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 The quiet that I experienced would most likely have been replaced by laughter, tears, honking horns, and loud train whistles...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?

Floating Along

Yes, there seems to be a continuing theme of water the last few weeks - but it is summer, after all, so this unintentional repetition seems appropriate!

I will admit, this photo was not even my idea but rather a request from my "traveling companion" for the day. I figured, "cute picture with some ducks floating along" but after a second look I realized there is so much more! Each duck is doing something different, much like you would see if a group of people walked by, indicative of its own "personality". The middle two ducks have their heads under water - either trying to cool off from the heat that seemed to stifle the air that afternoon or just hide from the camera. (How many times do people try to hide from the camera, making he/she look more ridiculous than before?) The next duck in line appears to be doing its own thing without a care in the world. He/she could be taking a different approach to cooling off - exert as little energy as possible. The last group of three seems to be simply following along at a much slower pace, possibly enjoying the scenery a little more.

When I took this picture, I was so wrapped up in trying to avoid the sun (which was almost impossible to do) and making sure the "subject was framed properly" that I paid little attention to what my "subject" was doing. Looking back at the photo allowed me an opportunity to see each duck separately and recognize its uniqueness: some ducks flap their wings in the water, while others bury their whole body under water with just a tail sticking out; some choose to waddle along the rocks and sand, while others appear to be "running" as their webbed feet flail beneath the water. Each one of them has a different way of doing things and much like "people watching" it's fun to see what a particular duck might do next.

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

Filling in the Blank...

Does any part of this photo look familiar? Hopefully it fills in the missing piece from last week - the rest of the lake! As I thought more about the close-up image that I shared, I figured maybe I should post a picture of the whole lake - maybe people would be interested in taking a look.

As you can see, a large portion of the water is covered by what will soon be white lilies; they spread well beyond the corner you were able to see last week.

I mentioned previously how I spent quite a bit of time on the water's edge taking pictures because I thought the view was so amazing. Every direction I turned I found another image worthy of being captured in a photo. I enjoyed how reflective the water was - it looked as though the surface had been replaced with a huge mirror. The few minutes I spent taking pictures rejuvenated me, reminding me why I chose this profession: I always loved finding an amazing site to videotape and then share with others. Sometimes you get so overloaded with work that even if you love your job it still feels like "work". At that moment there was no "work" involved....I was loving every minute and every picture that I took.

I stood there thinking how fantastic it would be to wake up everyday, look out your window, and find a similar, amazing view. Imagine how quickly my video archive or photo album would be filled up? I would have enough fill the blog for an entire year!

So what do you think?

Did this lily-filled body of water live up to its expectations?

All I have to do is look at the stack of pictures I took and know that it did for me.

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

Maybe a Little Too Close?

Are you grossed out? I hope not, because the lake at which this picture was taken was absolutely beautiful. As I drove by one day on my way to a shoot, I was absolutely mesmerized. Unfortunately, I did not have time to stop since I had to be at my shoot, but as I passed by on the way home the sun was still in a great position, with the lake as peaceful as earlier in the day! After telling you how beautiful the lake looked why choose a close-up picture of the lily pads and algae? Well, from far away you would miss the details you are able to enjoy in this photo...and yes, I mean the algae intertwined with the lilies! I'll let you use your imagination for the rest of the lake.

I stood on the lake shore amazed at everything that was living and growing under the water. Lilly pads always seem to intrigue me because they just sit so peacefully on the surface. What are they attached to? How does something grow without anything solid underneath? As you can see, the water was full of pads, but unfortunately, they were not all blooming yet. I have a feeling in a few weeks the lake will be full of gentle, white flowers.

My attention eventually turned to the algae. Normally, I would associate "funky green stuff" with nasty, brown water but not that sunny, Spring day. Never have I actually stopped and taken a picture of how the unusual organism seems to twist around everything within its reach. Something must have been in the air that day to make me take picture after picture. Maybe it was the sun beating down on the water...maybe the fact that the workday was nearing completion...or maybe, I just suddenly had a new appreciation for algae. Imagine the strength of this green growth to be so tightly secured around a tree branch; or the thickness to prevent any of the lilies from growing up through the middle (well, except that one!?!?). Isn't nature amazing sometimes!

After nearly 20 minutes I forced myself to put the camera away and head back to my car for the trip home. I was not reluctant to go home, I was disappointed to leave the water's edge and the peacefulness of everything that seemed to be growing beyond the surface.

Are you still grossed out? Hopefully not, but if you are let me know and I will try to stay away from "funky green stuff" next time.

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