Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Golden Door




When my friend Rosemary and I attended the wool felting workshop at Etsy Lab in Brooklyn before Christmas (see my prior post), we knew we would have to spend some time looking for parking in this densely populated area.  We left our neighborhood early and made one stop, first, in Brooklyn Heights before we walked over to the DUMBO neighborhood. We decided to go to the Brooklyn Promenade to take some photos since I had brought my "big" camera along. As we approached the promenade's viewpoint we saw the sun was getting low and shining so beautifully on Manhattan's tall buildings across the East River.





As the sun dipped lower in the sky a heavy fog started to rise up from New York City's harbor.



 
Using my zoom I could see Ellis Island in the distance surrounded by fog.




But an even more astounding view was of a combination of small rainbow light in the sky and the rapidly rising fog surrounding the Statue of Liberty!






The setting sun lit up the fog in a golden hue, and I was reminded of the poem "The New Colossus," by Emma Lazarus which is engraved on a tablet within the pedestal on which the statue stands:



The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows worldwide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

 


 Serendipitously, as I prepared to write this post today, I read a fascinating review in the New York Times for the "Emma Lazarus: Poet of Exiles" exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage that is being held in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty. Click on the highlighted NY Times link to read it.



I was interested to learn from the same New York Times article that: "An average of more than a million people a year were granted permanent resident status in the United States in the decade ending in 2010, more than in any other comparable period in American history. And this does not count the estimated four million illegal immigrants that arrived during the same period."

Immigration has certainly been both a blessing and a strain at times in our history, but as a nation of immigrants, the "American Dream" seems to endure and remains a lure.  I know I am grateful for all the opportunities the USA gave to my immigrant ancestors, and I am also grateful for my husband who immigrated with his siblings and parents from Italy when he was a child.


New York City has been under an "arctic blast" of cold the past few days...brrrrr!  How is the weather where you are?




Many thanks to all the blog hosts!

 
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81 comments:

ellen b. said...

Oh my you really got some great moments for exceptional photos! Love the foggy Statue of Liberty ones for sure. Being the daughter of immigrants I'm very thankful that my parents were received well. Wonderful info Pat.
We have been rainy but balmy for us. No real winter here yet...

Barbara F. said...

These photos are unbelievable! Award worthy, you can do your own exhibit! Pat, I would look into it. There has to be a gallery owner willing to host. I am the granddaughter of immigrants who worked hard, took care of their own, and made a good life for themselves, at a time when hand outs weren't the norm. I am proud to say I am here because of them. xo

Anonymous said...

Some wonderful pictures there, I especially like the whimsical one where it looks like the helicopter is lifting the SOL out of the mist!

It's not tremendously cold here but we're having a lot of really bad wind, uplifting trees etc. I'm happy whether it's hot, cold or wet, but I hate wind!

Claudia said...

The sentiment behind Lady Liberty will ring true for me forever - even if sometimes we don't live up to her expectations. You captured her wonder and the magic that is NYC. The NY Times article makes me hope the exhibit is around when I visit NYC in the spring.

Pamela Gordon said...

Pat, I love these photos of the Statue of Liberty. Beautiful! It's very cold here in Eastern Canada too but we don't have snow around here yet - unusual weather. Stay warm.

Vee said...

Brrrrisk with predicitions of being nearly 50F by Saturday. Talk about ups and downs.

Oh my! Those pictures of the Lady are amazing. She looks as if she's floating on the water or rising from the mists. Just wonderful, Pat. I'm glad that you had the big camera for those captures.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos...of the great lady herself, rising out of the fog! Surely you could sell prints of your photos Pat!

It's been cold in west central Florida...has winter arrived at last? I'm hoping so! Only because we don't get snow and ice here (knock on wood)! Most of us here soak up the cooler temperatures in anticipation of what it will be like in the summer...HOT!

Old Kitty said...

Well I never knew (or heard, shame on me!!!) about Emma Lazarus even as I am most aware of the famous "give me your poor" etc associated with the Statue. What an amazing history behind the poem - fascinating stuff. Shows how fact is far more complex than the myth - I thought the words came with the statue - not so!!! But I'm glad the statue now resonates with the words!

Thank you Pat - it truly is a most enlightening post!!

p.s. your pics are as ethereal as ever! Take care
x

Vicki/Jake said...

Astonishing views! Seems our Lady Liberty truly is in the fog lately....um, ya. Too bad some feel the need to sneak across borders instead of coming the way my grandmother did, through Ellis Island....
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Makes me want to become a gypsy again and just travel:)
As you Easterners are freezing, we out west are balmy:) Take care and continue on with your awesome camera!

pam said...

Beautiful photos. No winter here yet. We've had a couple of days of actually needing to wear a winter coat, but it's been crazy warm.

The Gathering Place said...

Oh what a beautiful city you live in! Some day I hope to see it in person. Your photos captured the moment perfectly.

Judie said...

Pat, your post made me cry. I just don't know what else to say, except that your photos are a gift.

Arlene Delloro said...

I've always loved Lazarus' poem, the more so because in high school our chorale learned a moving version in song. Great photos, great post. Happy New Year, Pat.

Pondside said...

Those photos were breathtaking. I'm sure that I can't be the only one to find them so.
We are also a nation of immigrants and we struggle now, with how to continue to be welcoming while we maintain a free and prosperous nation.

Betty said...

Boy, did you ever get some beautiful photographs. Did you ever take lessons?

I too am grateful that my ancestors were able to come to this country from Germany, Ireland, and Scotland and were welcomed with opened arms.

People complain, but this is still the best country in the world...IMHO. Yes, we have some rough times, but our roughest are often better than the best in other places.

Kris said...

Fabulous photos, of a fabulous city! And that needle felting class sounded right up my ally!!!

Catherine said...

Beautiful post and pictures Pat. 70 degrees here the past week, but close to freezing at night.

Happy New Year!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Hi Pat, the photo's of the Statue of Liberty are stunning! My brother-in-law is 1st generation American, he parents are from Italy. I love chatting with his mom, she is an amazing woman!

Happy New Year!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

P.S. It was 7F when I left for work this a.m.! Baby it's cold outside!!!

Kathleen said...

Beautiful pictures, Pat. Eerie.

It's not that cold, Pat! The sun was out, and by the weekend we will be near 50 again. It is just that we have been spoiled by mild temps.

Yes, many problems with illegal immigration. I remember my Italian born doc telling me how much his parents insisted they learn and speak English.

From the Kitchen said...

My husband entered the U.S. through Ellis Island so it holds a special place in our hearts. Your photos are spectacular!

Best,
Bonnie

RoeH said...

Oh my goodness! Those photos are absolutely exquisite!

Unknown said...

your photos are breath-taking...the one with the fog rising on lady liberty is stunning...it would make a gorgeous print.
i always enjoy the beauty of your eye...

Annesphamily said...

Oh My Goodness! You took some fabulous shots! I am with Barbara F. My four grandparents all worked hard and made a good life for their children and I am very proud to be part of it! Today our government ought to be ashamed of themselves. I see elderly patients having to pay ridiculous co pays they can barely afford and young healthy people driving brand new car and dressings to the nines sitting on government aid! It is sickening! I remember my Grandpa Kocman talking about Ellis Island and I remember finding my maternal grandmother Steblay's signature on a ships manifest at ancestory.com! Oh the stories they had! I am proud to be part of hard working good honest people! Amen!

Judy said...

You got the most beautiful shots! It seems most fitting...the Statue of Liberty poking out of the fog.

No Arctic blast on the west coast. It has been unseasonably warm so far this winter.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh Pat, Talk about being in the right place at the right time... Wow!!!!! That Statue of Liberty photo -with the fog and sun's colors is truly awesome. I can't get over how beautiful that is... Frame that one.
Hugs,
Betsy

Sarah said...

Pat, I'm continually in awe of the images you capture with that camera of yours. I feel as if you give us a gift with each one. Amazing photography.
The felting class sounds interesting. Not cold here, but cooler temps are on their way. ~ Sarah

GailO said...

These photos just blew me away! Talk about being in the right place at the right time...with the right camera lens! You should submit these to a New York magazine.

anitamombanita said...

Wow!what great shots of lady liberty in the glowing fog! Immigration is such a complicated issue. I'm first generation american and grateful for the opportunities I and my family have had because of my parents having come here in the late 40s.

annie said...

Beautiful photos and the association with the theme of the Liberty is just great.
I so enjoy my visits here.

Alettesiriane said...

These pictures are so wonderfull.I worked on a boat and we were to pass the statue of Liberty.I was prepared to look down as we were on a large boat.But I had to look up.I always think of this for with all its neighboring ckeck points it looks smaller in a way.

Ola said...

You showed us a real beauty of the city!
the weather here is very mild, raining - surprisingly after 2 very extreme winters

Lynn said...

Gorgeous pics Pat! My great grandparents came over on "the boat", I can only imagine the excitement and fear:@)

Tanna said...

b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. shots of Lady Liberty!! It is the Golden Door, isn't it? So many wonderful stories of lives started over and well lived. Then, we have the other side of the issue, too. But, oh how wonderful, that America still stands for opportunity to all. blessings ~ tanna

My name is Riet said...

Good morning Pat.
You know, I have been thinking where you park your car in that busy and crowded city but you went early. LOL
These photo's are all stunning . The foggy photo with the lady of Liberty is so wonderful.
The weather over here and in most of western Europe is really bad. Hard storms and rain every day. Not cold ,but a little frost and sunshine is much nicer.
Have a nice day.

Debbiedoos said...

What fabulous photos Mille! The statue of liberty with the fog surrounding it is awesome. ahhhh to be in NY/Brooklyn you get the best photos and things to do. Happy New Year to you.

Vagabonde said...

How fun to look at all your back posts and see your holiday pictures. Your Statue of Liberty pictures are outstanding. When I am in New York I always like to take a look at the Lady – sadly when I was researching on her to write my post I saw that a poll showed that only 2% of the American public knows that it had been a gift from the people of France.
Right now I am trying to read about coming up events in NYC to decide on the date of our next trip there (and Delta has a sale fare currently.) There is an exhibition of the Metropolitan Museum of Art until June I wish to see, so we are looking at April and/or May – it should be warm by then… Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.

The French Hutch said...

Pat I'm sure happy you remembered to bring your "big" camera. These photos are awesome. The fog rising up from the harbor and the Statue of Liberty looks like she is rising up our of the harbor. Truly fabulous photographs!
I hope you had a wonderful holiday and the best of the New Year……..

~Emily
The French Hutch

Pat said...

Outstanding post. Fabulous pics!

Unknown said...

I love the photos of the Statue of Liberty surrounded by clouds. What an amazing view to capture!

Judy said...

Your photos are stunning and I enjoyed your musings about immigration in the US. I was director of a refugee resettlement agency for 10 years before I retired in 2007.

nanny said...

I think those are some of the best shots I have ever seen of the area. You were sure there at the right time of the day.

Yvette said...

FABULOUS! I love your photos! AND the poem. I've always loved that.
It always makes me misty. :)

Unknown said...

Stunning pics of the statue of liberty as well as Ellis Island! Wow, they make my day!

giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•. said...

Hi,
queste foto con la statua della Libertà nascosta dalla nebbia è fantastica.
Gran bel colpo !
Buona serata Myriam

jen said...

New follower from Alphabe-Thursday. Nice to meet you.
My son is currently living on Long Island, and those pictures of Ellis and the Lady made me miss him so much. I love the first one of the fog creeping in. You have a great eye for photos. I'll be back to have you keep me posted on the Big Apple!

Anonymous said...

yes, incredible pictures !

thank you for sharing very much. please have a good friday.

daily athens photo

Sylvia K said...

These are absolutely awesome captures! Terrific shots of NYC and the Statue of Liberty, gorgeous skies and the fog!!! amazing! Award worthy they are! Thanks for sharing the beauty! Superb! Enjoy your weekend!

Sylvia

Michelle said...

What a gorgeous shot of Ms. Liberty.

Jim said...

Great shots.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Wow Pat, what gorgeous photos. I love the one with the Statue of Liberty surrounded by fog.

Cathy said...

Stunning photos, Pat. My great grandmother was born here in Portland in 1859 and my family has lived here ever since. It's the diversity that makes our country rich and strong.

mrs. c said...

all I can say is lovely!! You have a wonderful eye for photos and they are getting better and better. My daughter needle felts and got me roving and needles for Christmas, I am learning.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Really dreamy photographs Pat. You have a good idea and a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Delightful photos, Pat!

If our weather in Wisconsin is any indicator of traveling eastward, you should warm up soon. We had 46F here today!!

Unknown said...

Excellent photos! Very artistic views:-) The weather here in Minnesota is unseasonably warm, nice but worrisome in a way... LOL

Chubskulit Rose said...

Simply beautiful!

Sky watch, have a lovely weekend!

Anonymous said...

Hello Brooklyn : ) beautiful photos ! the foggy statue was great !

have a nice weekend..

Anonymous said...

Beautiful images !!

Anonymous said...

Wow wow wow! These photos are stunning!

Tracy said...

Such atmospheric images, Pat... ethereal! :o) What a joy to see... Happy Weekend ((HUGS))

Carol said...

Your photo's are fantastic! I really enjoyed the post, my grandparents passed through Ellis Island and I can just imagine that feeling of seeing the Statue of Liberty at that time. I really love the Ellis Island shot.

Marites said...

amazing photos! really nice are the ones with Statue of Liberty surrounded by fog. great shots! My skuwatch is here.

Anonymous said...

You got some supreme shots : )

http://firaszphotography.wordpress.com/

21 Wits said...

No artic blasts here, right now...not even so far yet this year...we've been lucky and this is the snow frozen tundra state of Minnesota...brrr usually...it's 43 today!

Kim, USA said...

Wow these photos are awesome!

SWF

podso said...

What wonderful photos you have taken with your big camera! You must do something with them! I particularly love the St of Liberty ones--wow to the rainbow you captured! I don't know if I ever told you that when they replaced the old torch with the current one, they put it on a cart and toured it around north Jersey and probably other places. We took our little boys to see it, and then later climbed up to the top of the statue.

black eyed susans kitchen said...

The pictures that you captured are absolutely amazing. I would love to believe that my grandmother saw Ellis Island in the mist when she arrived from Russian so many years ago. You have such an eye for beauty Pat.
♥, Susan

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photo captures! Happy, Happy New Year's!

Anonymous said...

Truly stunning shots :)

Happy New year :D

La Petite Gallery said...

Talk about cold, the other day it was a chill factor 20 below in Maine. Great post as always. you
have some great foggy shots that
most people never see of the skyline.
yvonne

steviewren said...

Fabulous photos of the city!!! You were definitely in the right place at the right time with the right "big" camera.

It has been pretty chilly here this week. Mornings the temp was down in the 20s a couple of days.

Sheila said...

You captured a real moment with the Statue of Liberty rising above the fog. As always Pat, your comments are filled with history and read with interest. We are enjoying the warmest winter we've ever experienced in eighteen years on the farm. The snow that was on the fields before christmas now looks like tiny mountains of ice scattered here and there. We've had freezing rain a few times in the past week so would need skates to walk to the end of the driveway if we weren't in a vehicle. I'm enjoying this mild winter!

Ames said...

Wow awesome pictures!~Ames

Lisa @ Grandmas Briefs said...

This is beautiful, Pat. The words and the photos. Especially the photos!

Colorado temps, as you likely know, have been alternating between frigid and not-so-frigid. I wish, if it must be cold, that at least there'd be snow. Lots and lots of snow. Makes for a much prettier landscape.

Stay warm!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your third and fourth pictures are haunting, just beautiful!! And you have caught a sun dog in one!!! They are so hard to show up in the camera!!! I am just back from a two week sick leave and catching up.

Maria said...

The Statue of Liberty photographs are stunning!

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Wonderful photos and I didn't know the poem - thank you. Happy New Year from Sicily.

Naperville Now said...

fantastic shots of NYC! thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I think you have captured some of the best photos of New York that I have ever seen. I think photographers could be in some the of same spots and take thousands of shots to get the same photos.

Jenny said...

Oh Pat! What a glorious and powerful post! Those images you captured in the fog are incredible. Just jaw dropping.

I've never been to Ellis Island, although I've been to NYC quite a few times.

I think that is an oversight I need to rectify.

Thank you for a Grand link for the letter G.

A+