia. I also like the color photograph because he's wearing faded, darker colors. It stands out well from the bright grass and water while giving a sense of both weariness and dedication.

maryt/theteach said...

Rosidah, an excellent shot in sepia and in color. Your post is a thoughtful, sensitive essay on understanding what it takes for some people to make a life for themselves. Thank you! :)

kayerj said...

It appears to be a shot out of the past, I like your reminder that in many nations this is a daily way of life

Anonymous said...

This is amazing. While the colored version is really good, I favored the sepia version. It could be blown up and hanging on the wall.

Gemma Wiseman said...

This looks almost timeless in sepia! Quite a sad scene! Being one to find positives, the old man looks quite fit!

Kahshe Cottager said...

While both photos are excellent, the sepia version speaks more strongly for me. It is a timeless photo and I could well imagine seeing it in an old National Geographic magazine.

Unknown said...

That's an interesting quote ... and true. Little failures hopefully lead to big successes, or at least a healthy outlook on life. But its a balance as always (hopefully).

Mariuca said...

Hi Rosidah, I have a tag for you here, come and get it! :)

marLou said...

Kind of reminds me of my grandfather who worked in his farm tirelessly. This man's face really shows how hard he works but to me, it's not a sad scene. It just reminds me of my family and how much love they had where they would do any work no matter how hard it was. Luv your post!

Unknown said...

Hi Rosidah, about the settings I used on my camera, I simply used the Program Auto with adjustable exposure with a turned off flash except for the 3rd photo. Then maximumly zoomed it. Happy Weekend too.

Ebie said...

I am always thankful for the good life we have but also hope that he have more strength to carry the load, not only physical but spiritual. Bless him for his hard work.

Anonymous said...

Nice... together with the words, it's beautiful :)
Happy Weekend!

Zriz said...

Sometimes, people don't have the luxury to relax...and I think that is so sad.

I love your scene this week! Nice capture...

BTW I was going to comment last night but I guess blogger was down because I couldn't leave a comment... :)

This Way, Thurs-Way said...

A very common scene here in Philippines too as what Pacey said. We often see that in the rural areas. This is a depiction of hard labor, strength and love.

Thanks for joining again.