Friday, November 26, 2010

the last part of the wonderland series



 I had these last few photos of the remaining structure of the Wonderland left and wanted to finish off this series. These two with the huge stone fireplace are shots of the dance hall. In the second photo you can see the raised stage where the bands played.



There's something about this room that particularly takes me back in time. Standing there, you almost hear music, and I felt a definite sense of motion - dancing couples and all the little dramas that most certainly played out.

One of the main characters in my third novel, Signs That Might Be Omens, is very attached to this place. In a brief scene he lays out a fantasy that he and Claire might have lived back in the time of Elkmont's boom years. It occurred to me today as I uploaded these photos - the character Bingham basically gifted me with a novel. He laid it out so beautifully it would be easy to take the idea and run with it. A sort of "past lives" novel. In the past minute or so this little germ appeared and then grew to the point that it is now being written down in my black Moleskine notebook.

This is why when writers tell me they're blocked, I suggest they get out into the world and walk around, open their eyes and all their senses, take photographs, find interesting places and people to watch and soak in. At some point bits of ideas will begin to float up and will push at you until you pay attention to them. For some of us, it happens almost too much - and the task is holding the ideas at bay long enough to finish other things already in progress!

My head is full of books.



The above is a small structure near the back of the hotel. It may have been a cottage for staff, or an extra kitchen. It, too, seems occupied, although as you can see, it's long been empty. Part of the appeal of these structures is that with the camera and a zoom lens, you can ratchet in close and get a sense of the emptiness - and also of the ghostliness of the place. Often, in all these photos, when I click and get the biggest image possible, I see things I didn't even know were there.
 




This is a view of one of the remaining fireplaces, looking back toward the site of the hotel.




I was struck with nearly every shot at how much life there still is in the place. And without all the fencing keeping us out, there was a sense of peace there too.

12 comments:

Grey Horse Matters said...

An interesting place to explore. Love the dance hall and the fireplace, it is huge and I'm sure was the main focus of the room. It's easy to imagine dancing couples in years past, laughing and having the time of their lives.

Valentino said...

Love those first few pictures - what a beautiful space. Easy to see how the imagination would be stirred there :)

billie said...

Arlene, I have one more series from this trip - a particular cottage. My favorite cottages were in another section that we couldn't get to, but I'm glad I was able to get these photos, finally. I'll go back and get the other ones sometime in 2011.

billie said...

V, it's truly gorgeous. Two of my favorite things rolled into one - long, beautiful hiking trails that follow the rushing water of the river and old homes. The combination is magical for me.

Matthew said...

I love ruins. Really nice series, Billie.

billie said...

thanks, Matthew.

ponymaid said...

Ahhh Billie, how truly lovely. I can see myself pottering amongst those ruins, imagining, as you do, scenes that harken back to another time. I await your literary inspirations with great interest.

billie said...

Sheaffer, I'm so glad you appreciate my meanderings. I just finished Andy Merrifield's donkey book that you recommended, and it was so lovely I have just been sitting and enjoying the afterthoughts - haven't been able to start anything new yet b/c that was so perfect.

Somehow I can imagine myself, you, and Rafer Johnson going on a research trip together, wandering along with only the barest of schedules, writing and sketching and of course - sampling!

ponymaid said...

Billie, so glad you enjoyed the book -I thought you might. May we expect a book review when you have a minute...not that you have many extra minutes, I know. I am most interested to know your thoughts on the material and presentation.

billie said...

Sheaffer, I definitely plan to write a review for you - I want to read back through the book more quickly to get some passages, etc.

ponymaid said...

Billie, this is extraordinarily exciting! Such good news on the last and darkest day of November. That book really is chock full of donkey lore and observations, isn't it? Awaiting your review with patient but bated breath. It's very kind of you to do this and much appreciated.

billie said...

Sheaffer, you are most welcome!