Signs, Signs: Signs We Obey

If you've read some of my earlier posts, you will know that my husband and I have an unfortunate penchant for ignoring 'Keep Out' signs. For us, the lure of the unknown seems to undermine our normally law-abiding ways, that curiosity inexorably leading us into mischief.

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Mesa Verde, Colorado

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But there are signs we would not dream of disregarding. We would never risk causing damage to ancient ruins that have stood for many years and deserve to be left for future generations to marvel at as we do. 

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Nor would we trample through environmentally fragile environments in which plants and birds are protected from the ravages of encroaching habitation.

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Serpentine Fen, British Columbia

Surely, we all wish only to be thoughtful stewards of this wonderfully diverse but fraught world.

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And of course, it only makes sense to obey signs like the one at left, particularly if you haven't ever seen Poison Ivy up close and cannot readily identify it.

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We did go through this trail in Colorado with a little more caution than we normally exercise.

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There may be hope for us yet!

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For more signs from around the world, do check out Lesley's great meme at the link below...

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http://signs2.blogspot.com/

Signs, Signs: No Trespassing!

 My husband and I consider ‘Do Not Enter’ signs a personal invitation to do exactly that.

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I am certainly not bragging…as a mature adult, I know this attitude is ill advised and decidedly illegal.

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Still, it is a fact that forbidden places inexorably draw us in by dint of those clear and simple signs.

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The lure of new and curious things to discover is irresistible, for surely if there is a need to post such warnings, something good must lie ahead! We have entered decrepit buildings that dearly deserved to be explored with caution, and driven roads that challenge car and driver both.

It's true there have been a few disappointments, times when we end up nowhere, with nothing to show for an often uncomfortable trek. No matter…we have never for a minute regretted taking any one of our many detours.

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After all, the best road is always the next one waiting to be found…

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For more signs from all over the world, you will enjoy stopping by Lesley’s intriguing meme, ‘Signs, Signs’ at the link below…

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http://signs2.blogspot.com/

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And if you want to read more of our trespassing adventures, here is a short and similar post...

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http://imaginationlane.blogspot.com/2010/04/no-entry_12.html
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Framed in Photohunt

I have just discovered a photography meme called Photohunt. The site host suggests a new theme each week and asks photographers to submit pictures that represent this theme. When I heard that today’s prompt was ‘Framed’, I knew just which pics would be my choice.

My husband and I are repeatedly drawn to
buildings that have been emptied of their
people and their things. The resulting spaces

revert to silent, moody shrines that resonate
with memories of days past.

When we came across this small house on a sunny day, I was fascinated by the way

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its many windows framed the overgrown yard outside.

Against its pale empty walls, each window seemed to turn into a kind of art piece.
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Bereft of people and trashed by passers-by, the house still managed to hang on to a

quiet dignitiy and a unique kind of beauty that soothed me, and made me grateful for stopping by to visit...

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To view more 'Framed' photos, do visit Photohunt at the link below..you're sure to enjoy the visit. My great thanks to out host!

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http://tnchick.com/

My first Shadow Sunday

I am endlessly fascinated by the play of light and shadow..so when I recently

discovered Shadow Shot Sunday, I knew I'd found a home!

My husband and I are drawn in by the forbidden.

When we came across this abandoned barn warning of 'No Entry', we were inside the second we found an opening.

I have posted a few shots from this series previously, but thought these new pics were perfect for my first Shadow Sunday.

My camera and I were in heaven that day as we explored the golden light that forced its way in through murky windows and the battered remains of doors.

The air was perfectly still, the silence palpable.


Our footsteps were quietly muffled by the sawdust floor, and a wonderful feeling of timelessness engulfed us.

It is this sense of serenity we love about empty buildings.

Whatever their history..however chaotic their past, when abandoned by humans, rooms return to a place of peace.
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I can promise you these will not be the last pictures of abandoned builings you see from me....


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Many thanks to 'Hey, Harriet' for hosting this Sunday event! To see more, do drop by her page at...
http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/
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No Entry!

 

  

Because we spent more time this weekend

in places we shoudn't be, I thought to repost this piece about our tendency to trespass!

I am quite unable to resist the lure of a "Do Not Enter" Sign.

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Whether it reads, "No Trespassing",
"Entry Prohibited" or "Access Denied", I see only an invitation, clear proof that something ahead is interesting enough for me to explore!

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I am not proud of my insubordination in thes matters, but recognize that curiosity will always get the best of me. A rebel husband is my ally in this area... together we've pushed the boundaries of what might be considered intrusive or even dangerous. An otherwise respectable middle-aged couple, we turn into mischievous children when confronted with the forbidden.
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.Few things are more alluring than abandoned buildings...to wander through the detritus of other peoples' lives...to imagine their home in its prime...and ponder the circumstances that left it to ruin. Barns emptied of livestock...doors hanging off the jamb...rooms that echo with silence...all are an irresistible draw to me.

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If I have my camera with me, all the better...pictures of deserted spaces speak volumes, and I will always want to listen to the stories they have to tell.

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I know I am not alone in my fascination with derelict buildings. What forbidden territory have you entered lately?

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