Rural Indiana

A friend and I went on a four hour tour of Dekalb County, Indiana last Sunday. My friend was donned in jeans, cowboy boots,and a baseball hat. Then we climbed into his old pickup truck for a ride. The truck didn't have any air conditioning and it had winged windows, in order to open them you had to push a button and slide the metal handle up for additional air flow. We drove up and down roads I had never been on before. Then we came upon this scene and I was taken aback. I hadn't been on a dirt road in years. The rusted tin roof of the barn caught my eye and the curve of the road added charm to this nostalgic view. This is how country looks and feels. "Stop the truck!", I shouted. I couldn't miss this opportunity to capture a beautiful shot. 

The Majestic Tree

I was sitting at a red light yesterday and I glanced around taking in my surroundings. The red buildings to the left of me caught my eye and then I saw the tree.  It stood there alone, majestically. Just like we should in life. In a few short weeks the building will be nearly hidden behind this wonderful tree. 

 

As I looked at the tree, I was taken in by its strength. The firm branches reached upward with confidence. This tree may look like other ones but it has its own place in this world. We should think that way. Having the confidence in ourselves to know inside who we are and what we are capable of doing or becoming, and be brave enough to say to the masses, "I'm not just anybody." So often we settle for crumbs from those who are not worthy of us when we are really the treasure. But we have to come to that realization in ourselves first, then others will follow. Believe in you, not with arrogance or pride, but with knowing that you have value and a purpose. 

Little Red Barn

I like barns. There is something about those old structures that catch my eye. The red paint slowly peels away exposing bare wood or the advertisements written on the sides, front or roofs of the barn takes me back to my childhood.  Do you remember driving down the highway and looking at the scenery?  I have memories of  watching for signs that said "See Rock City" as we traveled south to Tennessee during our summer vacations.  Then there were the advertisements for "Loco Joe's" which were overrated gift shops with a cafe and most importantly restrooms.  Those were the simple times when we talked at dinner and the whole family sat around the table. We laughed and most importantly we were together.  It was before we let electronics take over our lives.

The other day we were waiting for a table at a restaurant and a family walked past us.  Each child had a tablet in their hands. Hmmm, I wonder how much they had to say at dinner. 

Old Shed

I like old buildings, especially barns.  There is something about them that make me think of my birthplace, Tennessee.  As a child, my parents would take us to see my Great Uncle Horace Smith who lived in an old log cabin with his wife Aunt Dude. I have no idea why she was called Dude. They lived in the ridges, way back in the country. The roads were not paved and I remember how hard it was for my father to drive there. He had to keep the tires in the grooves on the dirt road. Primitive is how you would describe the cabin. No plumbing, no electricity or running water was in the house.  The root cellar was buried in the back and a tin roof was seen just above the ground.  My brother and I used to run up and down the roof until the tin was too hot for bare feet to touch. Beside the large porch lay wood chips that gave off an earthy smell. We drank spring water from a pail using a metal dipper. Everyone used it and no one seemed to have died from germs.  So, when I look at the above picture, I think about the good times, even if it is Indiana and not Tennessee that I see in the picture.   

Secluded: Published on the National Geographic Web Site

I just received news that my blue barn was published on the Daily Dozen of the National Geographic web site today. That is a whole lot of people to compete with. Whew! Check out the link below.  I am so excited!!!!!  Please vote for me.  It would be so thrilling to have one of my photographs published in a magazine. 

Click here to view my photograph.

Secluded

I saw this old barn tucked behind some trees a couple of weeks ago and found it very fascinating.  In my mind, I could see the end result, secluded, dark, and somehow foreboding. I am drawn to those old dilapidated buildings that still retain their character, imagining the history of the structure. It is silly to admit this, but I look at things to photograph like men who drool over young women.  But I don't do cat calls.