{the way I see...}

I've driven along this long country highway dozens of times.  Each time I see more and more that I ache to photograph.  Photograph it the way I see it (or want to see it).  This is my interpretation - very ordinary but also aged with decaying beauty.   Most would pass these on the road and think they were just an eye sore and I admit, billboards are such an annoyance to me but sometimes one or two will stick out and beg to be photographed.  And I love old metal signs - I can't pass one without  wishing I had my camera with me.  Anyway sorry this post is so short - I have a busy week ahead of me and wanted to make sure I posted before things got too crazy.  Thanks for taking a peek :)

{already missing the fluffy, white snow...}

Yesterday a wish of my kiddos came to fruition... it snowed here in South Carolina!  They've been wishing for snow since we moved here 2 years ago.  We got snow each year in Snoqualmie so it was strange for them not to get a taste of it each year.  Tyler was so excited at the thought that we might get snow that he woke up at 3am (that's not a typo) to look outside only to be let down that there wasn't any.  He was up on and off all morning and both kids squealed with anticipation when big white flakes finally began to fall from the sky.  Of course we spent most of the day outside playing in it, eating it, riding bikes in it, throwing it, etc.  They both made a 'snow pie' - you know, a bowl full of snow and I chopped up bits for fruit and put it in the bowl (as they stirred it) and then they ate it.  So fun!  We also made real snow cones! That was such a treat - I poured FUZE juice in it and they were giggling with excitement.  Then we took breaks , came in and had hot cocoa topped with mini marsh mellows.  This was the best winter day yet!    Now it's melting and Tyler and Brielle keep asking when we'll get more.  I'm afraid this was the last of it, but we enjoyed it while it was here.    Below are a few pictures of the snow! 

The first thing both kids did.... let the snow drop onto their tongue ;-)

Tyler running to throw a snowball at daddy's truck!  I've never seen someone love the snow as much as Tyler, he couldn't get enough of it.

Brielle the problem solver:  She insisted on wearing her sunglasses so the snow wouldn't get in her eyes.  She didn't take them off until the snow stopped blowing so hard.  I couldn't resist running in to get my camera to remember this moment.   Oh and she has a spoon and an apple slice in her hand making her tasty snow pie. 

{Lonely & Abandoned}

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.