Travel...coming to an end

Somewhere along the line deserted railroad tracks became feared and associated with seedy behavior. I guess it makes sense since these former "highways" usually are left to become dark corners of towns, overgrown with weeds. As I discovered the other day, that idea doesn't always have to become the reality.

I came across this railroad track running right through the center of a small town, just a few yards away from an historical exhibit - and a few farther yards from the currently used railroad track. Granted, I was passing by in the middle of a beautiful summer day, giving me no reason for concern, but I still had the feeling that this particular area was more a reminder of a town's storied past, instead of any current seediness.

Imagine what used to travel along these railroad tracks:

Was it a passenger train carrying residents from the small town into the "big city"?

Was it used to transport raw materials from a local farm or factory to a bigger facility, where it was used to manufacture some other product?

Did a steam engine travel this rail or maybe a diesel (any train experts out there...can you actually tell by looking at the tracks...I've always wondered?)

I tried to imagine what the area looked like 50 or 6o years ago when this track was probably in use. The surrounding gravel lot was probably full of travelers saying hello or good-bye to loved ones; or trucks emptying large cartons of materials to be loaded into a boxcar. The quiet that I experienced would most likely have been replaced by laughter, tears, honking horns, and loud train whistles...

Then I wondered how it all came to a stop...as I mentioned there was a different track not far away, so I wondered what happened to make the rail that I stood near obsolete - so obsolete that a railroad tie was placed across the width of the track. I think that is my favorite aspect of this picture: to alleviate any doubt as to whether or not the track should be used, despite the fact that it literally ended once it hit the road, a huge railroad tie was placed across the middle. What better way of saying "the end" than to literally block the path. A dramatic end to what could have, possibly, been a very dramatic story.

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

Usually Not as Special...

By mid-summer wild flowers are covering open, grassy fields, much like the one pictured to the left. As I was passing by this field one day something interesting came to mind: I always think these wild flowers look so pretty as they stretch on and on into the distance; however, if they were in my front yard they would be weeds! I pulled the car over and got out to take a look at the seemingly endless field of wild flowers and was pleasantly surprised.

I was amazed to see so many different flowers that I have pulled out of my yard, especially since I considered them weeds. The tall white ones: they were a constant amongst the mulch years ago and never looked as nice in my yard as they did in the field. Then the little yellow flowers, which were a nice contrast to the white flowers and brightened everything up. Mixed in sporadically were little purple flowers, which seemed to fill in the low lying grass - and I have personally experienced how these pretty flowers attempt to take over a front yard.

So, as I stood admiring all of these "weeds" I couldn't help but laugh at the irony of the situation: when it comes to wild flowers, everyone does have a different opinion. I was reminded of someone I know who upon spotting colorful wild flowers in her yard lets them be. No matter whether they are growing up through the green grass or the edge of the sidewalk, each bunch of flowers are left to grow. When I spotted this, I was totally amazed and said, "What, are you crazy, these are weeds! Just get some spray and kill them before they take over your entire yard." She wouldn't hear anything of the sort; she felt they were pretty and wanted to see them flourish.

Much like the "treasures" I mentioned last week, that are sold at Flea Markets, the beauty of wild flowers changes depending on who is observing the field. What one person sees as magnificent another sees as weeds!

What have you encountered in life that, when removed from its natural setting loses a little of its sparkle?

Conversely, what, when going beyond your initial reaction, has offered unexpected beauty and satisfaction?

So, as the summer rolls along and I continue to pass fields of wild flowers I will be able to laugh at the thought that someone, somewhere may look out his or her front window and be thrilled by the site of colorful weeds!

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

An Unlikely Summer Tradition...

Flea Markets. These havens of eclectic wares and foods have, in a way, become a summer tradition for bargain hunters everywhere. Shoppers seem to find items that can only be found at these weekend bazaars. The market I was able to capture in this picture I traveled past on an off day, but still found it very interesting.

Early in the season vendors seem to set up their tents and items for sale as a way to entice passersby to enter. A seasonal world seems to be built overnight filled with embroidered sweatshirts, fudge, scented candles, and more. Each weekend, this world comes alive with shoppers and then every weekday it seems to "go to sleep". The weekdays are the days that interest me because everything seems to be put on hold - the flea market is still there but just a quieter version of itself...

On Sunday night the vendors seem to pack up some of their belongings and go home for the week, leaving behind skeletons of their tents. It's amazing how everything gets so quiet and empty for a few days - it almost seems like the place was deserted! If I didn't know better, I would figure sales had been horrible over the weekend and everyone decided to move-on to a different flea market...but without fail, come Friday afternoon the vendors are back in full force and ready for another marathon weekend.

I can't say I'm a frequent shopper at flea markets. I have probably been to only a handful over the years, but they still seem to intrigue me. Aside from the way things shut down for days at a time and then reopen again, there seems to be a group of people who frequent flea markets on a regular basis. These shoppers are bargain hunters who are happy to spend hours going from tent to tent looking at every item for sale. They remind me of the car loads of people that line suburban housing developments every Saturday morning ready to hit up any garage sale in walking distance. Without fail, flea market and garage sale shoppers are always proud of their $2.00 purchase - a purchase that in a regular store might have cost twice as much!

What are your experiences with flea markets?

Have you ever bought anything that, later, made you say, "what was I thinking?"

Do you or someone you know go on a regular basis to see if the "merchandise" has changed?

Unique...interesting...bargains...fun-filled...however you perceive flea markets they have most certainly become an unlikely summer tradition.

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

Reminiscent of the 4th of July

I know the 4th of July has officially come and gone - I hope you all enjoyed yourselves and found some time to relax - but when I passed this Willow Tree all I could think about was the recent holiday . In the wake of the many fireworks displays I witnessed over the long weekend, I thought this would be a perfect photo to share with everyone.

Everyone always has a "favorite" firework either based upon color, design, size, or even the noise made. My favorite has always been the "one that looks like a Willow tree"! You know which ones I mean, right? I am not alone in this idea; the other night I was sitting in my beach chair watching the color-filled spectacle and overheard a woman say, "that looks just like a Willow tree" - and her friend agreed! This particular firework look so peaceful. It is not one that makes a large boom or explodes over several stages; rather, the Willow fireworks explode and fall gracefully from the sky, much like the branches of a tree. They are an enjoyable contrast to the pyrotechnics that look and sound like a rapid fire machine gun! During any 4th of July display, when I see one of the "Willow trees" I feel like it is an opportunity to catch my breath for the craziness that will come next.

So, blame it on a desire to continue the fun from an exciting holiday weekend, but I cannot help pass a Willow tree and think of my "favorite" part of any fireworks display.

What is your favorite part of the 4th of July fireworks?

How do you feel about the "Willow trees"?

Is there anything that you have seen the past few days that stir lingering memories from the holiday?

I would be remiss if I did not say that I have always enjoyed Willow trees themselves for their stately presence. These trees have a way of creating a peaceful, relaxing environment no matter where they are rooted. I can always picture a group of people gathered beneath the branches enjoying a nice picnic, or someone resting against the large trunk reading a good book. Even if a Willow tree is not the tallest out of a bunch it always seems to draw my attention first.

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