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The sound of breaking glass often brings up a conflict of interests in the minds of those that hear it. I chose Broken Window Large by Tomas Castelazo because it reminded me of the first time I ever had to add audio and visuals to a digital story telling assignment for a class. I chose Break3Glasses by Mikael Fernstrom, because it matched the first audio file I ever used and it seemed to match the photo.

But I also chose this picture and sound for another reason. In my own personal life I have finally “broken” free of what has seemed to hold me back and hold me down for most of my life: my job. I officially ended 7 years of teaching last Friday. Though my love for children is still strong, the system itself has become unbearable for me, like for many teachers; but many are forced to stay because of their situations. I was given a unique opportunity to leave the stress and I took it. And though some might scoff at my aspirations to become a librarian or to be a stay at home mom for my new step son, I have no regrets. I have finally broken through the glass ceiling of my life and the sky seems like the limit to me.

My License Deed: Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

When I was looking through pictures for this assignment, I couldn’t help but think of a trip that I took last summer. During my vacation me and my Girlfriend had the privilege of visiting all over Spain. One of my favorite stops was at Alcázar of Segovia (pictured above), which is a medieval castle located in the city of Segovia, Spain. The castle itself is built upon a crag of rocks, intertwining the natural creations of Mother Nature, with bricks made by human hands. We spent a few hours at the castle and the surrounding area, however given the chance I would love to go back and explore the never ending hallways further.

I chose this audio because I felt that it perfectly encapsulated the feeling of seeing the Alcázar of Segovia for the first time. A sense of awe, and majesty, at the marvel of human ingenuity, constructed into the mountainside. I appreciated how this audio used a variety of different sounds to weave together a narrative. Hopefully, by listening to this track, and viewing this image, you can have an idea of how I felt when I first laid eyes upon the castle.

Terms of Use: “A Castle in the Hills” by Alexander Bowman is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

For this assignment, I knew right away that I wanted to create my post based on my current passions and hobbies. Over the past few months now, I’ve been researching on crystals and their healing frequencies, and combining this knowledge with my yoga. The photo above showcases the lattice of Amethyst, which I believe beautifully exemplifies the crystal’s structure and the strength it provides to those who hold it Amethyst is for its ability to boost the immune system, reduce physical aches, alleviate mental fatigue, and encourage clear thinking.

The audio attached is a frequency like melody that most would use to silence unwanted thoughts. The “Hillsound” audio is very similar to listening to sound baths, which help release blockages in your desires, emotions, and brain functions. This practice is also known as meditating on your crown chakra, which is the energy center located at the top of your head. The crown chakra is associated with higher consciousnesses, spiritual connection, and enlightenment. By focusing on this chakra, you can enhance your energy systems and promote your overall well-being. Like all matter, crystal have energy, and Amethyst, in particular, possesses healing energies and frequencies that users can harness to enhance their way of living. The photo included demonstrates the almost aura-like quality of Amethyst, highlighting the kind of healing light it promotes. This is why I chose the photo, it represents the healing elements that it provides any individual who owns it and I find that fascinating.

Terms of Use: “Healing Frequencies,” is adapted from “Cobalt Blue Crystals, Amethyst Macro” by cobalt123 and is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic). And the audio “Hillsound” by genghisattenborough was downloaded from Freesound and licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (Attribution – Noncommercial 2.0 Generic).

For this assignment, I knew I had to base it on my favorite dinosaur, so I chose an image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex from Dave Catchpole that perfectly captures the dinosaur’s fierce and powerful presence. To enhance this image, I paired it with the audio clip “dinosaur-roar.wav” by soundmast123, which adds an extra layer of intensity to the experience. The roar makes the image more dynamic and amplifies the feeling of being right next to this massive creature. Together, the image and audio transform what would have been just a visual into an immersive adventure; I imagine you’re in the Cretaceous, almost as if you’re standing in the path of this mighty apex predator. It is truly a sight to behold.

“A Roar in the Jungle: The T-Rex Comes to Life,” is adapted from “Dinosaur Adventure” by Dave Catchpole and “dinosaur roar.wav” by soundmast123. “A Roar in the Jungle: The T-Rex Comes to Life” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 for the image and CC BY 3.0 for the audio

I started this assignment by browsing many audio resources and stumbled across the Nintendo Complete Original Soundtracks on the Internet Archive. I listened to many while I decided which to choose but waited until I found one that I could envision, which was intially, not actually the one your listening to as you read this. At first, I wanted to use another song in this collection called, “Wizardry III “Adventurer’s Inn III” ” because it sounded so peaceful, magical, and like walking through the gardens on the grounds of an enchanted castle. As you can imagine, finding an image for ALL that was very difficult and none were just quite what I was imagining. But as I was listening to the collection and searching for my castle, “Dragon Quest IV “Minuet”” started to play, and I was suddenly transported to the front row of a beautiful ballet performance as the orchestra plays effortlessly. The ending specifically is where I see the image above, as the music gets quieter the dancers form their line and rest their hands as they freeze into a pose in waiting for the next song to begin.

This work, “The Ballet of Shadows”, is adapted from “Dragon Quest IV “Minuet”” and “Ballerinas Dancing on Stage” by Fabrício Lira. “The Ballet of Shadows” is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 by Emily Murray.

While browsing through photos, NASA’s photo gallery immediately drew me in. Since I was a child, I was always fascinated by space and astronomy. The idea that time and space is infinitely larger than humankind can fathom enthralled me, and I constantly read about galaxies, planets, and stars. Today, advanced imagery technology can capture vivid images of the vast world beyond Earth…in breathtaking detail. We no longer have to imagine what deep space looks like, because we can now see them. I was very excited that NASA made these images available for download and use. In “NGC 3324,” I love how the golden clouds seem to invite the viewer to glance closer at the stars behind them. The purple specks, which represent young stars, make the image sparkle and come to life.

I chose the song “Relief” to accompany the image because it enhances the magical and mysterious quality of it. The reverberating bells in the introduction (0:00-0:45) capture the vastness of deep space while the low strings that enter later (0:46-1:23) add some dissonance, representing the (still) unanswered questions we may have about the world beyond. The bells enter and exit throughout the rest of the song, and when I look at the image while listening, I feel immersed in the wonder of infinite worlds.

Terms of Use: “Infinite Worlds” by Jocelyn Hsu is licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0 (Attribution–NonCommercial 3.0 Unported). It is attributed to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and gurdonark.

Browsing photos from a 1947 naval expedition into Antarctica by the United States led me to reflect on scientific advancements of the era as well as the nation’s political climate from that year. After some cursory readings, two primary developments from that year jumped out at me as particularly interesting. The first is the formation of the “Doomsday Clock” by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, measuring the global threat posed by various technologies and crises along an abstract scale, depicted as hands on a clock moving towards midnight. Fittingly, this year’s Doomsday Clock announcement is quickly approaching, with the 2025 announcement scheduled for January 28. The second development contextualizing my image/audio combination is the signing of the Truman Doctrine in March of the same year, effectively beginning the Cold War following the end of World War II. Asserting the United States’ opposition to the rise of Communism in Eastern Europe, this address contributed immensely to military buildup and technological advancement in the mid twentieth century. The global push to explore the cosmos sped up rapidly, as did the proliferation of nuclear weapons domestically and abroad.

The image speaks to a nationalistic earnestness to push the boundaries of human exploration, to expand American culture and solidify its interests abroad. There is an uncanny jubilance to the young men’s motion, made eerie by the context of an uncharted frontier and the presence of an immense military vessel dominating the background. The sound, taken from a wind-up clock, nods to the creation and symbolic “winding up” of the aforementioned Doomsday Clock at the start of the Cold War. The sound creates a feeling of unease, of expectation, as the young men from the image, seemingly unaware of the gravity of their situation, both physically and historically, are suspended in perpetual play. Reading further still into the juxtaposition of the sound with image, there is a suggested dark humor, a double-entendre suggesting play amidst nuclear winter. The image is free of distinguishable flora or fauna, instead consisting of three simple elements: man, machine, snow. Perhaps the combination of image and audio could be read as speculative fiction- a glimpse into life in the post-apocalypse, of peace amidst armageddon.

“Playtime in Nuclear Winter” by Craig Moore is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Sunsets hold an unparalleled magic for me. No matter my location or activity, I’m compelled to pause and witness their splendor. The image above perfectly encapsulates the awe and beauty that I experience during these moments. Each sunset is a unique masterpiece.

Watching the sky transform always uplifts my spirits, making my love for them undeniable. I chose the acoustic guitar to accompany this image because its light and airy sound mirrors the ethereal quality of a sunset. Just as one can easily lose themselves in the music of an acoustic guitar, it’s equally easy to become mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of a sunset. Combining these elements – the visual and the auditory – creates an even more profound and immersive experience.

I spend many years chasing the big, exciting highs of life. However, about a decade ago I began the journey of learning to embrace and celebrate the little things in life, realizing it was those little things that brought me the greatest joy. Now having a preschooler getting to experience life and play through his eyes, I have an even deeper appreciation for the joy that the little things in life bring. One of the purest and simplest forms of joy I find is blowing bubbles with my child. There is something incredibly peaceful and fun about watching these soapy balls float in the air, but the laughter and happiness both my child and I find in popping them is bliss.

Popped by carterse paired with the song Hey! by Benjamin Tissot represent the joy I find in the simple pleasure popping bubbles. I cannot help but giggle seeing the dog in Popped attempting to burst this bubble. By pairing the image with the upbeat and happy rhythms of Hey!, I find myself provided with ample smiles, amusement, and joy. This pairing enhances the experience finding joy and pleasure in the little, simple things in this life.

Terms of Use: “It’s the Little Things” by Caitlin Woodington is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)