08 June 2012
Lens:
The Huddle, 2011; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2012
Pens:
This weekly challenge conjured memories of early bonds of friendship. The catalyst often arises from participation in high school sports. These extra curricular activities are examples of lessons taught and learned from cooperative affiliations and ties. They build character, interdependence and close-knit mini communities. They can be an integral and substantial part of a young person’s education.
The image in the Lens section is a cross country team in the proverbial huddle just minutes before the run. To me it represents the circle of life and its never-ending possibilities. These young men are about to compete as individuals and as members of a team. Camaraderie is forged and maintained throughout the season, and often these friendships last until graduation or even a lifetime.
Note: I welcome any comment about this post or any part of this blog.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
Oh I love this!! So full of feeling!! Kudos~
Cindy, thanks and enjoy the week.
Love the photo … wonderfully seen and presented. Never been totally convinced that members of a team had to be friends … in fact teams often work better on a non-friend professional level. (I’m sure I’m likely responding to something other than what you said 🙂 )
Thanks, I’m in culture shock after a vacation in one of my favorite top five cities of the world. Will be posting after I sort through my photographs, Sally
The use of black and white here really works for me. It focuses attention on the group and its interactions. Colorful shirts may have spread my focus.
I agree and thanks for your thoughtful comment, Sally
I love this! I will say, however, that I ran cross country in high school for two years and always finished at the back of the pack. But, the team always cheered us late finishers on with great enthusiasm. I love this photo because it is a great statement about friendship. You can’t have a team without friendship and support. There are so many lessons once can learn by participating in team sports (or individual sports where you represent the same team) and it’s a great outlet. I only wish my parents had made me participate in more sports when I was younger! Thanks so much for sharing this and I think it is a great photograph for the friendship theme challenge. Wonderful post 🙂
Polly, I thought quite a bit about what I wanted to post for this challenge. Your commentary expresses with deep sincerity similar thoughts that raced through as I selected the photograph. It’s from one of my grandchildren’s teams. Lessons taught and lessons acquired through team sports are lifelong treasures. Thanks so much, Sally
Like it.
Thanks, Sally
great photo!
Thanks so much, Sally
Love it! Nico
Thanks, thanks, thanks, Sally