When I arrived in California 23 years ago it was the mountains that first struck me. I grew up on flat lands with the occasional rolling hill so the mountains of Southern California were the feature that most pointedly served as a reminder that I wasn’t home anymore. In fairness, the heat was pretty remarkable too. It’s the mountains, though, that can still take me back two decades in an instant. I was 18 and I didn’t know a soul here when I deplaned on sizzling August day. Southern California was different from my hometown in every imaginable way. The student parking lot at my college was filled with BMWs, Mercedes and all manner of sports cars. The food was unrecognizable from the boiled potatoes and meat I was used to. If the girls of Eastern Canada were confusing, the young women of Southern California were complete enigmata…very attractive, very intimidating enigmata. I was pretty much lost here.
From my dorm room I had a view of these mountains. I’d often kick my feet up on the windowsill and contemplate my new life. These minutes spent in self-examination began with melancholy and a strong desire to pack up and go home, but generally ended cheerfully. The mountains filled me with a sense of adventure that spilled over into my days as a new college student–pessimism turned to optimism and shyness to slightly milder shyness.
I never left Southern California. Life is infinitely more complicated now with deadlines, freeways, bills, holiday shopping, school registrations and a host of other pressures. When I feel the melancholy taking hold I still take a moment to look at the mountains and almost instantly feel better. They give me that same feeling of excitement I had more than twenty years ago; now, however, they remind me that I am home.
40 Comments
Love the gradiation created by the mist and the mountains disappearing into the distance. This works really well in b&w.
Thanks d.k.!
My first reaction to your photo is the gradation of the mountains. That always impresses me. I like the shot very much. I can also relate to relocations…and that as a young person as well. (I was only 17 when I started college and moved from the hills into the flatlands.) The new societal norms, economics, and people were such a change. I would also look out the window and contemplate “home.” I suppose we all have a place we call “home” even though we may be transplanted. I’m glad, though, that you have a good life, a good family, and that you are all “home” together and loving it. Keep up the good photography and writing, Christopher.
Thanks so much Phil–I really appreciate that!
As it has been said, gradation of the mountains is great, wonderful landscape!
Thanks so much Pau!
The different layers of the mountains are like memory layers…
For me who is living 10.000 km far away from my native place, I can understand very easily what you are talking about. And yet more, having travelled a lot and worked in different countries, I’m feeling like I’m a world’s citizen more than anything.
Thanks PixeLuz–to travel so much is difficult but rewarding I suspect. Continued safe travels to you! =]
Nothing like the mountains to make you feel grounded, at least that’s how I’ve always felt since I transplanted into the Rockies. Beautiful B/W.
Thanks Corinna! You have the mother lode there when it comes to mountains–I’m jealous. =]
Ive been wanting to get a shot like this. Somehow I never make it happen.
Thanks Sheila! I’m glad you’ve been posting on your photoblog–hope there’s more to come!
This is a lovely shot. The gradual tone of the mountains carries me with it to a far away land
Thank you Anny!
The mountains layers are so so gorgeous. I have often dreamed of living in California. Maybe one day.
It’s a great place but it sure looks like you live in a beautiful spot! Thanks Kala!
i love lines of this photo so delicate, fog creates an enchanting atmophere, great shot
Thanks Fabrizio!
What a great view from your “window” .. i envy you a little bit. I also love the montains at every season. Great captured with the mist.
Thank you Klaus!
I love the effect on mountains as if they were growing at the moment you shot. Beautiful your country and great the way you show it to us.
Appreciate that Verónica–thanks!
I can’t imagine being surrounded by those beautiful mountains. Lovely shot Christopher.
Thanks so much Mike!
love the misty layers of hills
Thanks yz!
Very special with those layers of blue. I can see why they would have such an influence on mood.
Thanks joco! I’m glad you stopped by!
Beaucoup de subtilité et de magie de ta part. Les photos d’arrière plan sont toujours difficiles à réaliser et encore plus est de maitriser les nuances sussecives.
J’aime beaucoup.
Merci beaucoup RDL – J’apprécie vraiment ça!
There is such a strong asian feel in those subtle layers of delicate grays. Superb !
Thanks k@!
Home is where your family live, right? But I also agree with you … these mountains are so fascinating and monumental that they must belong to your past
. Fine shot my friend!
Thanks Nicki–home is definitely wherever my family is. =]
This is my first visit to your blog and the imagery is beautiful. Nice to know a little about your connection to the landscape in words and photo form
Thanks so much Gemma–I’m glad you dropped by!
great catch of the atmosphere. As a mountain man (grew up in the alps)I really appreciate what you are saying about your feelings. Today I have both, the sea and the mounttains, like in Califorina.
Thank you Michael!
what a cool view and feel!
Thank you Joshi!