I live most of my life in Waterbury, Connecticut, where Ben Franklin presides over the Silas Bronson Library. I spent a few minutes with him Sunday morning while my daughter was practicing with her choir. In the rain he seemed at once strong and sad.
Weekend Snapshot
Weekend Snapshot
42 Comments
There's one of the people I'd love to meet, if they can finally get that time travel thing working. An amazing mind combined with such a personality; imagine having such a friend.
ReplyDeleteYou could almost reconcile me to rain, with this photo.
Really nice photo, Sandy. And I think I spend an afternoon with Ben - I understand he was very witty! :)
ReplyDeleteYou can see the strength in his face - and the sadness I think may be responsibility. ;0)
ReplyDeleteHe looks kinda sad . . . don't think it's because of the rain tho BUT that would make me sad.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful shot Sandy.
ReplyDeleteYou would seem sad to with water dripping off your nose and chin. Great picture. Sorry, I've not visited in a while so I've read several post, each of the wonderful. Grace and blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteA nice statue of this influential person in history.
ReplyDeleteNice article and nice picture, Sandy!
ReplyDeleteBenjamin Franklin is the one of the Founders for whom I have the highest admiration. (And that convoluted sentence is one he might have written!)
Here's a good article about him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin
we are doing documentary about revolutionary war and learning more about bf. not sure if all we're hearing is true but it's fascinating. I never liked history in school but now I love to learn more about the beginnings of our country.
ReplyDeleteLovely shot Sandy.
ReplyDeleteI think you captured what he may of been thnking perfectly in the picture and your statement.
ReplyDeleteGreat Photo! The rain drops really add to the feeling that you captured. We visited Phillie this summer with 2 of our grandsons to some of Ben's haunts (and Liberty Bell and Independence Hall!) There is an underground museum about his life on the site where his home and print shop once were. He contributed a lot to the making of this nation.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot! The rain seems to be bringing life to the statue.
ReplyDeleteHappy WS! :-)
Excellent image, Sandy. The rain gives a fascinating coloring.
ReplyDeletethis man has inspired people from around the world.
ReplyDeletea great shot... those rain drops are so dramatic.
ReplyDeleteNice photo and you have some great blogs it must take up a lot of your time?
ReplyDeleteStrong, sad and WET! :)
ReplyDeleteA polymath of extraordinary ability. He deserves many statues.
ReplyDeleteHe has braved through all weathers :)
ReplyDeleteHave a good week ahead Sandy!!
my hero as a man of his time that took full asvantage of his talents
ReplyDeleteHe remembers that shocking day when he flew a kite in the rain. It was an en-lightning experience. Pappy
ReplyDeletenice capture of the droplets on Franklin's angular face.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good Snapshot!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a powerful image! The effect of the rain on Franklin's visage is tremendous!
ReplyDeleteOh I so agree w/ your sentiment he looks like he is crying I like your new profile picture
ReplyDelete"In the rain he seemed at once strong and sad."
ReplyDeleteoh, how poetic is that! beautiful entry...as always. :D
Chocolate Lover's S'mores"
Some More S'mores, Please!
Beautigul shot! I wouldn't mind spending a day with Ben too :D
ReplyDeleteperhaps he is considering that whole key on a string theory...
ReplyDeleteSandy,
ReplyDeleteyou have captured what it must have been like when he and the others were comptemplating what amounted to treason. the stark reality and courage it must have taken to do what they did is amazing to this day.
I did not take notice to this before on what part of CT you were from. I was born in Waterbury. Pretty Cool..
ReplyDeleteThanks again for stopping by my blog and hope you stop back sometime!
nice photo!
ReplyDeleteMine is up HERE
An astute observation, Sandy. He does look "at once strong and sad," and I don't know if it's just the rain. The rain, however, does enrich the photograph.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm also reminded of the cliche: "Into every life a little rain must fall." (Cliches have a way of being true.) I believe that with great mental gifts there also comes a certain feeling of isolation, even though that feeling may be kept secret.
I love the raindrops on Ben! I just read your comment on my Odd Shot. Of course you can link to my blog. Wow! That made my day and it was a good one to begin with. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThere is a painting by Del Parson that is a moving and dramatic portrayal of Benjamin Franklin signing the Constitution of the United States. It's titled, "The Old Man Wept". It depicts five of the leading Founding Fathers who contributed immensely to the formulation of America's charter of Liberty.
ReplyDeleteOn Monday, September 17, 1787 the delegates came forward and signed their names. It's recorded that when Franklin signed, 'The old man wept.'
Carved into the back of George Washington's chair was a sun, painted in gold. Franklin said: 'I have often looked at the chair during the troublesome times of the convention without being able to tell whether the sun was rising or setting; and now at length I have the happines to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.'
Beautiful photographic portrait of one of our history's greatest men.
I also am of the opinion that the rain adds to the mood of the photo.
But always impressive.
ReplyDeleteHey Ben! You're looking fine for your age!
ReplyDeleteAmong early American historical figures, Ben Franklin is a favorite of mine. This is a very nice image of hm.
ReplyDeleteI hope he's not looking at America's future with that sad/contemplative face...
ReplyDeleteHe was an amazing man according to our history books. I agree, he does look strong and yet sad all at the same time. Great photo.
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a fabulous shot!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Great subject, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being here.