As a child, before my family put a pool in our backyard, my dad would turn the sprinklers on hot, sunny summer days for my sister and me to run through. Barefoot, we would run through the spray of the water, screaming and laughing. When the sun hit the water just right, a rainbow would form through the cold spray, making it feel like magic. Other afternoons in my grandparents’ yard, we would do the same, donning our swimsuits and running through the water as our grandparents looked on, smiling from the back porch. My grandmother had many wind chimes in her backyard garden, and on summer days, such as the one I described, they would always chime, moved by the occasional summer breeze. When I found this picture, it reminded me of childhood and the sounds that come with it, including the sweet wind chimes of my grandma’s garden. Alone, this image is not complicated, but a picture of a child having fun and playing in sprinklers with a beautiful rainbow forming behind. Paired together, this picture of a child playing in the spray of a sprinkler and the nostalgic sound of the wind chimes of my childhood create a bittersweet look at childhood for me. It reminds me of my grandparents’ house, which, after their passing, was sold and is no longer a place I can ever visit again, except in my fond childhood memories. The picture and sound together paint a picture of nostalgia and longing for childhood, something that is long over and only lives in memory.
Hi Hannah, Oh wow I found this post so sad and magical at the same time! The audio made me think of my own mother’s wind chimes and the image caused me to recall my children running through the sprinklers at a home we will never own again. It’s that pure nostalgia, that feeling of a simpler time, a magical carefree childhood in a place that feels almost surreal because it no longer belongs to you. The audio massively enhanced this image for me and transformed it, along with your story, and took me into to the coffers of my own memories. Such a good post, and I enjoyed your writing as well. Excellent. Emotional!
Hi Hannah!
I really loved this post. Initially I was confused by your audio choice, but after reading your post I understood and grew to appreciate the connection. What a special memory! This pairing does a great job of evoking the feeling of a joyous summer day. The chimes add an element of whimsy to the piece, and the unpredictable rhythm really enhances the spontaneity captured in the image. I think it was a very creative choice and unique pairing.