Few objects are so suffused with meaning. Windows are symbols of the past or of the future, of possibilities or missed opportunities. They taunt us with freedom. Or separate the unruly world outside from the neat little worlds we’ve made inside. They’re where we dream, and where we hide from our dreams. The only thing they can never be is “just windows.”
Don’t miss the quotes after the images below.
Click on any image to enlarge it, or to start slide show.
“I discovered windows one afternoon and after that, nothing was ever the same.” ~Anne Spollen
“Every face, every shop, bedroom window, public-house, and dark square is a picture feverishly turned — in search of what?” ~Virginia Woolf
“I’m not very good at knowing what other people are thinking, but I do know that you can see tragedy, real tragedy, sitting just inside a person’s gaze.” ~Mo Hayder
“Shut the windows, draw the curtains, keep the rumour out!” ~L.P. Hartley
“What one can see out in the sunlight is always less interesting than what goes on behind a windowpane. In that black or luminous square life lives, life dreams, life suffers.” ~Charles Baudelaire
“Well, it is very odd of you to threaten to throw your friends out of the window, I must say,’ remarked Juliana. He smiled. ‘Not at all. It is only my friends that I would throw out of the window.’ ‘Dear me!’ said Juliana, finding the male sex incomprehensible.” ~Georgette Heyer
“Your desire to be near to window is your desire to be close to life… Enlarge your windows till you get a window where you can see the whole universe with one look!” ~Mehmet Murat ildan
“’Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Try Me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘and see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’” ~Malachi 3:10
Loved the photos and the quotes. I have one for you. Never forget to stop to look out a window it just might show you the path to your future. This little ditty came from my own mind and I used it in a poem I wrote quite a long time ago.
I like it, Rasma!
What a beautifully poetic reflection on the symbolism of windows! Your words capture their profound duality—both as barriers and gateways, as places of longing and introspection.
Thank you dear Mitchteemley.
My pleasure, new friend.
Beautiful photos. Love that verse from Malachi.
Me too, Dana.
I love this post and I start every day by throwing back the window coverings!
The images are quite thought provoking for me
Perfect photos and quotes, Mitch! I love photographing both windows and doors. Both are intriguing as to what they’re keeping in or out.
I agree, Terry.
Amazing pictures Mitch I really like them all.
When I was really young God spoke to be from my parents bedroom window.
Have a nice weekend!
What a precious memory, Cora.
Mitch–how unique and awesome. I love windows. Your words and website are windows to your soul—so much goodness, dear friend! ❣️
<3
Beautiful photos and quotes Mitch. And now I’m contemplating windows and metaphors – a nice way to keep my mind occupied while doing the housework 😊
Happy to provide, Kate. ;>)
Loved many of these photos, but especially the English Robin sitting by the broken glass. Something fragile and such beauty near one another is so like our Savior.
I like that thought, Pete.
Right you are, they would often be passage to a whole new world
These are incredible, Mitch. Each one has a story.
They do indeed, Nancy.
Ah, these are all so beautiful!
Love this collection, Mitch.
Delighted to hear that, Sarah.
The broken window with the beautiful bird resting on the sill is a beautiful image and grabbed my attention. Mo Hayder’s quote did, too. Thanks, Mitch. 🙂
My pleasure, Nancy.
What is it about doors and windows that grab our attention? I’m particularly drawn to the ones showing their age, with a bit of wear and tear and peeling paint–much more interesting than brand new. That’s why my favorite image is the rooster peeking in the window of the old yellow house.
I get that, Nancy. I particularly loved those old, weathered “eyes” of people’s dwellings.
I particularly enjoyed this entry of yours. I started, ran and then sold a premium window cleaning company about 6 years back. I have philosophized and pontificated endlessly on the beauty and mystery that windows hold. Indeed, you spoke a continuing love language of mine even though I moved on into the live of wood through carpentry. Windows will always be a, well… um …. er … window into my soul.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt insight, window-man!
This gave me the thought of when Jesus asked why we look at the speck in our brother’s eye but don’t see the beam in your own eye.
Along with when he said that the eye is the light of the body.
The sense I get is that we’re looking into people’s windows, their business expecting them to do what we think they should, but we never take our own advice.
If we are spending time looking into people’s houses, we should spend that time looking into our own house.
Thanks Mitch.
Right, Pete. Your reflection (no pun intended) reminds me of the expression, “People who live in glass houses…”
😊🙏🏼
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Love the thought of an open window open in heaven to pour out onto us. I love the stained glass windows, and the little bird sitting in the broken window. I don’t think I could pick a favorite. Also love the second to last photo with the cat on the turquoise window sill. It looks like it owns the place.
Indeed it does, Diane.
Oh my gosh! You are such a prolific poster I fall seriously behind in checking out your daily offerings. This one is truly spectacular. There were seven or eight images that just grabbed me and held on. This is a great example of what I call discovering the holy in the middle of the mundane. Thanks for this gift, Mitch!
It truly blesses me to hear that, my Anonymous friend!
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