Sunday, March 03, 2013

Focus on Life - Week 9 "Knock, Knock"

This is my first post in the "Focus on Life" photo challenge, the brain child of Sally Russick of Studio Sublime. Each week Sally sends us a photo prompt to encourage us to look at, & document, our lives in an unique way as we travel through 2013.

Of course I was late to the party - but all that matters is that I am here now. I think it is quite apt that I'm in time for this one.


Let’s open some doors to see what awaits us on the other side.
Is it a door that holds opportunity?
Is it a door that holds a story?
Is it a door you have been hesitating to open?
Is a gate to a new life?
A door to a new adventure?
Is it a door that holds a memory?
Is it the perfect door for a simple picture?
You have arrived at the door for a reason, open it up and step in! 


 The second I read the brief I knew what my photograph would be of. It had to be the door that I crossed the ditch to walk through 7 months ago - which also just happens to answer "yes" to every question posed above.




This time last year when I was sitting in Christchurch, New Zealand trying to find suitable rental accommodation online for a small family & assorted pets across the Tasman Sea (commonly referred to as the ditch or the pond by Australians & Kiwis alike) in Brisbane, Australia - what the front door looked like wasn't high on my list of priorities.

In fact when I finally managed to find a place that seemed it could work for us the first thing I noticed was what a boring shaped house it was - a simple brick rectangle plonked towards the front of a large block of land.The second thing I noticed was the fabulous outdoor patio that ran the entire length of the house & the somewhat dated tiles used under the covered part of said patio, & at the front entrance, had a sort of quaint character to them.

It's surprising that I never really picked up on this front door in any of the photos I perused online, given my long standing fascination with doors. I think the very first board I started on Pinterest was a "Door" board!

The appeal of this door struck me when I arrived in a new country, still weary from the stress of an International move...& facing wall to wall cartons & packed furniture. It's 3 panels of carved decoration make it seem a slightly elaborate door for such a plain house....that made me smile, I know there must be a story there somewhere.

For the first few weeks this 1970's solid timber beast, with it's carvings & panels, was the barrier against the winter rain & chill. As the weather warmed up this door stayed open to welcome in the warmth & fresh air, the sounds of nature & the occasional critter.

Before coming here I knew that there would be a new life - that much was a given. As for this door - there has been many a time I have said to my partner that I'd love to pop it off of it's hinges & turn it into a bed head....& yeah, I so would!
(if I didn't have a landlord to answer to...)
But, it's potential as a bed head aside, this door was not only one I was hesitating to open but also one that represents a new life, new adventures, new opportunities & right now I'm pretty sure it's absorbing some of our stories to keep safe for the future.

That is assuming it doesn't end up as a head board ;)

http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/03/01/focus-on-life-week-9/

Head on over to The Studio Sublime & catch what everyone else is up to.


13 comments:

Mystic Indigo said...

What a beautiful door...I am in the process of looking for a home door myself...but I like the idea about using it as a headboard!

Beti Horvath said...

Great story, about all the potential a door can hold.

Shel said...

Gorgeous door! Love the story behind it that you have shared, too. I think my first board on pinterest might have been 'door porn', too!! :-)

Patty said...

I am very excited to hear he stories that your new door has been collecting. Three cheers for courage, adventure, and gratitude. Big hugs, Patty.

Islandgirl said...

OK I'm sitting her snickering at the english language.. things that go at the head of a bed (in Canada) are head boards, a bed head is what you wake up to in the morning when your hair is a frighrfull mess! However I do love your door and a would rent a house for it's patio!

Becky Pancake said...

Such intricate carving is really beautiful. I hope you are happy with your choice to move there.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful door to welcome you over to new life. Starting over is so hard - we are considering a move ourselves. You're a brave person Deb and deserve a wonderful new life.

Unknown said...

You are very courageous to tackle a move like that so I hope your story continues to be happy behind this elaborate door. it is quite beautiful!

Honey from the Bee said...

What a great first post! Welcome to the group. That door is indeed lovely and what it symbolizes for you even more so.

LoriF said...

Love "your" door or headboard, whatever its destiny becomes :-)
In 2005 I moved 3500 miles to chase a dream, and it's been the best thing I ever did for myself; hope your move ends up being as fruitful!

Tanya said...

That is a gorgeous door and I'm so glad it opened many other doors for you. :)

Annette said...

That door and wh1at it represents for you is beautiful

Courtney Breul said...

It really is a beautiful door! I like the idea of a headboard - you would get to see it more. :)