Friday, July 19, 2013

Some Random Friday Facts....

Another dreaded day under the belt....today I had to return to Lincolnshire to gather the rest of my sweetie's clothes, furniture and personal belongings.  My son-in-law Sam rented a small u-haul truck to carry the furniture back to his house in waiting for my grand-daughter, Brie to take it to school with her when she returns in August.  She has rented an apartment, and ofcourse furniture is needed, so the timing was perfect. When he moved into Lincolnshire 2 years ago, I purchased brand-new bedroom furniture, bed, mattress, night-stand, and large dresser with mirror, along with chairs & lamps.  He doesn't need any of that where he is now...it is all provided, so what better way to use it than to furnish Brie's new apartment.

After another tearful goodbye I headed out to the country to find the peace that it always brings me.  This I will definitely miss since moving him to town, I will no longer have these drives to look forward to...

The Queen Anne's Lace is blooming.....



As I drove, I turned down a road that I had driven on about a month or so ago, but that day it was foggy and rainy....today was sunny and hot.  Things always look different when the sun is shining so I drove over this familiar road and stopped to take a picture of the fence post and then the barn.


As I was taking pictures I could see a man walking across the field toward me, obviously on his way to speak to me.  My first instinct was to turn and get back in the car and drive away....but I thought, heh, I am not doing anything wrong, I am standing in the road, not on anybody's property....and what the heck, I am taking pictures of a fence post, for goodness sake.

Well, sure enough his first words were..."can I help you"...no, just taking pictures, is there anything wrong? "well, just wondering why you are taking pictures of my boss's house"....oh, I am not taking pictures of the house, I am taking pictures of the fence post.   "Fence posts huh?, well we get a little suspicious out here when someone drives up on these quiet roads and starts taking pictures"....I then explain to him about visiting my husband and then finding solace in driving thru the country after these visits and taking pictures. And then I mentioned that I had been on this same road about a month prior, in the rain and had taken a picture of the old barn in the rain & mist.  "Oh," he says, "I am taking that old barn apart and re-finishing a basement with the barnwood."  If you have the picture I would really appreciate a copy of it, and any that you might take today. Not only would I like the picture but the new and old owners would really appreciate it as well."   

Today....


Last month....(look at the difference in the height of the corn.  I measured it today and it was at least 7 feet tall)


Just proves that a smile and a friendly word can turn someone's suspicions around really quickly.  I now know his name, and have his email.  Pictures are on the way.

Also on the way home I stopped by one of my favorite garden centers.  They were loaded with beautiful flowers to freshen up the pots that have become a little tattered....I have a couple that definitely needed some fresh new flowers.  Between barns & a stop at the garden center, my mood definitely lightened.






Now who wouldn't feel better after a stop here.

Bookclub met tonight....our book this month was "The Light Between Oceans" by M. L. Stedman....definitely a thumbs up for me.

And a couple of pics from the photo shoot on Wednesday....great family, good shots, perfect day.





Joining Nancy, Madge, Maria and Kristi..



Rurality Blog Hop #23

Orange You Glad It's Friday






46 comments:

  1. How wonderful that your husband's furniture is going to your grand-daughter. A comfort in knowing his things are still being enjoyed and loved. What a sweet story about the suspicious man. Now you have a new friend! The photos today are wonderful - I really love the Queen Anne's Lace and the bicycle with the flower basket. The portrait's came out lovely, too. xo

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  2. First your family photo shots are divine, simply gorgeous. I'd admire your ability of highlighting a difficult day with sunshine. We live in a high theft area and even in town i've been approached people thinking I'm scouting potential places to break-into- the explanations always end in friendly chatter. Beautiful shots of the flowers, the barn and cool end to your country encounter.

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  3. Lovely photos Deanna. LOVE the Barn. Yes, it does make a difference once you can tell your story to someone.

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  4. Well, I can understand the man being a bit on edge -- us country folk don't take to trespassers! Lol. Even on the public road. But with a courteous explanation, we generally make a new friend in the process.

    Big hugs Deanna -- tough week!

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  5. Love your barn photo and the story that goes with it. How nice that they will have your photos to display.

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  6. Fabulous shots. Just love the barn.

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  7. Deanna, those family shots are wonderful! Great job! And that barn is amazing! I love the processing of the sky in the Queen Anne's Lace image. Have a great weekend! xo, Becky

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  8. you had me at Queen Anne's lace ... beautiful. so lovely. ( :
    enjoy your weekend. take care.

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  9. nature and photography...always good medicine for a hurting heart. and isn't it so funny when people look at you funny because you're taking pictures of fence posts.:) good stuff deanna. hope your sweetie is getting settled...glad you found some peace today.

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  10. More beautiful pictures and life adventures from you Deanna. I always enjoy reading your thoughts and seeing your photography! Hope you have a glorious weekend.

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  11. We all can learn from your positive outlook. Thank you for that. And also thank you for confirming that we should all be a little more friendly and sociable. :)

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  12. Beautiful photos and such a great story about the man and the barn : )

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  13. Deanna ... what a week you had. Wonderful that your grand-daughter can use the furniture. I love your photos. They are all amazing. the Queen Anne's Lace is gorgeous and the barn is great. The bicycle and flowers is the photo I would pick as my favorite. You made a new friend -- great story. Hugs to you.

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  14. Your photos are so beautiful, Deanna. I loved the story about the barn and how you ended up with a new friend! I hope you have a better day today and a wonderful weekend!

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  15. Change . . .
    All i Know is - You have lifted me today - and i am completely grateful
    You have Spirit - and Know How to Express It.

    love & love,
    -g-

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  16. I can't believe how beautiful the beach photos are ... in that bright, bright sun! Bravo, my friend. {And happy you found a new friend when you needed one. :-D}

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  17. Your photos are wonderful! And i'm so glad the furniture is staying in the family.

    Love the Queen Anne's Lace. It's in full bloom here in Oregon too. I'm so glad your cloudy, sad day turned sunny and happy. Sending a big hug across the miles!

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  18. i'm glad the furniture will be gratefully used! love the first queen anne's lace shot! glorious sun rays! and so cool that the barn photos will be appreciated by those who owned it and by one who is using the wood for its new life. :)

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  19. Your post made me smile today, and I really needed that...my first instinct would have been to hop in the car too, but kudos to you for staying and explaining what your were doing. I live out in the country and it always makes me nervous when someone stops out front. Guess I watch too much NCIS, but honestly, the news will give you nightmares in the daytime as it is.
    Beautiful photos- that flower, the barn...just gorgeous.

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  20. Beautiful pictures as always. I really enjoyed seeing the pictures from our trip to Michigan. Our dear friend is going to be thrilled.

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  21. I'm always afraid someone will think I'm staking them too when stopping in random places to take pictures. So, I tend to stay in a "safe" place --- I must step out of my comfort zone & be more courageous like you!

    Thinking of you as you continue to walk this new path in your sweetie's life journey.

    Muah!

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  22. This, too, shall pass....and you will have wonderful drives in town with people to talk to and pictures to take....and friends to make....because you are such a warm person....people will be drawn to you, as we are. And peace and calm will still be found in quiet moments spent with God. Hugs.

    Those people who own that property are gonna' love you when they get those pictures. Great!

    And the pictures you take of the flowers and that family.....amazing, you are! (I sounded like Yoda!)

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  23. Lovely lovely ... Love the butterfly shot ....

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  24. Your photography always makes me feel happy! Thank you for joining in 'Rurality Blog Hop #23' Hope to see you next Wednesday for #24...

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  25. Deanna, my heart breaks for you. I remember so well leaving my sweet hubby at a home for Alz. patients. And, then walking back into our home alone. yep, it's tough but you got out and found some peace. Loved the story of the suspicious guy. I've often wondered about people as I take pictures of this and that. I wonder if they mind or if I might get shot. hehe. Hang in there. Hugs. Latane

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  26. Oh my you've captured some beautiful moments in time here. The Queen Anne's Lace is gorgeous. I so loved the Barn Photo's and the Shot of the flowers with the bicycle. I'm so glad you didn't turn and run but instead talked with the gentleman and were able to help them preserve memories of that old barn. Also happy to hear that your granddaughter will be getting good use of the furniture.

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  27. Glad your sweetie's furniture is going to good use.

    Your photos are gorgeous, as usual. That barn is stunning. Sorry it's coming down.
    I would have felt the urge to run away, too. But, glad you stayed. Let you meet a new person and find out a little about that great barn.

    Those flowers are really pretty. Brightens up any day.

    Thanks for sharing your week. Have a great weekend.

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  28. This is my first visit to your blog. What a sumptuous, stunning, thoughtful feast! So poignant and true. Thank you.

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  29. You take gorgeous photos! I love the first one of the Queen Anne's Lace, and the photos of the barn. How nerve wracking to be approached about your photo taking. I always worry about that happening to me.

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  30. Hi Deanna, As always, your photos are wonderful! I especially like the ones of the family – very natural and joyful. They will cherish them always. And I'm glad you are finding comfort through this latest transition period. Your reserves of strength are an inspiration.

    Wishing you a beautiful weekend.

    Georgianna

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  31. Wonderful post and gorgeous pictures as usual. People do seem to be surprised when pictures are being taken of mundane things like fence posts, but those are the best things, in my opinion. Glad you got to share your barn pics.

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  32. Stunning photos...I am curious and wonder what kind of camera you use and what you use for making your headers. I am in the school of learning..lol!Now if I had been able to take photography in high school it would have been like a dream.. (: Kindness and love will dispel mistrust...

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  33. Really love your photos - moved me to read your 'story' - I thought I could 'feel' you as I looked 'through your eyes' at the beauty around you. Very inspirational! About to follow!!

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  34. Oh, Deanna. My, my. Such goodness in you. Such goodness shines out of you. Really. Even in the darkest hours, just goodness. I am so proud to know you. Same here, two thumbs up for that book. And the shots are all stunning. Have a good Saturday, sweet you.

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  35. Thank you for lifting me up with your beautiful post. Even amid your own concerns and sadness, you have a way of finding the positive and the lovely and sharing that.

    How wonderful that you made a friend in the country and can now help him and the barn's owner with photos! Your friendliness and candidness were admirable.

    As always, I enjoyed your gorgeous photos. Take care, Deanna, and have a lovely weekend!

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  36. My mood always lifts after a stop here to see your lovely photos!
    You have a couple of wonderful shots of the barn to pass along. I know they will be appreciated for both the barn itself and the lovely way you captured it.
    A terrific butterfly shot and that bunny is so whimsical I couldn't help but smile!

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  37. These are gorgeous! So sorry you had to do such a tough "thing" emotionally. You have a gift to find beauty in everything!

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  38. Your photos of the barn are lovely. I'm sad to hear it's being torn down. I especially like the photos of the Queen Anne lace and the bike. You have a wonderful attitude. Onward! Blessings to you!

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  39. I agree that your photography always makes me feel happy. I love your personal style so much -- it has such a purity to it. But your story also brought me joy in your example of not shrinking back into yourself during a hard time but reaching out to the world and allowing yourself to find connection and goodness. Hugs to you.

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  40. Fabulous captures. It's nice that your granddaughter will be able to use the furniture. Glad you decided to share this on Orange you glad it's Friday. Thanks for joining and I hope to see you again next weekend.

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  41. Deanna, the barn just took my breath away, literally! Don't you just love it, when you open a blog post and it makes you gasp?! Girl, I sure wish I was up their to give you a big hug with your personal situation...but all I can do is give you a BIG VIRTUAL HUG♥♥.....

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  42. I love them all, nicely done. The Queen Anne's Lace is a wowser.

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  43. Hi Deanna - I love the family shoot - the t's with the ages are great! Your flower shots make me smile - I like that peek a boo bunny. Enjoy this summer, Deanna!

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  44. I absolutely love the painterly effect you've created with some of these shots! Beautiful!

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  45. All of these photographs are beautiful, Deanna. The story with the barn and the man is lovely, sometimes simple kindness goes a long way. I hope that he and his employers enjoy the photos of the barn (it is stunning, I can see why you stopped to take photos)

    Thanks for taking part in the Nurture Photography Challenge!

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  46. Lovely post, Deanna. I've been mia for a bit, but am relieved for you that you are getting through this difficult time with your family by your side, and your photography as an escape. I love all the images, can't even pick a fav... love them all...

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment, I read and cherish them all. I will do my best to return the favor.