I’d like to start this post with a “special treatment” I made recently, to one of my originals so that it looks a bit different. I like to experiment. It’s too hot here in SW Virginia, but so it goes … in summer. The following images might make you cooler.
Walking around our neighborhood, when it’s no too hot and humid, on a Saturday morning, I spotted lots of colorful flowers showing me their beauty.
There was a time when friends of mine would notice me walking and ask why it was that my head and eyes were usually looking down in front of where I was walking. Versus eyes forward, or perhaps looking around. I still do this out of habit, but I do spend a lot more time looking up, especially when there are nice clouds above. Such as in the above image I made following a recent thunderstorm. In times past, I didn’t notice such things as much as I do today. Age, medical challenges, and just plain faith and trust that what lies about us in nature, hoping we’ll take notice, is not there by accident. I’m thankful for that blessing. So, I’ll keep on looking up. Both in my state of mind (attitude) and with my “photographic eyes” to see what opportunities are waiting to be recorded.
As stated on the North Carolina State Parks website, “Since its creation as a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps project, Hanging Rock State Park has offered the best of a traditional outdoor experience with 73-site campground, picnic grounds, stocked lake for swimming and canoe rentals and more than 20 miles of hiking trails that climb onto spectacular views and weave alongside clear streams and waterfalls.” For me, the attraction has always been “hanging rock” cliffs and rugged trails that lead to great views of the surrounding North Carolina and Virginia Piedmont region. My age and weaker legs have prevented me from hiking and climbing today, but I have fond memories of once doing so on several occasions. It’s near Danbury, NC and is a jewel just waiting for fun and exploration. Here’s a “peek” of what gave the park it’s name.
Our daughter Amy lives in a beautiful location in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I wrote a fictional short story about how I think growing up would have been living there. I titled the book, “Hiking with Mikey” and a primary geographic feature in my story is “Mikey’s Ridge”. There is an actual location like that, and this view from Amy’s porch is what I call “Mikey’s Ridge.” I was lucky recently to be able to make some photos of Mikey’s Ridge. Here are a few more images I made right after a thunderstorm had passed, with cooler temperatures, and thus the fog and wispy clouds. Perfect time for photography.
I like to make photos of flowers close up, primarily because there is so much more detail than one might see in passing. I’m happy to say that all of these images were made with my iPhone 7 Plus, using a really nice App (Camera +) that has an easily accessible macro mode, as well as an image stabilizer to help get sharper photos. It’s all pretty amazing actually, given how much I have invested in professional grade photo gear. And which I’m a bit sad to admit isn’t used that much any more. I could sell it all, but I’m not ready to do that. Anyway, have a look. (Check out the small Bumble Bee and Japanese Beetle that made each image a bit more special.)
I found this really neat log cabin in Danbury, NC recently and it was very nice being able to walk around it, making photos from various angles. Whenever I find such structures, my mind begins to ask questions. Such as: when was the last time anyone lived here, who were they, what did they do to make a living, and is there buried treasure nearby (just kidding). I love American history like this. Enjoy seeing what I saw.
I have a love for photography, and all that involves. Amateur variety of course, but that matters not. Coinciding with the Father’s Day period now underway, was an opportunity for me to spend time with two of our grandsons, one of whom made this really nice photo, which I asked him to share with me, it being so nicely done. Thanks, Brandon!
So, I couldn’t resist early one morning after a night’s rain in the Western North Carolina mountains where our daughter lives, to make a few close up images of my own to add to the flowery beauty so well captured by Brandon. Isn’t life great?
It’s sure “green” in SW Virginia where we live, and I love it. For a time we lived in coastal North Carolina, on a barrier island, and often missed the lush green vegetation further inland, given the beach sandy soil, dunes and associated vegetation; some green most not. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, beach living has it’s own unique beauty. But here and now, I’m liking the color green. Lots of it.
Danbury, NC was not a location of American Civil War battles but it was, toward the end of the conflict, part of Union forces forays through the state, destroying Confederate facilities that had some relation to sustaining the war. The iron works near the town were one such target, as were rail lines. Today, Danbury is home to some historic and beautiful buildings such as the old Stokes County Courthouse (above-below) and the adjacent Moodys Tavern (third image) which was headquarters for Union Army forces in the area. Part of the old building is now home to a few of the approximate 200 residents of the town, and it still has the “look” of what it once was. The next photo I liked very much, because I was not expecting to find such a building there. It’s a nicely designed small building used by the town’s present day government, and it fits in very well with surrounding facilities. Last, is a small church I found a bit of a walk away from the courthouse. I liked the wooden cross at ground level by the freshly painted white picket fence. Danbury isn’t a place most folks would travel “to”, but mostly “trough.” I’m glad I stopped.
