One of the reasons I haven’t blogged in a few days is because I’m still having problems with my camera. The camera that I loved so much, but dropped in a puddle. So today, I decided to take a few photos with my iphone camera. I am always pleasantly surprised at the quality of the iphone photos. The color is often quite nice. If only it had a zoom. But here are a few shots of what I call my “Bridge of Sighs.” It’s the bridge I drive across on my way home from New York City. When I reach the far side of the bridge I feel like I’m home. Then I sigh.
Some shots of the lake. See what I was saying about the color?
Well, it’s not as beautiful as the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, but it has a lot of local lore. A body, wrapped in a blanket and chains, was found floating in Lake Lillinonah, near the bridge a few years back. Another body, that of a suicide victim, was recovered a a couple of years ago as well. A very dreadful crime happened in 1997, involving the murder of a 13 year old girl named Maryann Measles. I won’t detail here. Please don’t open the link unless you are prepared to feel very sad.
Lillinonah is a manmade lake, created by the flooding of a valley many years ago. There are supposed to be houses at the bottom. Houses, cars, bodies, who knows what all else lies beneath. The surface is sometimes algae green, sometime a sort of deep, deep blue. It’s often dotted with boats in the summer and it sparkles under the sun and captures its last rays at the end of the day.
One winter day, I drove across the bridge and the lake was frozen. All was bright white under the morning sun – the sky, the snow-covered ground, the frozen lake. Far out on the center of the lake a person was dancing. It was the most unusual thing. The person wasn’t skating, but rather, was spinning and sliding and dancing. There was just the person in the sun and a dancing shadow flitting across the ice, then whirling round and round.
A poem called The Bridge of Sighs was written by Thomas Hood in 1844, about a homeless woman who threw herself off Waterloo Bridge in London. These are the first verses. The rest of the poem can be found here.
The Bridge of Sighs
by Thomas Hood
One more Unfortunate
Weary of breath,
Rashly importunate,
Gone to her death !
Take her up tenderly,
Lift her with care;
Fashion’d so slenderly,
Young, and so fair !
Poor Maryann Measles and her family. I never drive across the bridge without thinking about her.
And then I’m across, and I feel like I’m home. And I sigh.
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Been a while since I posted. Was fascinated by story of the man made lake. We have a resevoir outside Baltimore created the same way. They flooded the valley where there used to be a town. There are definitely houses and buildings still at the bottom of ours. In fact there are actually places where during a terribly dry summer, the water level gets low enough to see some poles and different parts of roofs sticking out. Doesn’t happen very often,maybe about once a decade. Makes you think of the lives that used to happen there and (like some other bloggers wrote)wonder about the families that got displaced.
also a wonderful book by richard russo…The Bridge of Sighs.
Bev sorry to hear your dad is not feeling well. I’m hoping everything is better now. Glad to hear you are back Ann. How ironic about the lake, something so beautiful can be so dreadful at the same time. Well fellow Leo’s today is the 19th anniversary of my 30 birthday, or as my son told me thew 30 th anniversary of my 19th birthday…Anybody want a smart-ass free cereal included LOL. The bridge of sighs makes me smile. When we come back from Lake George to see my daughter, we go over the Thaddeus Kosciusko bridge….Almost home even though it’s in NY, the toll in Canaan, then back to NY, then home to MA (only in Taxachusetts!!)Anyway hope everyone is doing fine. It’s very hot here today, stay cool.
Oh Bev my prayers are with you and your family,as family is so mportant in ones life, I feel for what you are all going through. And although nothing any of us can say will change your wories please know this is the place to turn.Ann and all her (your)friends are here for you,to let out some of your worry.Takcare and keep thinking of all the good times and maybe one will lead you to your bridge to sigh.Beautiful post and photo’s Ann you trully know how to capture a moment
For such a small state, Connecticut has certainly had its share of notorious crimes, and the Maryanne Measles case is one of its most heinous. Its sheer brutality and senselessness creep me out completely. How sad that a place of such great beauty can be associated with such an ugly act. (Sorry to be such a downer…I hope everyone has a great week!)
oh, bev – i’m so glad i didn’t read the blog until tonight. i only had to worry about you for a few minutes until i saw your follow up post! finding your dad’s cologne must have been tough, but good, since he definitely plans to be back!! my dad passed away when i was 22 and my mom when i was 28. i was close to them, as it sounds like you are, and i felt so fortuate to have a healthy relationship with each of them. i agree with christine – the distance doesn’t mean missing out nearly as much as an unhealthy relationship, regardless of proximity. i’m sure your family just wants you to be happy and if that means living in the U.S., we’re ALL glad you’re here!
Beautiful photos. Lakes invoke such beauty but I have always found them fascinating and terribly eery. Always the feeling that they harbor great secrets. We have a lake not too far away, indian named – not very large but unusually deep. The lore has held up since I was a child that a young boy and always it seems a boy drowns in the lake every summer. The lake is well known in the community because of this.
The link regarding the 13 year old girl was horrific. When I read stories like that it just enforces my conviction why I love and trust animals more.
Bev – my thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
Beverley, of all the senses, scent invokes the most nostalgia – for me anyway.
Beautiful pictures Ann, and thank you for your story of your Bridge of Sighs. I have a Tunnel of Sighs – the Lincoln Tunnel. When I come through it into NYC, I actually have an involuntary reaction, a big sigh. It’s a feeling of happiness and relief that I am back to visit my favorite city.
We have a man made lake like that here, Lake Nockamixon. It’s a state park, and was a valley that was flooded. I often wonder what the bottom of it looks like. Are there still foundations left from the houses razed to make the lake? How many were there, and where did the families end up? It’s a beautiful place, and provides thousands of people outdoor recreation, so it was for the greater good, but I always wonder what it was like there before.
What a terrible crime, poor Maryanne and her family. There are so many sick people out there that commit horrible crimes. The poem fit perfectly.
Bev, I’m so sorry you’re going through such a feeling of being adrift. It has to be hard, but you wouldn’t have had all the life experiences you’ve had if you hadn’t left home. I’m also so sorry that your Dad was so unwell while he was here. You mentioned it on your facebook page, but it didn’t sound serious. I pray that he will see the Dr immediately and the Dr will be able to provide relief.
Try to remember the joyful moments of your reunion, and be thankful that in today’s modern world there are so many ways to keep in touch. Being able to call them when you want is a wonderful thing.
I feel so silly all of you are so wonderful, How very Lucky I am to have met you all here, Thanks again Ann!! ( I know you are a leo just like me and will stroke your mane a little…. ….I do so love your books!
anyhow back to me(leo) I just went to clear up the bathroom and my dad had left his cologne (aftershave as we brits say) and some other things in a small box for his next visit.. I took a wiff of the aftershave (valentino) and had a cry… gosh my eyes are tearing up now as i type, I will be fine tomorrow I promise!! Some new friends i have just met called up and asked us around for dinner to make me feel better….. You know what girls… I am very very lucky.
Thanks to each and everyone of you… X
Ann,
Beautiful pictures! I was surprised to read that the lake covers an area that used to have houses, cars etc. I always find that kind of stuff cool to research. Unfortunately I am familiar with the sad story connected with the young girl and the lake. I followed it in the CT newspapers when I moved up here.
Bev,
I am so sorry for all that you are going through. My parents were not born in this country and my mom left a very big family when she married my dad and came to the United States. In the 1960’s and 70’s letter writing was the only way she stayed connected with her family. She usually had tears in her eyes after reading a letter and as a young child anytime I saw a letter coming in the mail from Europe I knew it would make my mom smile first, and cry second. As time went on and technology became faster and cheaper my mom became more connected. She calls her family, skypes in and feels she is right there. She has been back to see her family dozens of times and stays for several weeks, but eventually she has to leave and come back home. And she calls the USA home. One of the things my mom has always said is that families grow and move on. The move could be to live near a spouse’s family, job relocation etc. It is not always possible for families to live near each other. Knowing that you love each other, you stay connected, you see each other and you are an active part of each other lives is what matters and what counts. That is what you have Bev a family that loves you and you love them. You are connected.
My dad was in the hospital last week and it was a very scary time. I couldn’t do anything medically to help him. When I came home I wanted to be with him and when I was with him I felt like I wasn’t doing anything to make the situation better. I hate when people say I know how you feel, but I think I understand the worry that you are feeling. Just know that your dad is in good hands. The doctors will take good care of him.
As for ‘missing out on things’ (I don’t want to step out of line here, but my feeling has always been) – when you have a strong relationship (which you do) you have not missed out on things. It is when families have arguments and don’t speak to each other that’s when you have regrets about missing out. I’m glad you got to see your family and I hope your father starts to feel strong and better each day. I will be thinking of you and your family.
Christine
Hello Bev,
I am so sorry your father is ill. I have a latent worry, well, it’s not so latent, that while I have my parents healthy and strong now, due to age this will not always be the case. I hope any sense of displacement is lifted soon. I will send hope vibes your way wishing your father’s improvement soon.
Annie M.
Ann, the pics are so pretty, but the lake does indeed seem to hold many sad secrets under the surface. I feel so sad reading about young Maryanne, I never really pray anymore for personal reasons, but I did actually say one for her, I so hope she has found peace. Bev, sorry about your dads’ illness, I know it has to be very hard for you, try not to let yourself get overwhelmed. Everyone have a safe weekend, xoxox.
Betsy, found it! Yes, Daphne has had a difficult summer. We go on at least one long hike on my weekends at home, which she loves.
Sorry to hear you’re down. Trying to remember the ending of House of Mirth. Must reread that book
Bev:
My deepest sympathies go out to you during this time of worry and anxiety. I, too, know what it’s like to feel displaced, as if you aren’t living where you should be and in the manner which would make you most at peace. I hope you are feeling more at ease today. As far as worrying about all of the times you missed out on because of your move away from home, please try not to punish yourself for this decision. Of course, I have made many wrong choices in my life and lived to regret them, but I have also learned that 99.9% of the time we make our choices based on the best information we possess at that time and with the best of intentions for ourselves and our loved ones. These words are platitudes, and I’m positive they are not new to you. But I empathize with your current swirling emotions and merely wish to possibly lessen their weight on your heart.
Ann:
I posted a comment yesterday afternoon, but it wasn’t on the blog when I checked this morning. Can you find it for me? It wasn’t important, but I do hate losing things!
Welcome back! Connecticut has missed you.
I am sure the bridge smiles when you drive across! So it can be the bridge of smiles and sighs, ergo, the dancer. Sounds like something I would do! (of course, thinking no one else is looking!)
I checked the link even tho I didn’t want to be sad. I think that is why we have such beauty in the world, to shield us from the sadness. Thank you for sharing both with us.
Will be checking out that iphone app.
Annie, that Claire Bloom memoir sounds fascinating. Can’t wait to read it.
And Bev, so sorry about your dad. I know what it feels to be “displaced.” It’s awful. You must feel so lonely right now. I hope your father is doing better.
That poem was great for me this morning, I wish I felt I was home… I feel very adrift… My family left at 4 am this morning to fly back to the UK…. Visit did not go as planned, my dad is not a well man, he had a heartattack 4 years ago while visiting me needed surgery while here,he is on a lot of medications and is diabetic.
Well tuesday he started to feel unwell and his legs swelled up and he could not walk. I got him some pain killers but he refused to see a dr, very proud and stubborn, so we stayed home and he rested.
he will see his dr as soon as he lands at home…. I am sat now crying my eyes out worrying the same thing…will I see him again? Is it worth living here to be away..I have lived away from my home since 1993 and I am worrying about all the times I have missed out on……. Can I ever cross a bridge and feel “home” and at peace? I am so displaced
Lake Lilli is a perfect example of the extremes in life…all that is pure beauty and latent ugliness. I know in my heart that Maryanne was “taken up tenderly” and I also know that it’s a very good thing that I’m not in charge of dishing out community service to criminals.
Ann:
I just finished watching “The House of Mirth” for the first time (I know–I’m way behind on some things). The Bridge of Sighs poem by Thomas Hood surely fits into my mood right now. My spirits have been residing in the lower depths lately, so this probably wasn’t the best movie to watch tonight, but I thought the ending was going to be more uplifting and positive. Boy, was I wrong….. The storyline about women being expected to marry by a certain age was out of date, but the economic portion of the movie was most timely. And very worrisome. And a little dread-producing.
Thanks for the beautiful photos of your Bridge of Sighs. Do you ever shudder even a little while driving across, imagining the possible houses, roads, villages, skeletons, and cars lying at the bottom of this seemingly-pristine lake? It’s kind of spooky, but a bit romantic. (As long as there are no skeletons down there, that is. Surely all of the people were evacuated before the area was flooded.)
I didn’t open the link to the murder of the 13-year-old girl. Maybe another day when my spirits can withstand another sad story.
Good to hear you are home!! How thrilled were the dogs and horses to see your lovely truck pull up the driveway, then to zero in on your gorgeous, happy face behind the wheel? I bet they were in a frenzy by the time your first foot hit the ground, weren’t they?? Especially your beloved Daphne.
Ann,
Lillinonah, what a beautiful name for a lake. It’s obvious you enjoy the drive across the bridge. Speaking of Waterloo Bridge, the equally beautiful but tragic Vivien Leigh starred in a film of the same name. I read a memoir by Claire Bloom, who shared recollections of performing in a play, Duel of Angels, with Vivien Leigh. Not only did she share the stage with Vivien, she also shared Lawrence Olivier, Leigh’s husband at the time. Not Cool. Somehow the two women remained friends. Claire Bloom did describe episodes of Leigh’s psychological deterioration despite her professionalism. Unfortunately better medical treatments were not available during those times that could have helped Vivien Leigh.
As for Claire, she chose husbands who were brilliant, revered, arrogant, charming, cruel, manipulative men who made her life hell on earth. According to her, Philip Roth put her through a emotional meat grinder and then drove her to a breakdown. Having read many of his novels I do not doubt this.
I went off on a tangent. I suppose a blog is a place for streams of consciousness. I wish I can find a scenic drive that evokes such feelings of serenity. Enjoy lovely Lillinonah.
Annie M.
beautiful
and there is an ap for that
its called camara zoom
on your iphone at the ap store