Friday, February 4, 2011

Back Road Beauty: Out Here...






Out here is beauty in the emptiness, the wide open spaces.  A ditch becomes a work of art when the wind and snow sculpt it into a curve and swirl of glittery perfection.







So I put on my boots and coat and get Dixie out and we took off to go out and find even more of winter's stark beauty, take it in, capture it. 

Camera up, windows down, the defroster and the heater on full blast, and country tunes on the radio to hum along to.  I hear the crunch of my tires on the snow out the window and feel the cool breeze on my face.  

Out here, life is perfect, my soul is soothed.




Out here, some roads are untouched yet by anything but a snowmobile, a snow desert.





Out here sits faded time in old, abandoned farmyards...with quirky sheds and outbuildings that only look better with age.






Out here, I feel a tug at my heart, of pride, of sadness, nostalgia for the way things were and won't ever be again...





I am happy that some things are left to be, to rust, to exist for us coming later to see, out here...  

And, I wish that I could take the corn crib sitting back in that field right home with me.









Out here, my eye sees the places where boys did the work of men -- and men and women grew many children into adults who could stand on their own, whole families worked hard --with great pride-- generation after generation to make America great.


And my heart hurts just a little at the thought of those beautiful families, what a great way to build up a country--out here.











Out here, a small country church sits bathed in the twilight.  

Can you hear the organ playing "Amazing Grace"?














I wonder about the story of this barn that sits right next to the road, and admire the classic look and hope it stands another 100 years.  I'm happy to find sheep in the field next to it and the farm next to that, and yet another one, too.  


I make a note to myself to come back in the spring when the lambs are bounding around in the fields, to bring my grandson when he's a little older to drink in the place where I live and love to be in any season--out here.






Out here, the "blue hour" has arrived, twilight turned on the color and the charm.






Even the rear view mirror holds beauty!





Now we are heading for home when the last pink light is sinking into the horizon and the bluest cast lays on the snow.  

What's not to love about life out here?  It's simple, and heartbreakingly beautiful.


11 comments:

Carmen at Old House Homestead said...

Beautiful shots!

Sunny said...

Beautiful post.... love your farm scenes!! What would you do if you ever, for some reason, had to move? Could you do it? We moved from PA to KY 7 years ago. As we have had some snow several times this year I have been a little less homesick for the PA scenic wonder I had grown up with and lived in all my life:) very similar to your photos. Thanks for sharing

Linda said...

Great shots...I love to take snow pics, I do not get out and drive on it so I have to take pics as far as my legs will carry me.
Thanks for sharing...

Dan said...

I am new to your blog. I just had to say I love all of your pictures. I would love to live on a farm one day! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and try to stay warm.

Eileen said...

Lovely! The peaceful feeling of the countryside is one I would miss terribly if I ever had to move to the city.

Unknown said...

I love the pictures! In a few weeks my husband and I are moving to Texas, a complete leap of faith, and we are going to try our hand at living in the country. To live in a place where we grow our food from the place God created, and sit on the front porch together at dusk watching the sun settle down for the night. The country is calling my name.

Debbie said...

Your pictures are beautiful. I've been wanting to get out and take a drive and get some photos now that the roads are plowed, but just haven't found the time. I'll just enjoy yours! :D

Anonymous said...

And Breath taking beautiful..nothing can beat those photos..
luv Ann.xx

Cindy said...

Thank you for the beauty...
Thank you for the history...
Thank you for the reminder of our past...of hopefully our future in farming and ranching. In our survivial for America.

I too share these with my grands..encouraging them of the future for them and their families to come. Without the land..what do we have?


You take awesome pictures!!Looking forward to the Spring lams romping.

Hugs Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures. Glorious!

Granni's lil Corner said...

As usual, you have captured nature at it's best, well done, I truly enjoyed them. We also had alot of snow in Ohio, still do and more to come.....love it.