A while ago, my friend Shimon from Jerusalem published a series of pictures about his neighbourhood in his blog, The Human Picture.
I’m totally enchanted by this series, which Shimon neatly named ‘Blood behind stones’.
“In our culture, it is believed that the soul of a living being is found in its blood. So the name of the series refers to the human beings that live and work behind the stone walls, and the stone buildings of our city.”
~ Quote from Shimon Z ~
This reflection has added value to the series, as his photos are not just for aesthetics pleasure, they form history.
Shimon’s series has triggered me to do something similar, on a much smaller scale.
I’ve lived in this neighbourhood for 13 years. We moved over here when I was heavily pregnant, and now my son is almost a teenager. “Why not capture my neighbourhood?” I thought.
I normally walk for half an hour to work everyday. Yesterday I took some pictures on my way to work and my journey home. I’m sharing some images here to take you on my journey.
1) First, I cut through this little wood, then walk through a very narrow path. There’s a large prominent ‘No Dumping’ sign in the wood — it implies that some people dump their rubbish in the wood and this ghastly sign unfortunately reflects negatively on the residents.
In the past, I saw broken chairs, sofa, duvets and bags of rubbish being dumped in the wood.
Cut through the wood, listing to birds chirping.
2) Then, I would walk on this lovely path, behind pleasant apartments occupied by the elderly. This path is very beautifully maintained. You’re not even supposed to cycle through there.
Walk through serene footpath. It’s an area surrounded by elderly residents. I know some of them are watching me everyday.
3) Coming out of this heavenly path, I would cut through the church’s carpark, and the vicarage is just on my right.
Vicarage of parish of Chandler’s Ford in Eastleigh
4) I would then walk along the Monks Brook river. Opposite the church is a pub called Monks Brook.
Walking along Monks Brook river
Walking past the pub
I’m not sure what you think of these pictures. It’s only part one of my journey. If you’re a stalker, you must come back for part 2 tomorrow.
My Related posts:
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Love me love my dog?
Walking in the wood – Part 2
Walking in the wood – Part 1
“Their name liveth for evermore” – Brookwood Military Cemetery
My tranquil neighbourhood in Chandler’s Ford
Son: the non-comformist
Janet's Notebook 
This is a beautiful series.
My inspiration comes from you, Shimon. Under the microscope, our daily mundane walk may not be that mundane after all. Thank you, Shimon.
I’m not a stalker, but this enchanting journey’s turning me into one.Thanks.
I feel your minions are following me.
I enjoyed the walk 🙂
I would love to stalk on this one. I feel like reading a children’s story book. Just love it and I’m already excited with part 2. Lovely post.
Hi Maxim Sense, the scenic scenes are a reminder of sweet children’s stories. My journey has a few twists in the end. I’m pleased to have taken you on this visual trip in England.
Dear Tilly,
Do come and walk with me!
I enjoyed the stroll. Thanks for walking us through your ‘hood.
Thank you, timethief. I was inspired by Shimon about his walks from Jerusalem, and it gives me the courage to share my neighbourhood.
After writing about it, I feel grateful about my neighbourhood, my way of life, and that I shouldn’t take my daily walk for granted.
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