Yesterday, before the Catholic Po Po caught up with me, I was at the back of one of the giant mausoleums on the grounds.  The broken glass was the perfect chance to do some bracketing and figure out why I can’t seem to get the shot I think I’m going to get. 

And some girl jogging through the grounds decided that was the perfect time to run up to the front of the mausoleum and peek inside.

We both scared each other.  I’m pretty sure Jesus was all “Hey, Dad, come over here and watch this….”

I’m not Catholic.  I’m not anything.  All religion fascinates me and I’m not here, there or anywhere to put anyone down for believing what they choose to believe - but I will make a joke or two.  I find the symbolism beautiful, especially when it is intended, used, and embraced for what feels like, to me, to be a good purpose.   I love that part of religion.  Which is why cemeteries of all faiths are my favorite places to go. 

I try to be overly respectful.  I never approach anyone or anything where people are gathered.  I never ever move anything.  I don’t touch anything.  I don’t trod all over the place without being careful of where I step.  I try not to photograph anything that would upset someone or represent it in a bad light.  That is my own, self imposed ritual for this.  Although nobody knows that unless they know me.  Had I known this particular cemetery had forbidden cameras, I never would have gone there with a camera.

Mr. Zoom asked the Po Po why photography was forbidden there.  They said it was because they had trouble with a bunch of kids coming in dressed as vampires who would then drape themselves over the graves and take pictures. 

This made me sad.  Because I can see both sides of this unsightly coin.  I think the Catholic Cemetery has a right to protect its graves from what it perceives to be a middle finger in its face.  I also think that a bunch of vampire kids have the right to apply their particular kind of art to a particular kind of imagery - but I do not think it is wise to do so in a catholic cemetery.  It crosses my own particular line of respect that I believe religions and people in general are owed. 

And it really is too bad, too.  Because this cemetery was gorgeous.