HISTORY (Lens-Artist #37) Mixing Old and New & Sean McConnell’s Secondhand Smoke song)

Posted on by Prior...

The theme for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge is HISTORY.

For my take I am looking at how we mix the OLD WITH THE NEW.

I grabbed this photo of an old house in downtown Richmond, VA.

I wondered about the HISTORY. 

I wonder who repaired the mortar – in the places where it is extra white. I wonder when the wires were added in –  when the awnings went up – who added the big porch steps – and what other steps were there? I wonder if the current owners find the doorway to be slim? Was the upstairs separate door always there? Did it take a few break-ins to finally put up the window security grills? Do they still have Direct TV or is this just another standing abandoned dish? I wonder if they rent or own and do they have mustiness and mold – because my oh my, that house sure is old…

Isn’t it great how we humans keep adding to history?

We mix the old with new –

As we do what we do….

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The reason we were downtown was for a concert, to enjoy Sean McConnell’s music.

His music was SO good and had a vibe of old with new.

Sean has great variety and one of his songs has a Smashing Pumpkins vibe. Then there were times with a James Taylor feel, a Bruce Springsteen “I’m on fire” harmony – but then McConnell has an original, fresh sound that is all his own. We now have him on Spotify and I invite you to check out his latest album.

Secondhand Smoke by Sean McConnell:

I shared the Secondhand Smoke song because the lyrics tell a story of McConnell’s history:

“Well I am right back riding shotgun, in a gold sedan  

1980 somethin’

Me and my old man….

The crinkle of the cellophane

crackle of tabacco flame

the stories that he told me as he held it in his hand

mmmmmm,

oooooooo”

I took this picture for the “pull up a seat” challenge. We were early and so they were still setting up. The burger smelled so good when I walked by. It must have just been delivered…. (definitely not old to smell like that)

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Concert goers (Left to Right – K, M, moi, and Hubs)

Author Update – here is a slideshow with some pics from the concert (will make a video later this spring):

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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In closing, I want to leave you with something else that mixes the OLD WITH THE NEW: facial hypothesis feedback theory. 

 Laird (1974) built on the old (early 1900’s) idea about how “the expression of an emotion intensifies it, whereas the repression of the emotion softens it.”  The facial hypothesis theory is used to argue that “facial movement influences emotional experience.”

Laird demonstrated that the face we make can and does impact our mood and body functions.

Emotional and facial efference, first presented in 1906, was used to argue that facial muscles act as ligatures on facial blood vessels and regulate cerebral blood flow, which, in turn, influences subjective feeling (more here).

I invite you to read about it because sometimes forcing a smile, singing a song, or just letting softness flood the face might have huge positive consequences for the immune system and overall body health. 

The above photo is from one of Laird’s experiments. People with the pencil in their teeth have the “smile” and it is supposed to make us feel more enjoyment. On a road trip last year, I was a  little mad about something. It was late and I was piecing together something someone said and it was one of those times (annoying) when you just need to give something time to percolate and not overthink it. I wanted to see if the “facial hypothesis feedback” could help me change my mood.  I grabbed a plastic spoon and lightly clenched it between my teeth (which is the smile position). It took 15 minutes, but it worked. I felt lighter, my smile stayed, and I enjoyed the drive a lot more. I am getting older but I do try to stay open to learning things anew…. 🙂

 

Would you care to join in with the lens-artist challenge?

Go HERE to join #Lens-Artists and go here for general info

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67 thoughts on “HISTORY (Lens-Artist #37) Mixing Old and New & Sean McConnell’s Secondhand Smoke song)”

    1. Hi Tina – well I should go back in and say it exactly like- “More smiles, fur sure” (wishing you a good week)

      Like

  2. Those are good questions about the old building/house. I am also wondering why the door size isn’t standard. Was it an after thought. On the contrary, the top door is a standard size. How did that happen?

    Thank you for the tip to help your mood. I think I will try something like that next time if I get into a bad mood.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi amigo – well
      When I said “slim” door I did not realize that is was not even standard – you are so right! That must fall
      In a grandfather clause because it sure is not up to modern day code!
      And let me know if you ever try the facial feedback activity – ((plastic spoons workmgreat- lol))

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Lovely song (good for the soul!), and great post. I remember reading somewhere that smiling is good for the mind, so this makes sense. Also, it’s always worth remembering that a smile burns lots more calories than a frown! Thanks for sharing, and for making me smile…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks for making me smile with the calories angle – I heard something like that – and it is just so god for us – eh?
      Also – thanks for checking out the song and giving feedback.
      I was really happy to hear McConnell PLAY and SING even tho I had a slight fever that night and rested on the table a couple times – I plan to make a video collage (from the show) when I have time – hope you have a great week – (( and PS i am marking your blog here because your name does not link it – https://medievalwanderings.com/)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’d love to see a video collage of McConnell, so I look forward to that. And I hope you’re all better now and the fever has gone. Thank you so much for marking my blog, I’m still a bit new to all this blogging lark, so I’m not sure what works and what doesn’t, so I’m very grateful for that. I hope you all have a great week. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi again – i am glad you mentioned your being new to blogging because that adds another dimension to the old and new theme in this post.
      You see – I met new bloggers (you/your hubs and Lindsay -!oanuthatch -on an old friend’s blog – amay maranto’s blog (not that she is old – but we have a history connecting via blogs) and I was at her site in February and saw both Lindsay and the Ratmobile name and HAD to check them out – so I have been splashed with some new on the old –
      And I will be sure to drop by and let you know when the McConnell collage is done.
      😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Good grief, Yvette, blogging seems to make the world smaller, doesn’t it? It’s a great thing to make connections with all these fascinating people, and bring the old and new together in a shared and friendly environment. I’m very much enjoying being a part of it. Looking forward to the McConnell collage. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Lol – 15 minutes? Did it actually work or did it just make you feel better because you felt daft driving along with a plastic spoon in your mouth!!?! 😀 (I know it would me). Very interesting theory though.
    Great photo’s – I really like the reflection of that crane in the glass of the skyscraper, and the music was nice too – although it seemed to cut him off at the end (dodgy connection).

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi – I am
      Laughing with your comment about the spoon in my mouth! Because if you think of it – well it is funny — but it worked! We were driving from the panhandle of FL to the space coast (east coast fl near cocoa beach) in this huge oversized bright blue truck with – get this – 24 cup holders! ((I only tell you that because your blog is about rat mobike – oh and and hiking)) The truck came with two free upgrades – anyhow – it was 3 am and I had the last couple hours of the drive and the spoon worked! I then met the nicest tool booth collector (more smiles) and I even took her photo – I will see if I can find it –

      Liked by 2 people

      1. lol! It’s funny how these things work out! I’ll look forward to see her photo.
        I’m interested to know why anyone needs 24 cup holders in one truck – how many seats did it have?!?

        Liked by 1 person

  6. I liked the song. I agree about the Smashing Pumpkins vibe – the heavy use of reverb on the guitar helps it. The house does seem to have an interesting history….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi T – well… you know houses – and you know music….
      so thanks for both comments.
      And I am looking forward to showing you the specific song that reminded me of smashing pumpkins – here is a snapshot from the video clip (and I will try and make a video by summer – lol)

      Like

    1. Thanks for coming by because I thought of you thrice this night! And your name came
      Up when we were standing there as the singer tuned his guitar! So you – or sorryless came
      Up last year when I ordered my cubano – and the at the journey cover band concert (( when you said how some people do not even know what a musical instrument is )) and you were there for a moment when this music was so pure.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Great song- love your contrasts between old and new. Buildings and homes can hold so much history within them. It’s true about the smile changing one’s mood- at least I think so. I had read about that before. What we present on the outside reflects the inside. People I work with who are in a constant state of cranky and mean look that way all the time. Their inner being is reflected on the outside.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. “Ain’t that the truth”
      you really summed it up well and I know a few folks with that stern demeanor and not only does it show on their face – but I think it pulls from their health….

      Like

  10. If I tried to hold a spoon between my teeth for 15 minutes, I’d probably choke and have to spit it out! But if I’m grouchy and I have to smile (or make myself smile at someone), it does tend to change my mood.

    Other thoughts: secondhand smoke (not the song, the real thing.) I’m not much for laws telling everyone what they can and can’t do, but I have to admit I love being able to go into a restaurant or bar and not smell smoke!! I do find it hypocritical that cities/governments will charge smokers taxes to pay for athletic facilities and then tell them they can’t smoke anywhere. 🙂 And it really makes me angry to see doctors a/o nurses lurking outside a hospital and smoking!

    That first shot reminds me of the back view of row houses in Philadelphia, a city where there’s definitely a mix of historic and modern. Makes for an interesting view in places.

    janet

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Janet – I am also gratefuk to not have to be around second hand smoke – and thanks for the comment – I am smiling big at how you described your take on putting a spoon the the mouth. I held it the long way (not likemthe pencil in the pictures) and seriously – it worked – my cheeks tingled a bit and it was just what I needed.

      Like

    1. Thanks for the link – and I have heard about his work – and not sure if you ever heard of the show called “lie to me” – it was canceled after one season but it was based on Ekman’s work.
      Going to check out the link now – and hope you have s nice weekend

      Like

  17. Even more reasons to smile – I think we need that. Given the placement of the stairs across the window, I’m guessing the upstairs door was added. Perhaps they split this house into two small rentals. It is fun to look at buildings and try to guess their history. Great post, Yvette.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh that is interesting to note about the stairs (and of course you would notice stuff like that and I keep
      Learning) and I heard that a lot of these large brick houses in parts of Richmond have been converted to apartments – thanks for the feedback

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Your take on history was a neat surprise – you’re good at those. Of course this time of the year I think a lot about the recycling of the seasons and to me those two thoughts are related. I enjoyed your meditation in the old building. The song is fabulous – I love the details that have a weirdly universal feel about them. Bittersweet memories and all that. And I adore the part about the smile science. For a while I was obsessed with duchenne and his true smile and expression pics. I love it when science gets quirky! Thanks again!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the nice comment. This post started with just hat house picture and the brick wall with the railing.
      But….. then I thought – hey – add a picture or two from the concert (and the rest is – cade I say it – history)
      I agree about the universal relatability to McConnel’s second hand smoke song. My dad was a smoker but for some reason I don’t have too many memories of that (not like the song with the wrapper and smell) for me it was Salada tea with condensed milk while playing cards –
      But I was thinking about his song again today and realized his three stanzas are masteful – the part about the Spirit cigarettes vs Marbaro Lights – and then how he says he might light one up…seems like this guy has master songwriting (and he is not new to songwriting)
      Thanks again for the comment –

      Like

      1. I like the ‘don’t know what we are now but I still have what we were’ line. That’s nice. It is pretty cool to create this entire history – that we know know – in those three simple verses. Thanks for sharing!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. thanks for pointing out that line:
      don’t know what we are now but I still have what we were
      because I found it very comforting this week as well – (been jamming to Sean’s music a bit) and there is so much in Secondhand smoke that shows his seasoned writing – I might post about the lyrics (but maybe not because there are only so many hours in a day – ha)
      and wishing you a very nice day
      🙂

      Like

  19. About the first picture you are very observant. I actually like that old style house.
    The pulling chairs challenge in that concert….. I don´t know but the guy the DJ that is seated with all that music table he had the best gig, what a Burger, eating good while mixing a bit of beats. And the last of facial, hey! Maybe people just have weird ticks and it really is not correlated with emotions.
    Ejoyed it very much.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi sir Spaniard – CPONE – thanks for the nice comment –
      First – good point about the ticks – and so always exceptions to the general idea I guess – (but good point) and it just reminds that we (people in general) need to laugh more and lighten up
      😉
      —
      And I agree with you the guy at the mixing sound board had a decent set up – I mean to go back and grab his picture to see if it was a guy or a girl but forgot to – (and glad cos it meant I was just enjoying the show)
      —
      Peace to you amigo

      Like

  20. I sometimes have some of these questions when I see the old building next to the new. A very cool take on. Love these photos.
    Thank you for sharing your fun photos!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Love the house of questions – that is the way it is…And in Sweden it is possible to attend evening courses in laughing – it is true! Science says you will be more positive and smiling if you “fake it til you make it”. And so, quite some people are happy with it and say it works.
    Nice take on the challenge.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Leya (or AC) – we have some of the laughter “groups” here in the States too – and I walked out of a church in Denver (early 1990s) because the preacher guy who was a laughter specialist was creepy… and it was not cool the way he did it – but I do value laughter and joy…
      also,
      there is “laughter yoga- that I guess has been around for decades now. But i also do not think i would want to do it (am I not open enough… ha)

      Like

  22. I love the music. I love the photos. The “slim” door may have been a way of stopping fat people stealing food from the fridge. Love the photo of the four of you. I still have a pen in my mouth 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. thanks for the comment – glad you like the song
      I was actually going to come and “get you” to check out Sean’s song here (thought of you amigo – with Crosby, Stills, and Nash and a few other things) so thanks for checking it out….
      oh and for the door – love your humor – but this was built before we had extreme obesity from inactivity – and then all the grains, artificial chemicals, industrial oils, plastics and high-fructose corn syrup that suck our health and cause metabolism problems – ugh – makes me mad

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  24. As you say… cool people!! 😉
    It is really cool to go see a great show in a small venue like that! Reminds me of my young days, when we all flocked to the pubs and the “one-man-band” became your friend!
    Great music… thanks for introducing me… I will keep looking at Sean’s take on the old and new! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. thanks for the comment AJ- and small venues rock – and this artist made it fun with his personable style.
      Also, side note, for about 15 years I was not in the mood for concerts at any kind of venue (maybe some live music at eateries) and I have slowly somehow come back around to enjoying a good concert (still surprised by it).
      Oh – and check out Sean McConnell’s song called “Shotgun” – it is pretty sweet.

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