From my grandfather's past

[Mike Buckley]

My grandfather left Raiano, Italy, forever when he was a small child to go to the U. S. This image was converted from a scan of slide film captured there in 1999. Raiano is so small that it's not on all maps of Italy.

C&C encouraged, as always.

[ggt]

This is very cool! Even the background is interesting. What a unique bit of photography artistry and wonderful family history for you! Thanks for posting.

[oldgreygary]

Mike, thats an interesting image. It looks like a giant magnifying glass being held up! The'sepia' style adds to the effect and gives a rustic feel to the image.

Cheers for now

Gary

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks to both of you!

Gretchen: Considering that you mentioned family history, I'll add a story about our family's visit to that town. We went to the town hall to find out where the local cemetery was, hoping to find some family plots. We noticed a policeman and a policewoman but didn't think anything of it. When we got to the cemetery, they were there waiting for us, as this father-daughter team had overheard our conversation and wanted to serve as translators when speaking with the caretaker of the cemetery. After searching the cemetery for about an hour without finding any marked graves of our descendants, we gave up and drove back to the center of town. While pondering in the church parking lot about what to do next, a police car with flashing lights pulled up. It was the father and daughter. They had been looking for us to tell us that the caretaker had found our family plot. They escorted us back to the cemetery to provide their translation services again and all was well.

[Donald]

Gretchen: Considering that you mentioned family history, I'll add a story about our family's visit to that town.

That is a wonderfully moving story that speaks volumes for the warmth and generosity of the human spirit when applied towards the service and support of others. If only everyone had such an attitude of being helpful to one's fellow human beings instead of thinking about me, me, me all the time.

[ggt]

Mike, that is a wonderful story. My family found the people in Bavaria just as helpful and friendly when searching out our family history. They found our family and connected the family trees. I hope you have had similar luck! Thanks for sharing.

[PhotoByTrace]

I love the way you have created your image... it tells a story unto itself, but when combined with the story of your visit, it becomes quite poignant. Thanks for sharing.