the country life

 

Ironically, rural America has become viewed by a growing number of Americans as having a higher quality of life not because of what it has, but rather because of what it does not have! -- Don A. Dillman, American Author

life of purpose

The purpose of life is a life of purpose. --Robert Byrne 

This shot here is just a small example of how "Old Salem" operates on a day to day basis. There are tours, and little old shops up and down the streets with people dressed like they did back in the more primitive days. You can enter the shops but you have to purchase tickets to ponder about the stores.

old salem

The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has it's own reason for existing.
-- Albert Einstein

Yes, I know, I have a lot of catching up to do with my postings. This is the entry way of the Old Salem Visitor Center in Winston Salem, NC. This place here is where my photo journey began for the day. If you're ever in Winston Salem or close to it, I would definitely recommend taking a few hours to explore the historic district. You won't be disappointed you did! Click here for more information on this neat little district.

generous harvest

We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest.  -- Orison Swett Marden (1850-1924) American Writer

Autumn, or the harvest season, is by far my favorite time of the year. After the long, hot Summer, there really is nothing better than the weather cooling, hunting season, pumpkin pie, and the leaves changing. I've rode and rode past countless corn fields and told myself every single time when the opportunity presented itself to stop and grab a quick shot but I kept putting it off. Needless to say, I finally stopped and grabbed the shot I was looking for. So, as the leaves change, I challenge everyone to go out and explore the wonders of Autumn!

keep it simple

Nature always tends to act in the simplest way. -- Daniel Bernoulli (1700-1782) Mathematician 

These mushrooms here are kind of a big deal. Madelyn's Grandmother noticed these shrooms driving back from church one morning. Then, she was the only who saw these until we turned around to go back for one more look. I happen to think these little mushrooms are cool myself with the stair like growing pattern and not to mention Pilot Mountain in the distance.

lessons learned

The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and the given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.
-- Tom Bodett (1955-) American author, voice actor, and radio host

Kayaking on the Saluda River...hard to beat... 

the optimist farmer

The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn't still be a farmer.
-- Will Rogers (1879-1935) was an American cowboy, comedian, humorist, and one of the best known celebrities in the 20s & 30s.

I shot this photo on roadway 268 in between Elkin, NC and Pilot Mountain, NC. I've driven past this spot too many times to count without stopping but this past weekend I could not resist. The sky wasn't ideal but it still makes for a nice image. Silo's may become a new favorite subject...we'll see!

hot-lanta

Divine Nature gave the fields, human art built the cities.
--Marcus Terentius Varro (116 BC - 27 BC) ancient Roman scholar and writer

Back in July, we took a family trip to the White Water Park in Atlanta and to the  Georgia Aquarium (click link to explore). I must say the Georgia Aquarium is bad to the bone and I really recommend it to anyone at any age (well maybe not an infant). Just make sure you have at least a half a day because this place will take at least that to thoroughly explore and enjoy optimally. However, things can get a little pricy so be sure to budget for for deep pockets. Anyways, I shot this photo along the walkway that connects the aquarium to the parking garage. I really liked the mountainous feel of the little coffee shop with part of the World of Coca~Cola factory and a few of many skyscrapers in the background.

we are what we eat..

Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.
--Jean Anthelme (1755-1826) French Lawyer and Politian

While reading this quote I couldn't help to think about how true it really is. I think it's really cool how food defines who we are as a culture and how it always seems to take us back to our roots. Think about it..

This photo was taken at a little farmers market in the ZERO red light town of Cana, Virginia. Cana is located along highway 52, right close to the Blueridge Parkway, just outside of Mount Airy, North Carolina and not far from Fancy Gap, Virginia. Originally, I drove right past this little place but the line of tomatoes out front pulled me right back to grab a quick shot.

song of poetry

 

If we can discover the meaning in the trilling of a frog, perhaps we may understand why it is for us not merely noise but a song of poetry and emotion. - Unkown

appreciate

Learn to appreciate the things you have before time makes you appreciate the things you had. -- unknown

troubled experiences

If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force withing you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be.   --John Heywood (1497-1580) English writer known for his poems, plays, and collection of proverbs

gift from the sea

The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless, as a beach--waiting for a gift from the sea. -- Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001) American Aviator, Author, and spouse to fellow aviator Charles Lindbergh

alignment of events

I often think of that rare fulfilling joy when I am in the presence of some wonderful alignment of events. Where the light, the colour, the shapes, and the balance all interlock so beautifully that I feel truly overwhelmed by the wonder of it.  --Charlie Waite (b. 1949) landscape photographer

the Palmetto state

This nickname refers to South Carolina's official tree, the Sabel Palmetto. The Palmetto is rooted in historical significance dating back to the revolutionary war. On June 28, 1776, the British fleet's attack on Sullivan's Island was repulsed. The Palmetto-log fort, under Colonel William Moultrie, withstood the barrage of British cannons until the fleet retreated. The Sabel Palmetto was added to the National Flag of South Carolina, after it seceded from the Union in 1861.

 

net of wonder

The sea; once it casts its spell, it holds one in its net of wonder forever --Jacques Cousteau (1910-1997) Author and Researcher who studied the sea and all forms of life in water.

start anew

With each sunrise, we start anew. 

This weekend, I was fortunate enough to venture down to Myrtle Beach to visit my little girl and see one of my close friends! I couldn't help but to take advantage of the opportunity to take some photos I do not get the chance to take that often. The Easter Morning sunrise was absolutely beautiful and definitely will bring you to your knees to remember what happened on that miraculous day (resurrection of Christ Jesus)! Yes, the quote I chose for this post is very simple but the more I think about it, the deeper it seems to become. So, as the photos draws you in, really let your mind wonder! I took many different photos of the sunrise, trying many different exposures and what not. This one is definitely one of my favorites but I have more! I can't wait to post!! 

super moon

Yesterday, my Brother in Law, Niece and I were able to get out on the lake for a little while to do some fishing. No, I didn't catch any fish, but I was able to capture a few images. The full moon was beautiful, big, and shining bright so I couldn't resist a photograph of it reflecting off the water. The angle isn't the best so the trees are blocking most of the reflection. I had to adjust my exposure a few times to get just the right shot. Plus, I somehow have misplaced my tripod (shows I haven't got out in a while) but the dock seemed to work okay. No, this isn't my favorite photograph, but it's far from my worst. Thanks again Bro for taking me out...good times!

like the rose

Love is much like a wild rose, beautiful and calm, but willing to draw blood in it's defense.

Here recently, I haven't been able to get out much. Thank goodness the flowers are blooming so I can take a few quick photos here and there. Having a little one, working full time, and coaching baseball is time consuming to say the least. I enjoy every minute of it though and really wouldn't have it any other way. Hopefully, I will be able to make some time tomorrow, so be ready! You'll know if I was able to!!

spring showers

Sweet April showers do Spring May flowers. --Thomas Tusser (1524-1580) English Poet