What is the meaning of this picture

flip · Post by **flip** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 3:54 pm

Afterlife.

Foil · Post by **Foil** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 4:05 pm

Perhaps it's meant to be indicative of a dream, perhaps an afterlife, perhaps some sort of mystical journey; I'm not sure.

In any case, the woman at the window seems to be leaving the one in the bed behind, so the word that comes to mind for me is "memory".

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 4:05 pm

Someone exercising his/hers Photoshop skills. W/o the overlay and processed differently the pics could have had some real impact. Waste of some good material IMHO.

Isaac · Post by **Isaac** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 6:52 pm

Grendel wrote:Someone exercising his/hers Photoshop skills. W/o the overlay and processed differently the pics could have had some real impact. Waste of some good material IMHO.

!?!?
I think it's fine.

Duper · Post by **Duper** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:08 pm

I see what Gren is after there and I agree. I like the image as it is, but it would be more impactful without the "ghost figure" in the image.

Over all a very nice use of black and white imagery. content-wise, if you wanted continue along the same theme, have the secondary image more opaque with another figure (person) leading her away from the body.
The younger version standing in front of a bright window suggests "looking into the light" or heading into, it's a bit distracting though as far as the flow of the picture goes.

Secondary thought.
If you have 2 ghost figures in the image, it would make sense for them to head toward the window, but it would flow better for them to be heading toward the right side of the picture. I would suggest reblocking the setup.

Jeff250 · Post by **Jeff250** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 9:59 pm

"Rebirth" was the first word to come to my mind.

edit: My reasoning after the fact is the medical equipment in the room and the young woman standing near the window juxtaposed with the elderly woman in the bed.

Sirius · Post by **Sirius** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 10:16 pm

Naruto Shippuuden #193.

Yes, I am a huge whore.

Neo · Post by **Neo** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 1:53 am

It doesn't mean anything.

CDN_Merlin · Post by **CDN_Merlin** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 6:22 am

To me it shows the old woman having died, and she leaves her body how she feels (young and beautiful) and stands at the window.

Sergeant Thorne · Post by **Sergeant Thorne** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 9:34 am

She killed that old lady!

It means that being overcome by age and eventually death is only a physical condition. That girl at the window--herself in her prime--is who she is.

Sergeant Thorne · Post by **Sergeant Thorne** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 9:59 am

Come to think of it the window adds something to it that my first explanation (my first real explanation) doesn't really account for. Considering the possibility that she's still alive...

It's the ageless woman inside of her longing in vain to return outside--to life, while held captive by her tired, old, physical body that is all but spent.

minmay · Post by **minmay** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 10:06 am

The picture demonstrates beyond doubt that ghosts, despite being insubstantial, can still damage their bodies by wearing a corset incorrectly.

Isaac · Post by **Isaac** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 10:07 am

Starcraft cloaked ghost comes back to finish what she started....

Bet51987 · Post by **Bet51987** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 7:59 pm

Tunnelcat · Post by **Tunnelcat** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 6:28 pm

Bee, I thought of this poem when I saw the picture. It gave me comfort after my mother passed away.

ASCENSION

And if I go,
while you're still here...
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
--behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
--both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest.
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
...I will be there.

"Ascension"
Copyright ©1987, Colleen Corah Hitchcock

Bet51987 · Post by **Bet51987** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 10:06 pm

Bet51987 · Post by **Bet51987** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 6:07 pm

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:56 pm

You may want to check out some of Richard Feynman's lectures. Time as you know it is bound to the physical properties of this universe.

Tunnelcat · Post by **Tunnelcat** » Sat Feb 26, 2011 4:56 pm

Bee, here's a recent book on parallel universe theory by physicist Brian Greene. One of his musings is if the universe is infinitely big, matter can only rearrange itself in so many permutations and matter will consequently have to repeat itself in similar ways. In other words, infinite parallel universes within a mulitverse. It boggles the mind with possibilities.

Out of curiosity, are you wondering about the universe in general physics theory or human existentialism? Are you questioning why we exist and for what purpose? Existence beyond physical death? God? Your picture seems to be indicating a question more along the lines of our existence and place within the universe than just pure physics. Has something happened in your life that's made you question things?

Bet51987 · Post by **Bet51987** » Sun Feb 27, 2011 1:24 pm

flip · Post by **flip** » Sun Feb 27, 2011 1:38 pm

Bee I just gained an immense amount of respect for you. Being subjected to persecution and public humiliation for not bowing to the will of another's mind is commendable. No one has it figured out Bee with 100% certainty, and that's what life is all about. A personal journey of your own to forge out and determine your own way, hopefully striving for it to be an honest one. No one man is any greater than another. The ones who accepted you for challenging things that don't quite make sense are your friends, shun the rest.

Tunnelcat · Post by **Tunnelcat** » Sun Feb 27, 2011 3:34 pm

This may end up in E&C, but here goes:

Bee, even though I'm not religious, or belong to any religion, I still believe in some higher power, that we do have some purpose, and that when we die, there may be another plane of existence we end up in. I have no proof of these beliefs or ideas, nor do I listen to the "proofs" that mainstream religions espouse.

I have my own beliefs after much thought, experience, contemplation, and dealing with the death of my mother. She too, sought comfort in religion when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Funny how facing death will affect the mind that way. We all need to be sure that there is not just a big NOTHING after death. But she too, found religion wanting for her, no good answers, especially since she'd never been a long time member of any church. Oh, we dabbled in the Methodist Church when I was young, but I think that was because families were expected to go to church in the 1950's. Conformism was the watchword back then.

I have seen and heard too many stories of ghosts, out of body experiences, near death experiences and weird otherworldly happenings that science can't explain and which has made me pause and think about life and existence. I've even experienced some otherworldly weirdness myself. My mother passed away in her bedroom. Weeks later when my siblings and I were cleaning out her clothes, my brother's dog happened to come into the room. This dog was normally fun loving, slobbery and jovial, UNTIL he came into this particular bedroom. All of a sudden, he shied and whined and tried to leave the room. No amount of coaxing would get him to stay in the room. Why? The smell of death? I don't know, the room smelled normal to me, but I don't have a dog's nose. But I'd like to think that a better explanation was that my mother's spirit was still there, trying to say goodbye and having an absolute fit, because she hated my brother's dog being in her normally clean house! I even have a picture of my mother framed with that very poem I gave you. I find it comforting.

Your experience is precisely why I do not belong to any religious affiliation or church. If your thoughts or preconceived ideas of life, death, existence, the universe, and God don't fit their mold, you will be shunned, as you found, or worse, outright banished. Religions are just social groups that hold the same ideas amongst their members. If your ideas don't match theirs, you are not part of the group or welcome. I thought Christians were supposed to be loving, forgiving and inclusive, but mention that your an "Atheist" and you become persona non gratis. The door's not open for that you anymore, unless you come around and start believing in their idea or conception of God.

I find the reaction of your priest very disparaging and thoughtless. He's supposed to be your "friend" and "confidant", but then drops you like so much garbage when he finds out your an Atheist. Maybe he needs a good dose of humanity or sympathy, because he doesn't sound like a very good priest to me. When a friend abandons you at your time of need, they're really not your friend at all.You need to find someone genuine and thoughtful who can help you figure out what you think your place is in the universe is, especially if you can't come to terms on your own. Personally, I've found that dealing with this aspect of life on my own terms is the most satisfying and calming. I don't need some religion cramming their ideas down my throat. It only complicates and confuses things for me.

I also don't believe in Satan. He is just a concoction to excuse the evils that normally beset human nature, and to explain the "bad" or "mysterious" things that happen to all of us at times. He is also the "thing" that religions use to cause fear and conformism to sway others to their way of thinking within their group. Fear is how people get control of others, a tool.

Foil · Post by **Foil** » Sun Feb 27, 2011 3:44 pm

Wow, Bet. Thank you for being open about something so personal. Reading your posts over the last few years about your relationship with your Dad, his faith, and your church, I can't imagine it was an easy subject to broach.

[@TC: from what I gather, the Chaplain (Lutheran who does rounds at her workplace?) and her father were understanding. It was the priest at her church that sounds like he reacted so harshly. Correct me if I'm wrong, B.]

Anyway, Bet: Many props for continuing your work of service despite the way you have been treated by some. May your openness be an example for people here.

Tunnelcat · Post by **Tunnelcat** » Sun Feb 27, 2011 3:50 pm

You're right Foil. Fixed my bad above.

Bet51987 · Post by **Bet51987** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:05 pm

Thenior · Post by **Thenior** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:27 pm

Bet51987 wrote: But I forgot that women have another sense that men lack and you tuned into it because we are so much smarter.

I'm hoping that's sarcasm? I was really enjoying reading your comments (even if I don't fully agree) - right up until I read that.

Foil · Post by **Foil** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:55 pm

Nah, she wasn't taking a shot at men.

I'd say that was just a bit of "between-us-girls (but-I'll-say-it-aloud-with-a-wink-to-the-crowd)" dialogue. I'm still a dense guy sometimes, but I've learned a lot from my other half about reading female interaction.

Bet51987 · Post by **Bet51987** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:57 pm

Isaac · Post by **Isaac** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:01 pm

....anyone wants to move to a different picture, I'm game... just saying...

Thenior · Post by **Thenior** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:15 pm

Bet51987 wrote:Exactly, I fixed it. I should have added the wink...

Bee

Got it - I am pretty dense when reading between the lines on what you ladies write - I can tell alot better in person

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:43 pm

Grendel wrote:Someone exercising his/hers Photoshop skills. W/o the overlay and processed differently the pics could have had some real impact. Waste of some good material IMHO.

Bet51987 wrote:Grendel....so technical you are.

Well, personally I value a good photo higher than a collage that tries to push you into a certain way of thinking (a pretty obvious one in this case), hence some technical critique

Bet51987 wrote:
Grendel wrote:You may want to check out some of Richard Feynman's lectures. Time as you know it is bound to the physical properties of this universe.
Exactly. OUR time is bounded by OUR universe and I use the term "universe" loosely. But I was talking about time that existed before
our universe (or other universes) came into being.

Well, the point is that there no time (as we know it) outside this universe since it's a property of it. Time came into existence when the universe started to exist and time will end w/ the universes demise. Differnt universes may have their own time that will be defined by the properties of those universes.

Good to see that you stick to your own conclusions tho, not many people do that anymore. If you are looking for different perspectives check out Carlos Castaneda. Fascinating.

flip · Post by **flip** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:32 am

Well, the point is that there no time (as we know it) outside this universe since it's a property of it. Time came into existence when the universe started to exist and time will end w/ the universes demise. Differnt universes may have their own time that will be defined by the properties of those universes.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The absurdity of both of these statements demands an open mind

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:03 pm

Nah, ignorance will do for the latter

Tunnelcat · Post by **Tunnelcat** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 4:50 pm

Bet51987 wrote: @Tunnelcat...

I never intended to bring up my confession and wanted to stay with the nonspiritual aspect of that picture I posted so I was careful to steer my post to the physical. But I forgot that women have another sense that men lack and you tuned into it because we are so much smarter.

As far as religion goes I ask myself this: What loving God would send a good person to hell for an eternity of pain simply for not believing in him, while all the while never revealing his presence. I can't think of one.

I never believed in the nothing so I'm with you in that respect and the higher power you speak of could be the boy in the tub, but no matter what, I firmly believe that the birthing ground for universes was always there and you should take comfort in knowing that since there are endless universes to come there will be endless lives to be lived again.

Before I say goodbye to this thread, I need to make clear that my priest has been like a grandfather to me since I was born and we still love each other very much. However, he's also a hardline 70 year old Roman Catholic priest so I understood the position he was in. He can't have someone who doesn't believe in the trinity receiving the Eucharist or singing hymns like "Holy God, we praise thy name". I made it very tough on him but he still comes to supper at least three times a month and I still check on him when I'm driving by the rectory....where he always blesses me before I leave. He also has the belief that we will be together at death despite my huge doubts and I'm happy he feels that way.

Bee

I see the boys took exception your reference about a woman's "other sense". That "other sense", or "sixth sense" we have is something we can't explain or describe, but we know it when we see or feel it don't we Bee?

. It may have something to do with women and their interconnected brain halves which gives us better bilateral use of our brains. Although this sense is mostly a woman thing, men can have it too, so don't feel left out.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles ... ixth-sense

As for your priest, it sounds like he's set in his ways and beliefs because he's had them for so long as a passionate practitioner of his faith, so I can't fault him for that. Old age tends to make the mind a little resistant to change or new ideas. It does sound like he still likes and cares about you, so that's comforting. I hope he can still be an influence in your life, as may you be an influence in his. I'm glad the poem had an impact.

flip · Post by **flip** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 6:59 pm

Nah, ignorance will do for the latter

Lol, so your imaginations are superior to my imaginations.

One thing your imagination doesn't take into account that my imagination does is the spiritual aspect of man, which even staunch atheists admit exists. Where does the metaphysical fit in with just rock and dirt as your imagination implies?

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:18 pm

Your imagination is running amok in a confined sapce. Rocks & dirt ? There's more than enough room in for everything you cited in my original statement if you would allow yourself to know what I'm talking about.

flip · Post by **flip** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:38 pm

Well first thing anyone here should know about me by now is I'm a plain speaker. I tend to ignore the obscure as more a defense mechanism than a real argument. I actually feel I'm a pretty down to earth guy, who tries to stay somewhere between there and my ideals. My imaginations are more based on what I can see, feel and touch than anything else. Yours are the ones that seems to be running amok. All that aside, It was a genuine question. How do you explain away the spiritual aspect of life that almost everyone admits to, and yet reconcile everything down to mathematics? (dirt&rocks;)

Isaac · Post by **Isaac** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:41 pm

flip wrote:Well first thing anyone here should know about me by now is I'm a plain speaker.

What's that suppose to mean?

flip · Post by **flip** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:47 pm

Heh, second thing everyone knows is that Isaac's an ass