Reality isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Our external senses don’t tell us everything, just enough to function in the world around us, to pretend it’s orderly and makes sense. In a way it does–in a way. But meanwhile, there’s a whole other world inside of us, in our thoughts, our dreams, our imaginations. And in many ways it’s every bit as real as the external world our limited senses perceive. These manipulated images (or in some cases accidentally captured) playfully, darkly and thoughtfully reflect that inner world.
(Click on any image to enlarge it, or to start slide show)
“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” ~Albert Einstein*
“Reality doesn’t impress me. I only believe in intoxication, in ecstasy, and when ordinary life shackles me, I escape, one way or another. No more walls.” ~Anaïs Nin
“Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.” ~John Lennon
“Reality is frequently inaccurate.” ~Douglas Adams
“Most people believe the mind to be a mirror, more or less accurately reflecting the world outside them, not realizing on the contrary that the mind is itself the principal element of creation.” ~Rabindranath Tagore
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science.” ~Albert Einstein
*Likely a paraphrase of his friend Swiss-Italian engineer Michelle Besso’s words.
Mitch Teemley 
Wow–the creativity and skill exhibited by some of these photos is astounding! I like that John Lennon quote about reality leaving a lot to the imagination. Thousands of years of human history, and we haven’t come to the end of what men and women can imagine and accomplish. I’m so glad God gave us such abilities!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Me too, Nancy!
LikeLike
Great pictures, but shoes shouldn’t be allowed to smoke – aren’t the smelly enough already?
LikeLiked by 6 people
Good point, as always, Andrew. ;>)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mr. Shoe was looking pretty rough!
LikeLiked by 2 people
My favorite is the boot with glasses😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
On “Death can’t touch her”. If I remember correctly there’s a version of the Grim Reaper who is always accompanied by the soul of a little girl who leads his horse so that she didn’t have to ride with corpses in a wagon. This version of the reaper is a lot gentler than we’re used to and actually loves to gamble. The little girl won the right to lead the horse because she won a bet. In some versions of the tale, the Grim Reaper is replaced by the last person to die on new years eve and the girl has to teach the New reaper how to go about his job.
LikeLiked by 2 people
How interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a parcast podcast but I forget which one. The way they told story was a blend of eastern European myths. In the end a prince impaled “Death” with his sword and only the robe is left on the floor. The prince refuses to take over at first but soon learns that there must be balance in the world. However, he occasionally shows mercy and delays his arrival.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That podcast sounds like something I’d enjoy listening to in the car.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They have several that are good. I just looked it up. It was Mythical Monsters and the Halloween episode was the one with the Grim Reaper story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I found it, and I’m not subscribed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only listen occasionally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I meant “now” subscribed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome pics!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many beautiful pictures. So much creativity. The surprise and joy I felt as I was scrolling through each photo. I laughed out loud at the “ pocket giraffe”, maybe it’s my favorite. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Kimmie. I enjoy pulling together these thematic image-and-quote posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The reality that seems to be the imagination has no chance with the imagery with that which seems real. Or, is it the other way around? “Hail” Sir John.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Those are amazing photos!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The virtuosity and humor in the photo manipulations are astonishing, and *Under the Rug1* also has a biting moral. Here is yet another quote:
“Reality is just a crutch for people who can’t handle drugs.” ~Robin Williams
LikeLiked by 2 people
;>)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reality will only be what you believe it to be, so eventually we learn to believe only what we want to believe, which are things that render us mostly peace and just a pinch of darkness to make it more entertaining … I enjoy your playful and thoughtful posts!
LikeLiked by 2 people
those are some amazing pics
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m with Dot. Reality is in the eyes of the beholder. We all live inside our own heads, in our minds eye both unique and individualized. Our perception of the outside world merely a result of our brain’s biased interpretations using personal memories, experiences and emotional tags. This from a brain with no-direct outside access other than chemical and electrical impulses sent from our senses. While functioning in total darkness inside the hollow of our skull our brain fabricates reality so as we can understand it.
Yikes! A Pretty dark and gloomy comment I admit. Sorry about that, but that is how I interpret reality. At least, that’s what my totally in control brain tells me how to interpret it! Reality, is what your brain tells you is reality. Nothing more, nothing less
LikeLiked by 3 people
Interesting post thnx to share
LikeLiked by 1 person