A Good Barn

It’s a picturesque scene from somewhere in Ohio’s Amish Country last fall. I didn’t love it there but there were some bright moments including a peaceful drive in the country and just sightseeing.

This farm was a favorite, possibly because I liked how the vibrant blues and greens accentuate the wood barn.

Greek poet Hesiod is alleged to have said “Do not let a flattering woman coax and wheedle you and deceive you; she is after your barn.”

I don’t know if he really said this but it made me laugh and it sounds pretty accurate to me. I do like a good barn!

Happiness Is…

Happiness is warm light of a setting sun on the side of a barn. I travel this country road often and was pleased to have no one behind me last night when I wanted to stop for a quick phone picture.

Happiness can be found in all manner of things, big and small. This is your friendly reminder to look around and find something to smile about.

Remember this: happiness and satisfaction are not guaranteed. Make up your mind that today will be a good day and it will be. Now, go look for that thing to smile about! Report back, if you like. I would love to hear about what makes you happy today.

Springbank Farm

Here’s another glimpse of my trip to Columbus earlier this month. This route was once almost entirely farmland but development is starting to encroach. Not many old barns remain but this is one of my favorites. It’s close to the church I told you about last week.

Isn’t it charming?

Yesterday was a good day because I visited someplace new and learned more than I ever expected. That’s what we’ll talk about tomorrow. Meanwhile, it’s the first day of spring so have a great Sunday and be sure to do something that makes your adventure fun.

An Old Barn and Truck

Old barns and trucks go together like peanut butter and jelly. They’re a beautiful reminder of another time and a different way of life.

I made this picture early one Sunday morning a couple of years ago. I was out for a leisurely drive to pick up donuts and couldn’t resist pulling over for some pictures along the way. It’s a pretty-as-a-picture reminder of that relaxing morning.

I hope you can take time today to make a donut run, go look for an old barn or simply relax the day away.

Happy Sunday, friends.

In Need Of Adventure

I am probably in good company when I say that I have been in dire need of some adventure. So I hit the road for a day trip yesterday. It wasn’t exactly a banner day for exciting finds and surprises but it was a good day. The blue skies and sunshine were the perfect backdrop for rattling around some small towns in western Ohio. Plus, I checked off something small from my bucket list.

I got home late last night so this is all you get for today – a gorgeous old barn not far from the beaten path that I really must see again in the fall and winter.

Happy Sunday, friends.

A Patriotic Shadow

This is from last Saturday’s adventure through Ross and Highland counties. The flag is fabulous but so is the tree’s shadow.

This week has been a bumpy one, stressful even, as our country has lived under a shadow of uncertainty. Our modern world has made us more impatient than ever and has shortened our memory too. Many years we haven’t known the outcome on election night. Although I’m not sure how long it has been since we were left hanging in the balance for this many days.

I’m guessing the Pony Express was involved.

I have a lot of thoughts on this topic – not on the subject of politics so much as observances on human behavior.

My own Facebook feed is full of people who do not understand that election laws differ by state or that counting every legal vote is, indeed, the patriotic thing to do. The Electoral College also seems a mystery to some and the conspiracy theories are running rampant.

It’s an indictment of the average American’s grasp of their own government.

I’m hopeful for many things this morning.

I’m hopeful that we’ll have an answer today and that we can begin to move forward and prepare for the next four years. I’m hopeful that we can begin to heal from the trauma of late.

And honestly, I’m hopeful that a few of those swing states that have held us up will learn a thing or two from their neighbors and be better prepared in four years.

Meanwhile, we are expecting a beautiful seventy degree fall day here in Ohio. Despite the problems our nation faces, the sun will rise and set again today. The days aren’t as long as we would like so let’s make the best of the sunshine we have available.

Take a deep breath, relax those shoulders, turn off the news and go find something else to do. This could be one of the last beautiful fair weather days of the season and you don’t want to waste it.