Blog Archives
goats and a dog and Vincenzo
After we played with baby goats and looked at grown-up goats and tasted cheese, we got to watch the Vincenzo and his dogs lead the goats down a mountain and up the other side to the place where they’d spend the day grazing.
As an aside – my mom grew up in the part of Texas where ranchers raise a lot of goats. She had very fond memories of how cute baby goats are and had quite a few stories about their antics. After this morning with goats, I could definitely better understand her point.
near San Biagio Platini
photographed 9.6.2022
grooming essentials
I posted a portrait of a goat a few days ago. I mean, it wasn’t just any goat – it’s the breed (Capre Girgentane) that’s indigenous to the Agrigento provide of Sicily. We went to see the goats and to taste a variety of cheeses made from their milk. Naturally, while we were in the cheese room, I took the opportunity to look at what else was there. I have an interest in seeing what’s just past the obvious, in seeing the mundane things that have to happen in order for the main thing to work, in noticing easily-overlook details.
And that’s how I found this humble – and also beautiful, to me – scene. (I’d be lying if I said I noticed that footprint on the wall when I took the picture. As much as I think I’m a good observer of details, I am not THAT good…)
near San Biagio Platini
photographed 9.6.2022
behold: the goat
In late August of 2021, I was in Boston and had lunch with my friend Don Toothaker; he was very excited to tell me about a photo adventure to Sicily that he was planning. The thing that stuck with me (other than his unbridled enthusiasm) was when he said, “We’ll see goat cheese in the markets AND then GO SEE THE GOATS.” I was intrigued, even though it took me nearly a half a year to talk myself into taking the trip.
Don’s enthusiasm for the trip was not misplaced or exaggerated. Going on the trip was definitely one of the smarter decisions I’ve ever made.*
And look! Here’s the goat I’d been promised. The breed is Girgenti; they are indigenous to the Sicilian province of Agrigento. And they will be your best friend if you scratch their heads just behind their horns.
near San Biagio Platini, Sicily
photographed 6.6.2022
*Not that there is necessarily a lot of competition.
street-side braids
Based on how many times lately I’ve mentioned the joys of exploring Sicilian streets, it’s probably safe to assume that part of the trip made a big impression on me.
In the US, there’s an urban planning thing right now called “complete streets” which is defined by Smart Growth America this way:
Complete Streets are streets for everyone. Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining streets that enables safe access for all people who need to use them, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.
I can’t argue with the premise, but the results are way less organic that what I recently saw. For example, the opportunity of getting street-side braids is NEVER listed as a thing that ought to happen. Yet, here in Palermo, a braider and an apprentice braider are busy – and they’re working right there on the street.
It was glorious.
Palermo, Sicily
photographed 8.31.2022
both sides of the street
This? Just a little scene I happened to notice that day we walked through Caltabellotta. I loved those narrow streets, with evidence of lives being lived at every turn. It was invigorating and interesting.
This particular scene caught my attention because the mirror reflected the other side of the street (which wasn’t all that far away) and showed how, even though I was standing in the shade, right behind me was full, intense, and direct sunlight. Plus I liked the mailbox and the streaks of paint on the walls. Plus, as you know, I fell in love with Sicily.
Caltabellotta, Sicily
photographed 9.5.2022
One Day | One Image 