Spring In The Country

This picture was made possible by a wrong turn. Luckily, it was a pretty Spring day in Ohio and we had some time to kill. Isn’t this a beautiful country view?

If this were a scratch ‘n sniff picture, it would smell like seasonal allergies or, more specifically, like cut grass.

Remember, you’re never really lost if you know where you are. Hint: you are here. No matter where you turn up, odds are you can find a place to turn around and retrace your steps. So don’t be afraid to see what’s around the next bend.

Just use some common sense, be careful to stay off private property and you’ll be fine. Oh, and don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the journey. Smell the grass, feel the wind on your face, study your surroundings and drink it all in!

Dogwood Hopes

Dogwood is in bloom in southern Ohio. This tree in my backyard has only a few blooms so far but it’s my favorite thing right now.

Dogwood is known for its symbolism, particularly in Christianity as it’s thought to represent the resurrection of Christ. The cross that Jesus was crucified on was made from dogwood.

In general, dogwood symbolizes hope, purity and renewaL Maybe that’s why I like them so much. It seems I’m constantly on the verge of a fresh start and hopeful that better days are ahead. I never really get to where I want to be but keep trying anyway.

Today is no different and I’m sure tomorrow will be the same as well. Bring on the hope, today is a new day. The dogwood is in bloom.

Springtime

Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.

Lewis Grizzard

Blue Sky

Spring sprung yesterday and I celebrated with a walk at a favorite place. Sadly, it still looks like winter. In southern Ohio that means everything is brown and ugly. But I saw some signs of life that indicate the landscape will be green and brushy within a few weeks.

Of course, everything is prettier when the sky is blue. Here’s wishing us all blue skies today!

Riverside Motel

If you have ever traveled First Street in Gallipolis, Ohio, you likely have driven past this sign. It’s outside the Riverside Motel which, as the name promises, is just across the street from the river.

I think it’s darling and always look for it when traveling by. Modern advertising and signs err on the side of boring so cool pieces like this stand out from the pack and are just fun to see.

That is all, friends. I just wanted you to see this creative sign and hope you enjoy it as I do. Have a great day!

The End Of Sunset

The sunset was especially nice Wednesday night but it was almost gone when I arrived at Concord Church. This was the last gasp of the day’s light and darkness would fall within minutes.

When I turned to go, this was the scene behind me.

Sunset is a prompt to stop, rest and reset in preparation for a new day. It’s kind of reassuring to know that the world gives us this consistency. No matter where you are in the world, the day will be bookended by something miraculous. As the sun sets you can rest assured it will rise again.

If we’re lucky, tomorrow is a new day. Enjoy today, get some rest and prepare to do it all again tomorrow.