Dreams Built of Stone and Time, by Kristi Mosac, is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Ireland has always been a dream of mine. To travel there, to live there — I have wanted these things for nearly 40 years. This image invokes these desires, showcasing the beautiful scenery and sunset, while focusing on the relics of the past. While dreaming of my journey I wish to one day take, it also calls to mind the dreams I have achieved: earning my undergraduate degree, continuing my education in graduate school, and embracing my role in libraries.
Kevin MacLeod’s stunning music, “Long Road Ahead,” not only enhances the vision of this Irish dream but also evokes the long road I have already travelled in my second-chance career and education. Further, it embraces traditional Irish musical styles, creating a lovely balance with Franz van Heerden’s image.
Kristi!! I loved reading about this photo’s ability to invoke so many dreams. It’s really interesting to hear how Ireland encompasses both your dreams of travel and the dreams you’ve already accomplished in your life and career. Ireland is also one of my dream destinations (the rolling fields, castles, and haunted history have always called my name). While some countries and cities feel like a vacation, Ireland feels more like a journey. I think your music choice with “long road ahead” adds an additional layer of adventure to the picture that parallels the “long road” you’ve traveled in education.
Hey Kristi, instantly, upon looking at your post, I felt a sense of nostalgia as the duration of the song played out. By itself, the image you chose portrays a weathered stone tower that is surrounded by a beautiful sunset that evokes a sense of serenity. The music itself felt very serene and made me feel as though I was on a journey. Together, the audio and the image transform the scene into a symbolic place that emphasizes that a long journey has been had, and a person is now able to relax and reflect. The music definitely adds emotional depth that the image alone did not provide. If I had to suggest any other audio choices, I think that something with a mix of a harp and possibly a piano would also sound good paired with the image. Overall, I really enjoyed your post, and I think that you did a great job at picking the perfect image and the perfect audio. I also feel that your post reflects your desire to travel and visit Ireland, and I hope that you can make that dream come true in the near future.