The old door

If you want to have some fun and get some attention, go through the historic district of one of our cities and photograph doors. Every door is different and each one has a story. Some have been restored, others renovated, and some have just maintained their function of privacy and security while keeping changed aesthetics to a minimum, like this one. (I must warn you, however, watch out for the neighborhood block watch.)

Like people, from a distance this door looked beautiful. It's color was vibrant and certainly complemented the blue door frame. But as I got closer, I could see the layers of paint were faded and chipped. A more modern keyed deadbolt had replaced the original for increased security, probably as the area was transitioning from an old neighborhood to a historic district ready for a makeover. At some point in its battle scarred life, someone added a doorbell but could not quite match the original doorknob. There are no windows for us to look inside its soul, only a small mail slot. In fact, no one knows if anyone is in there, or not.

What about us? What do people learn about us when they get close? Is our paint chipped and not well maintained? Have we replaced outdated parts? Do we let people into our lives or do we hide behind a door? Are we on the outside wondering who or what is on the inside? What will it take to open your door? What's inside? Invite someone in.