It Comes Out of Nowhere....

I guess you could say this entry is a continuation of last week...from a different perspective. The "house" pictured last week was something I had never noticed before, even though it sits on a road I have traveled hundreds of times. This little "black bear" sits on the same road, yet is something I see every time and always enjoy a good laugh! Some might wonder what I find so funny about an address sign shaped like a black bear - let me explain.

This little sign sits proudly on an open field sloped down down toward the road. There is a driveway right next to the bear that presumably leads back to the "3330" residence, but it is mostly hidden by trees, thereby usually hard to see. Now comes the fun part - again, keep in mind that I have traveled this road many times.

As I approach this particular section of the road, the trees that shield the driveway also partially block the "black bear", keeping it hidden till I am less than a hundred yards away. When it does finally come into view, I usually only catch the "bear" from the corner of my eye. Instinctively, my first thought is always that some little critter is rushing toward the road and about to jump in front of my car. Then a second later I say to myself, "no idiot, that is just the same bear-shaped sign you always pass and it is no closer to the road than it was seven years ago when you first passed by "3330"!?!?! Every time this happens I get to enjoy one of those moments everyone needs from time to time: laughing at yourself. This sign is so simple but I always laugh because for a split second, while I start to ascend the hill at 45mph, I am fooled into thinking that a live critter is racing me up the street!

Aside from providing everyone a good laugh at my continued foolishness, I also wanted to share this picture because I think the "subject" is unique. I have never seen an address sign quite like the "black bear" and certainly not one that generates such an "alarmed" response. I love how there are certain objects, sites, or events in people's lives that never get old. No matter how often you experience certain things it always feels like the first time.

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

A First Look...

Has there ever been a road you have driven hundreds of times, and then one day you suddenly notice something for the first time? Well I recently experienced a similar situation during my commute home. As I was riding down a road that I use quite often for work and play I noticed a deserted building that I had never seen before - an empty structure just standing about twenty feet off the road, nestled amongst the trees. I was amazed that I had passed this spot so many times yet never noticed something that was just a few feet away. Most likely, I'm normally in a rush to reach my destination and am not paying attention to anything else.

I immediately pulled over and jumped out of my car to get a better look. I marveled at how the town seemed to fill in the surrounding land with convenience stores, gas stations, and local hangouts - yet this one property appeared to be left untouched to wither away at its own pace. I couldn't figure out if this was an old house - it would be a very tiny one since there appeared to be only one room - or some type of storage shed. How long had it been standing? Upon a closer look, I realized some of the wood like looked as if it had been replaced recently, while other boards were so decayed they were about to fall apart. I saw a few chairs and random articles inside, but not enough other furniture or belongings to provide any clues. Unfortunately, as I said, the surrounding buildings were mostly commercial in nature so they did not offer any evidence either. I finally settled on the idea that "the house" must have been part of a farm that at one time stood in this area.

I started to think about other stuff that people might pass on their "daily commute" of which they never take notice. (Sometimes for good reason if you are driving by at 45/50 mph like I normally am on this road...this particular days there was more traffic!?!?) After a while everyone just goes into "autopilot" and misses the oddities that have the potential to turn a traffic jam into a new adventure.

I was so excited the day I took this picture because for the first time in years I was not on the same old, boring "state route" - I was experiencing an opportunity to be creative. And, I hope the next time I'm on that road I have the same opportunity again!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

If I Only Knew Your Name...

I thought this tree was pretty interesting so I headed over to take a picture, but then as I got closer I realized it was even cooler than I originally thought! I loved how the branches shot off in every direction like arms spreading out from a torso. Each branch appeared to have a different "personality", causing it to go off in its own direction - to do its own thing. They stretched up, out, across: every possible way in their quest for the sun (which was limited this particular day).

After a few minutes I started to look at each individual branch and noticed some amazing detail. I was fascinated by all of the empty knobs that carpeted the lower portion of the trunk. I could see where one off-shoot started to grow, was trimmed or cut off completely, and then a new sprout began to bud farther up the branch instead. With this empty hole available I started to wonder who or what "moved in"! The tree looked fairly old, so imagine the number of critters that could have made a home in portions of its hallowed-out trunk? I did not see anything while I was taking the picture but that does not mean no one was around!

I also was curious about the bark because it was so textured and covered in a variety of colors. Now if I was a botanist, or in some related field, I could tell you what each "color" was...but I am not, so instead I just marvel at the tree's appearance. What purpose did the texture serve - aside from just looking cool - and why did the colors lessen as I gazed farther up the branches? I was tempted to start climbing so I could appreciate what the higher appendages had to offer but figured the "owners" of the tree might not be crazy about that idea...

I would like to go back in the Spring and see this tree again. I would like to see it covered with flowers or leaves - whatever it chooses to share with its passersby. Will the story be different if the trunk is covered and I cannot see it or the branches as well? Will I see more critters running around?

Have you ever stopped and wondered why a particular aspect of nature looks the way it does? Even though I still cannot tell you what kind of tree this is, I have a better appreciation of how it grows and the beauty it can share on a cool winter day or hot summer afternoon!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

Timed Out

I can probably guess what you are thinking...a parking meter? Well, in my travels I have to deal with parking meters very often - and usually wind up getting a ticket.

The day I took I this picture I was walking back to my car with all of my equipment hoping I did not receive a ticket. The problem lies in the fact that I put what I think is enough money in the meter, but then my video shoot goes longer than expected and I am not able to get back to my car before time runs out. Fortunately, this particular day, even though the meter had probably long since expired, I did not receive a ticket!

I then sat in my car eating my lunch thinking about how it almost feels as though I am at battle with the parking meters and their attendants - and I am not the only one. When I joke with other people who work in this particular town everyone has the same sentiment: you have to be careful because as soon as your meter runs out those attendants are on the spot to slap a ticket on your windshield! In an amazing way, these four-feet high meters seem to have taken on a looming presence around town; they have become a force of which everyone is cognizant but few can outsmart!

Most likely, wherever you live or work you have a similar situation: diligent parking attendants that make sure the city gets its rightful dues, while the daily workers try to push time to the absolute last second before handing over their hard-earned money. How often do you deal with the force of parking meters...and do you ever win?

It's amazing what one thinks about over lunch while staring at an expired parking meter!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?