A couple of weeks ago when I was driving home from a session that was out of town I found something. Something that compelled me to put my foot on the break and make a U-Turn in the middle of the road to curiously go back. I was on the phone with my mom (I know, bad to talk on the cell and drive - horrible habit) and I quickly hung up as I pulled into the long dirt driveway. My heart was beating in my throat as I got closer. I don't know what it is about an abandoned house that gets me so emotional. I feel so many things some I can't even describe - a bit of sadness (why wasn't there a family living in that house anymore?), curiosity (what made them leave?) and apprehension (the unknown). But I can't resist stopping and even exploring. I wondered what the house looked like when it was lived in, when it had a fresh coat of paint and shiny door knobs. I'm sure each empty house was beautiful (I like to think that anyway). This particular house took my breath away (strange I know...) but there was something about the setting that was so beautiful. The house was sitting on a large piece of land, a for sale sign that looked like it had been there for decades, and surrounded by withering golden corn fields. So stunning yet very eerie. I grabbed my cell phone, camera and keys and stepped out of my car, locking the door behind me. I was out in the middle of nowhere but I'm OCD about locking my car doors. Anyway, I tip-toed up the decrepit porch that looked like it could cave in if much weight was on it (not smart - I've already been scolded for that) and walked through the bright green front door. I stood for a moment in each room studying the old fireplaces, the wood ceilings and the dusty floors looking for any evidence of who may have once lived there. In the kitchen I saw an open window-paned cabinet that still had plates, glasses and bowls in them - I couldn't resist reaching for my camera but knew not to touch a thing in the house. I didn't want to leave but the sun was setting and I knew Jeff was waiting at home for me probably wondering where I was. I hope to go back to that house and explore others that I've found - so mysterious yet I have a fond respect for these old dismissed places. 
