Hart & Soul

11 Dec 2009 • 911 views
 
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photoblog image Love Thy Neighbor

Love Thy Neighbor


As you'd imagine, I'm getting my bearings here in this new city I now call home.
A stone's throw from our apartment complex is this former Catholic church now turned into apartments.

This original neo-classical building was built in 1838 and was then later dedicated to the martyrs of Gorcum,
a group of 19 monks tortured and murdered for their faith in 1567...by protestant pirates!  (sigh)


Love Thy Neighbor


As you'd imagine, I'm getting my bearings here in this new city I now call home.
A stone's throw from our apartment complex is this former Catholic church now turned into apartments.

This original neo-classical building was built in 1838 and was then later dedicated to the martyrs of Gorcum,
a group of 19 monks tortured and murdered for their faith in 1567...by protestant pirates!  (sigh)


comments (47)

  • Ray
  • Thailand
  • 11 Dec 2009, 01:01
Excellent!

The martyrs could be a wonderful ghostly presence in the apartments.

Love the apparent faint blue wash on this image, Ginnie.
Ginnie: Thanks, Ray. I would guess there are ghosts roaming those halls. I wonder how many residents know the history!
  • Suzanne
  • Canada
  • 11 Dec 2009, 04:25
All the best in your new home, Ginnie.
I love the crisp feeling of your photo. I see nothing has changed after 5 centuries.. (ditto our sigh).
Ginnie: Every time we think we're sure to learn something, Suzanne, we end up shaking our heads. (sigh)

Thanks for your wishes for my new home. It's almost been a week and I'm still going strong. smile
  • rags
  • United States
  • 11 Dec 2009, 04:39
very pretty shot. I can imagine that you are like a kid in a candy store because Europe is so full of amazing architecture. there must be so much to shoot!
Ginnie: As you already know, Kanyi, I am such a fan of European architecture...and this one is fairly young, by their standards. Thanks.
  • Astrid
  • Netherlands
  • 11 Dec 2009, 05:50
This is wonderful, and the composition is just fabulous, the three chimneys make the picture.
Sometimes when I come home and the setting sun reflects this building, I always say to myself....one day I will capture it.
You already did in a wonderful way, een prachtige foto van een heel erg mooi gebouw.
Rags is right, our town is a candy store......for pictures.
Ginnie: Every day I see something, Astrid, that deserves a photo...and then I remember that I will be here long enough to wait for the right light! That is such a good feeling. smile DJW, MLMAMV.
  • Louis
  • South Africa
  • 11 Dec 2009, 06:07
The pirates confessed to be religious? Someone believed them??
I like how you have laid the converted building picture over the Les style background - not just merged. Excellent result.
Ginnie: Les was definitely my mentor, Louis. Sometimes I forget about adding texture but when I remember, as on this one, I get all excited. It doesn't take much to make me happy. smile Thanks.
  • Mroy
  • United States
  • 11 Dec 2009, 06:18
It would be weird living in what used to be a Catholic church. On the other hand, it might be safer too.
Ginnie: One day I'll see if I can get in without a key...but I doubt it. I would love to see how it was fixed up. Thanks, Maria.
  • Antoine
  • France
  • 11 Dec 2009, 06:25
Superb capture and very good framing.
Ginnie: Merci, Antoine!
  • Elaine-
  • canada
  • 11 Dec 2009, 06:44
haha sorry ginnie, i had to delete your comment, they are NOT my legs, but the girl who belongs to them would have seen you insulting them coz she is on my facebook lol btw this is a nice shot!!!!!
Ginnie: Well, when I thought about it, I realized that YOU probably took the picture, Elaine. smile Thanks. Oh well. Cute legs regardless. HA!
  • Philine
  • Germany
  • 11 Dec 2009, 07:00
Yes, I see, you are discovering your neighbourhood - ja, de buurman, de buurvrouw, de buurt zijn erg belangrijk en dit hoort bij de spreekwoordelijk bekende gezelligheid van de Nederlanders!- the church has a really exciting history you already researched- but what a sad end: "turned into apartments"- a development we unfortunately oftener can find now in Nederland (and since some years in Germany, too) - but "apartments" are better than a supermarkt or a discothec... in Maastricht we visited a boekhandel which was formerly a church! I like your very sharp pic and the toning like an old photograph!
Ginnie: Yes, Philine, apartments are better than a discotheque/bar/restaurant, for sure. I could handle a bookstore, I think. I would love to see inside this place, wouldn't you?! Bedankt.
  • zed
  • Australia
  • 11 Dec 2009, 07:13
Love the framing and use of a texture layer Ginnie
Ginnie: Thanks a million, Tony.
It will be interesting to see your voyage of discovery!
Ginnie: I couldn't agree more, Sir Phillips!
What a lovely composition Ginnie. I like the textures!
Ginnie: Merci, kind sir!
I hope they dont ring the bells on Sunday mornings Ginnie.ps what city is this.
Ginnie: So far so good, Mick. grin This is the city of Gorinchem (or, in the text, the old version: Gorkum, which is how it's pronounced).
  • Frida
  • Sweden
  • 11 Dec 2009, 09:11
Isn't it so that almost every war that are fought and have been fought are due to religious differences? I don't what to step on any toes here this is just a reflection on the matter. Beautiful building and your processing is very suitable.
Have a nice weekend Ginnie!
Ginnie: Surely such things break the heart of God, Frida, especially when done in the name of Religion! Thank you kindly. You have a great weekend, too.
Like an old folded photograph, nicely done
Ginnie: Ontzettend bedankt, Chantal.
  • anniedog
  • United Kingdom
  • 11 Dec 2009, 09:40
Interesting treatment you have used here Ginnie - I like the mottled, faded look. It must be fun exploring your new surroundings.
Ingrid
Ginnie: Let's just say I'm in heaven, Ingrid. As I often say, it doesn't take much to make me happy.
  • Chris
  • England
  • 11 Dec 2009, 09:41
Such is the power of religion Ginnie!
Ginnie: A very sad reality in many situations, Chris.
I like the form of this bell tower and the ageing treatment that you have given the image. The repetition of chimney pots enhances the picture.
Ginnie: Astrid told me those chimneys made the image for her, so you are on the same page, Chad. That won't surprise you or her, I'm sure. smile Thanks.
very cool Ginnie interesting shot with a good framed
Ginnie: Garzie, Fabrizio.
European architecture always pleases my eyes, and this is beautifully captured and processed. So exciting, your new life. Have a great weekend, Ginnie.
Ginnie: Sometimes I'm dead tired, Paul, probably because it IS all so exciting. It plumb tuckers me out. smile Thanks.
  • vintage
  • Australia
  • 11 Dec 2009, 11:18
Good photo I like the sky well worked
Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Vintage. Now go and have some R&R!
Like your processing Ginnie,amazing the things you find out when we delve into history.
Ginnie: So much of history is deplorable, Linda. You hate hearing about it! Sigh. But it does give meaning to some things, for sure. Thanks.
Nice one Ginnie, I like the treatment to make it look old. I suspect you will need to buy a whole truck load of memory cards for your photographic explorations round your new home.
Ginnie: HA! Memory cards I have a-plenty, Brian. Keeping the batteries charged during the cold weather outside will be my bigger challenge. smile Thanks.
Textures and layers..your doing well Ginnie..This does give the impression of age.
Ginnie: Thank you, kind sir. I have fun adding texture every so often. smile
That is wonderful processing. Very beautiful shot.
Ginnie: Thank you, kind sir.
Very nice shot Ginnie!
Ginnie: Thanks a million, RS.
I love this!
Ginnie: Thanks for stopping by again, Wray, and commenting.
A nice bit of messing you have done to what must be a building that has been messed about with ... if youget my drift.

richard
Ginnie: Yes, indeed, Richard. Too much messing around, if you ask me! Sigh. But thanks for your comment.
  • Marie
  • France
  • 11 Dec 2009, 20:34
très beau travail de post traitement !
Ginnie: Merci, dear Marie. Merci.
  • JulianG
  • Argentina
  • 12 Dec 2009, 02:47
WOW, Ginnie! Beautiful...smile
Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Julian.
  • martie
  • United States
  • 12 Dec 2009, 06:41
And how many millions have died in the name of religion?

It's a gorgeous building and I really love your processing here.

It's building like these that will keep the chimney sweeps in business.
Ginnie: Those chimneys were on store fronts across the street from the church, Martie, so it was fun to include them since I couldn't do anything else about them. HA! But yes, I'm afraid way too many have died in the name of religion over the centuries all over the world. God have mercy on us all!
beautiful

i love the vintage mood of your composition

have a nice week end
Ginnie: Merci, kind Sir. You, too, have a great weekend.
Very well chosen frame. The masterful editing.

Greetings
Ginnie: Muchas gracias, Ricardo.
  • Alan
  • Great Britain (UK)
  • 12 Dec 2009, 11:59
Lovely presentation, Ginnie; a different editing style, I note. I imagine that your new city is a lot different to where you were before.
Ginnie: Every once in awhile I remember the texture option, Alan, and then I go crazy with it. smile And yes, Europe is NOT American, by any stretch of the imagination. Europe has always felt more like home to me! Thanks.
  • rian
  • United States
  • 12 Dec 2009, 16:02
a church where 19 monks were murdered? now an apartment?! hmm.. not for the faint of heart i guess.. ;D great shot.. smile
Ginnie: Well, I'm guessing the monks weren't murdered in the church, Rian...I hope not, at any rate...but then, one never knows! Sigh. Thanks.
  • Oscar
  • France
  • 12 Dec 2009, 19:24
Curious historia.I like the frame that you've given the photo, leaving empty spaces all left and right. the fons of the picture is very good
Ginnie: You're a sweetheart, Oscar. Muchas gracias.
  • Les Auld
  • United Kingdom
  • 12 Dec 2009, 19:59
A good use of textures Ginnie, and an interesting place to photograph as well. Nice one indeed.
Ginnie: Thanks to you, kind sir, I have had fun with adding textures, whenever I remember and the image calls for it. So THANK YOU. You have been my mentor.
I have been away too long...finally catching up! Love this photo!
Ginnie: Good to see you back, Caroline! Thank you kindly.
  • Argos
  • United States
  • 13 Dec 2009, 04:44
Fantastic shot, Ginnie -- great composition & post-processing!

rian -- actually the church was just dedicated to the monks, I think they were killed elsewhere (in a barn, according to Wikipedia).
Ginnie: Thanks for the clarification to Rian, Argos. I love getting the extra details from my commenters. smile
  • Marcie
  • United States
  • 13 Dec 2009, 17:04
Love the processing and how you captured this beautiful church. Must be a big adventure..learning your way around.
Ginnie: It's what I love about everywhere I go, Marcie, learning my way around...especially in Europe. We took the train to nearby Dordrecht on Saturday and had a few hours to explore the city center during the Chrisymas market. This is what is so enticing about the old cities that are compact and within walking distance. I'm in heaven! smile
  • Stephan Dietrich
  • United States
  • 14 Dec 2009, 16:29
Great image, perspective, detail and treatment. Looks like an old etching. Great job Ginnie!
Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Stephan. That means a lot!
I would like to write more about the previous building I lived in. It was a beautiful church and hospital converted into living apartments as well.

Isn't it just amazing how much history restored buildings can have! I love what you've spotted!
Ginnie: Wow. So you've already experienced this, Jen. Hmmmm. I do hope, however, that yours didn't have the same kind of murderous history woven into it!
  • david
  • United States
  • 15 Dec 2009, 14:36
i like the use of textures here...really nice. best wishes in your new home and country - i know how that feels!!
Ginnie: Thanks for your support, David. It is a big change for my life but one I welcome and relish.
Humph. I'm surrounded by people who think pirates are cute and romantic. Weren't then, aren't now. ;-)

Have there been new churches built, or is the Christian community simply fading away?

It would be a wonderful place to live.
Ginnie: Pirates! We HAVE romanticized them over the years, haven't we! Now that they're out attacking our ships, they take on a new life.

Astrid says the Christian churches are indeed "fading," but now Muslim mosques for the Turks and Moroccans are taking their place. As long as there is peace, I'm okay with that!
  • Andy
  • USA
  • 17 Dec 2009, 17:54
Beautiful processing!
Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Andy.
I like the bits of history you have here. The applied textures works very well here.
Ginnie: Thank you, kind sir. It's good to see you again. smile
  • danielle
  • Great Britain (UK)
  • 26 Dec 2009, 21:43
splendise cette photo en noir et blanc super beau j'aime amicalement danielle
j'aurai aimer que vous alliez sur mon blog pour voir ce que vous en pensez ,le votre est magnifique
Ginnie: Merci, Danielle. I LOVE your blog and enjoyed figuring it out and how to find your photos. Every blog can be so different.

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