This old barn near Summerville West Virginia always seems to have something to offer my lens. I was raised in agriculture. I look at the old barns and think about the life that was housed there. Not just grain, hay and farming supplies but the people who worked the land. I can hear the ghostly echoes of conversations about life and love, business and pleasure. I can hear the footsteps of young people who think that they’re up to mischief but really are just learning about life. People who share work are investing in each other. Work parties often ended in generations of close friends. You may not have barns where you live but odds are that you do have people. I want to encourage you to reach out to a neighbor and offer to share in some work. You’ll be surprised to see how large your family really is.
Tag: rural communities
What Our Hands Say
Nighty-three percent of communication us non-verbal. Out of that non-verbal percentage our hands do a lot of talking. It’s our hands and hearts that forge our reality. One of my favorite images was this touching moment between my father and my nephew. “C’mon paw paw. It’s time to play.” Was the words spoken but “I love you ” was the message.
Cathedral Falls, A Natural Sanctuary
About one mile East of Gauley Bridge West Virginia is Cathedral Falls. The cascade of water is about 60 feet high and the stream that feeds the falls is call Cane Branch. The little roadside park is easy to access so I stop by often. The path to the base of the falls is left in what is best described as a natural state. If you are sure-footed it’s no big deal. I water is only ankle deep in most places and if you can avoid slippery rocks you can walk right up the stream. If you can be there in the right light it’s one of our best photo ops. The image here was taken in the Spring. The air at Cathedral Falls is highly oxygenated due to the cascade. It’s a good place to go and just quietly exist as part of God’s creation. The cascading water seems to carry away the stress and anxiety that clings to the soul after a day of making modern life work. Green ferns and moss grows everywhere in the canyon. Birds and butterflies are often present. The birds sing their songs and butterflies seem to dance to the tune.
Cathedral Falls is one of God’s special spots. I’m happy to share it with you but you should see it for yourself.
Remembering You
I remembered you today. I thought about the long walks to check the fences and care for the animals. I remembered the stories of your brothers and sisters. The stories that you brought home from Europe. I remembered the gentle wisdom and the laughter. I remember the work we shared and the adventures we had. I remember us. I miss my best friend. I love you. Merry Christmas paw paw.
Fiery Morning Over The New River
You never know what you’re going to find on the other side of the mountains in West Virginia. Move forward in faith and God does the rest. This beautiful sunrise occurred the morning of October 28th 2017 in Gauley Bridge West Virginia just a short drive from Hawk’s Nest State Park.
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