Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Doors Across China

I have this habit of taking pictures of doors. No, really. My husband laughs at me. We have pictures of doors from every country we have ever been to!

Something about a door is very alluring to me... I wonder what is happening behind them... who lives there, what kind of life do (or did) they lead? So, I decided that as I gather pictures of various doors from my travels, I'll do a post... because doors are just so pretty, and intriguing, and for me, thought-provoking.

I already have at least 10 pictures of doors across Beijing, but chose these three because they all happen to be red! In feng shui, a red door symbolizes positive energy.




The Door, by Miroslav Holub

Go and open the door.
Maybe outside there’s
a tree, or a wood,
a garden,
or a magic city.

Go and open the door.
Maybe a dog’s rummaging.
Maybe you’ll see a face,
or an eye,
or the picture
of a picture.

Go and open the door.
if there’s a fog
it will clear.

Go and open the door.
Even if there’s only
the darkness ticking,
even if there’s only
the hollow wind,
even if nothing is there,
go and open the door.
At least there will be a draught.

***

Speaking of doors, I am going outside mine today to enjoy the beautiful clear blue skies! What a treat! Air quality is "good" today according to the embassy (and I can tell just by looking out my window!)... so I am going to take advantage of it.

Steph

18 comments:

  1. Are you in China now Steph? I love the second door... it's more appealing to me, maybe because it's simple yet it has character. Have a great day! xoxo

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  2. Leah - I am in China! I've been here about a week and a half now. I posted some China pics if you scroll down on the main page! That is my husband's favorite, mine is the first... I have a really amazing picture of the detail on the first, I think I will post it.

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  3. I love doors too! How funny! I was on Bourbon Street and the only pic I took was in front of a gorgeous huge wooden door--haha!

    Great post, keep them coming!
    PS-I am so getting Indianwood now! :)

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  4. that door looks beautiful! :D


    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

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  5. Andi - I am glad you are getting Indianwood so I can see how you use it!! Its a really pretty color! so interested to see what you do with it.

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  6. I don't know if you've ever been to Ireland, Dublin specifically, but there are doors of every color imaginable! There's a reason why, but the explanation escapes me right now. I think you would be in heaven! It's simply beautiful. I may have some pics if you would like to see them?

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  7. Distantdreamer - I HAVE been to Dublin! But you know what? At the time we only had those throw away cameras. We actually did have my dad's digital camera, but at the time I didn't know how to use it so we didn't take a single picture with it, we used the crappy throw-away! I would LOVE to see pics if you are willing to share! You can post links in here OR you can email them to me if you prefer, at sleighh122@gmail.com

    Thank you,
    Steph

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  8. The first and third doors are both gorgeous, but the one in the middle is soo intriguing! I love all your posts about China! xxxx

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  9. hi steph!

    i have a thing for doors too. in different colors, shapes, styles, carvings, etc...i cannot pinpoint my feelings, but know that they do catch my eye like these you have captured here. the first one, you can't even really tell its a door, but still lovely. my favorite is the third with the carvings. love that. thanks for sharing.

    ox

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  10. haha I take pics of doors too =)
    I like the third one alot!

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  11. Love the pics! I did this in Italy too! Some doors are just so interesting. Hope you are having a great week!

    http://peace-love-tbell.blogspot.com/

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  12. I have a collection of door photos myself-- you're not weird!!
    I think the last door is my favorite, I love it's extravagant carving.

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  13. Oh I love this post! Love how you say you wonder what is happening behind them. I've felt the same way. And all of the photos are wonderful. Such gorgeous doors.

    Enjoy the good air! Hope it lasts :)

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  14. I am a big fan of doors too! I think it is really what makes the house. Having a great front entrance really sets the stage. I think I have always been so interested because my parents took such great care in the front of our house. We had a great big wooden door with an antique door knocker.
    Great post!
    xoxo
    KC

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  15. Gorgeous! I love seeing China through your eyes! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  16. Cool! I love doors too and they're all red!

    xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

    P.S. Be sure to visit and enter my First Giveaway!!!

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  17. What a great red-door montage!! Now I want one! I have a boring white door at home and my association probably wouldn't even let me change it :-(

    Happy Hump Day Dear!

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