Black and white and shades of gray...revisited

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Picking up from the "to be continued" notation at the end of my last blog entry...

As one of my friends and fellow blogger Chip "Rocket Man" Allen, commented on my previous entry, "winter or when the skies are overcast, just beg for monochrome".  Well, I wholeheartedly agree.  However, I've shared the shots in previous entry, and the one below, in black and white and shades of gray for a couple of different reasons.

The first is because in thinking about people, human nature, community and our abilities to love, despise or live in a state of ambivalence, as with so many things in life, it comes down to the choices we make.  We can look at and focus on what's black and white.  Meaning what happens to be right in front of our faces.  What we look at, but not necessary see.  The obvious, and/or what we think (or assume) we know about someone.  And, sadly, quite often, that's it.  We go no further. 

In communities, those of shades gray can bring people together with the same or similar passions and goals, to make things happen.  Even in the midst of differing opinions with shared passions and goals people can come to a place of working together in harmony, rather than against each other.  In fact, those differing opinions can actually translate to a better version of the bigger picture.  Goals and projects can be completed so much more efficiently and expediently when such harmony exists.  However, when it doesn't, attitudes and negativity rules.  Passions can become but a flicker.  Or, at worst, dashed altogether.  While common goals go unmet and projects unfinished.  Or, finished "in spite of", so some of the joy of achievement is lost.

Am I pointing fingers at Hamlet?  No, not really.  Unfortunately, this happens everyday, everywhere, in our homes, in our churches, in our businesses, all across the USA.  But, I do believe smaller localities feel it because so many people know each other.  Or, know of each other.  Or, think they know each other.  And so much is at stake.  I bring it up here because the name for this blog is All Aboard Hamlet for a reason. 

I've mused about the blacks and whites and shades of gray for days and days now.  So much so, I could probably write about it for hours and hours.  I shall spare you, though!
 
What it boils down to is that it's the black and white "things" of this world that can simply either bring us together, or separate us.  Yet, beneath the surface view, within the various shades of gray is where "the stuff" that can form true bonds can be discovered and forged.  Rather than resentments and animosities fostered.  It's the area where our differences can be overtaken by positives and mutual understandings.  Even when the understanding happens to be to agree to disagree.  The shades of gray are home to the common ground(s) where life long relationships can be created, or a single moment of perfect understanding between people can be found.  And yes, within the shades of gray are the places where adversity can melt away into diversity.  It's where the stark contrasts aren't seen as negatives, but compliment each other as positives.  It all depends on the way we choose to see things. 

How does this translate to photography?  Or, vice versa?  Or, maybe better said, it's how did Jeanne get into this groove?  Well, I've always been a people person and an observer of people as far back as I can remember.  Then, even more so after spending eleven years in my former career interviewing countless people from all walks of life for my old employer.  But, in *this* case, I believe God reminded me of things I already knew using a few of my photos.  It's just amazing how that happens.  

For some it may be an easy jump to get, for others, a leap...

In looking at black and white photography, immediately you're aware that there is more to the picture.  Of course, your mind registers the most obvious... it's missing color, but is it really missing anything else?  Or, does it actually give you more of the picture?  Do the blacks and whites and shades of gray pull you into the photograph deeper than a color version would?  Does it capture your imagination?  Without the grays sewing the photograph together, could you even see the black and white portions clearly?

Or, does a color photograph give you a clearer picture? 

With me a black and white scenic photo can pull me in more than color version does because it actually captures more of my interest.  The same holds truth with most black and photos and me regardless of the subject matter.  My eyes stop at the surface with color photos, so I've learned to take time to discover and see each detail, way beyond just looking at the photo.  During the process in my mind, I'm describing each detail to myself.  (This is just one of the little things I do to help rewire my brain from the effects of misfires and seizures.)  With black and white, I automatically see the depth and beyond.  That's just me, though.  Also, the photos I chose to share are a variety of "vanilla" shots.  Nothing super striking, however, I did find the black and white versions of the ancient trees were a bit Sleepy Hollow-ish and a little scary.

No, truly this isn't a lesson on interpreting black and white vs. color photography.  But, my choice to share a few of my shots of the recent ice and snow in  Main Street Park in black and white and shades of gray, surely got my mind to thinking.  And I believe God seized opportunity to open my eyes a little wider.  What about yours?

Now, for the second reason I chose to share my shots in black and white and shades of gray.  Trust, me this is super short!  I was playing with my camera settings in an attempt to deal with the reflections and brightness of the sunlight that morning against the ice and snow in some of the photos I snapped.  Unfortunately, I wasn't thrilled with the results at all.  Honestly, I felt like kicking myself, because who knows when Main Street Park will be so beautifully draped in ice and snow again.  However, once I added a simple black and white effect, I found those particular photos more to my liking.  Normally, I'm not really into effects much at all, but this time, the effects caused me to reflect deeper and much further than a simple photograph would normally take me.  In the color counterparts, I couldn't get past what I was looking at to see what God had for me in the black and whites with shades of gray.  What an effect!

Me thinks Mr. Thoreau certainly knew what he was talking about...  

"The question is not what you look at, but what you see."  ~ Henry David Thoreau

Black and white and shades of gray...

Well, it's been about seven weeks since my last blog entry here on All Aboard Hamlet. True, that's a long time to go without an entry, however, for the purposes of this blog, I'm striving not to duplicate content that one can read in the Daily Journal.  Reporter, Hollie Nivens has been doing a nice job keeping up with all of the happenings and news in Hamlet.  Also, there are several avenues available for locals and once locals, and interested parties to read about main stream happenings in Hamlet, as well as view photos, too, such as OURHAMLET.org.

In a way these seven weeks have blown by in a flash. From the Christmas Tree Lighting in Main Street Park, to Hamlet's Christmas parade, to Hamlet's Old Fashioned Christmas festivities up and down Hamlet Avenue and Main Street on the evenings of December 10th & 11th, to the actual Christmas and New Year's holidays, it's been a busy time for the community of Hamlet.  It's been a busy time for me, and I suspect the same is true of you!  Add the gorgeous day late white Christmas, followed by Hamlet born author, Jody Meacham's Through the Heart of the South book signing event at the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum the evening of December 27th, the days have just clicked on by!  And, between then and now, a great deal has been happening in my family.  The most difficult has been the recent loss of my last living uncle back home in Virginia, which has hit all of my family with heart string ties to Hamlet very hard.  I have such fond memories of him.  In fact, several trips I made to Hamlet as a little kid was with he, my aunt and my cousin.  My next post on Project Rewire will be about him, so as I've been writing this in my mind, I'm also thinking a about him, too.  He enjoyed hearing and reading what was happening in Hamlet.  He loved trains and railroad stories like all of us do in my family.  He also read my entries here, so, admittedly, it hurts a little for me to be here.  I liken it to walking into a room and someone's special chair now sits empty. 

Anyway... add another snowy weather event partnered up with ice this past week, time, thankfully, seemed to stop for a couple of days.  Personally, it was a very welcome inclement weather situation as it gave me time to play hooky from life during special walks through the icy forest nearby my home with my husband on Monday and Tuesday.  We couldn't wait to get outside to experience the beautiful winter wonderland first hand.  It also gave me some blank spots in my days to catch up on other stuff, too.  So, I'm finally at the place where I can focus on my blogs again. 

Here, on All Aboard Hamlet, I have several upcoming posts planned already.  Lately, I've been devoting a lot of thought to "community" in respects to shared common ground and possible bonds that could be fostered as a result of that shared ground.  I've been appreciating the changes I see happening on Main Street Hamlet, and even new Hamlet focused Pages on Facebook.  And it may sound silly, but I've pondering black and white and shades of gray.  How so?  Well, in photography and how I see the things that make you and I, you and I.  How the shades of gray are the areas where our common bonds can be found. I'll elaborate in my next post...

But, for right now, I want you to take a walk with me through Main Street Park in black and white and shades of gray.  Once the roads in our neighborhood became passable last week, my husband and I headed to the Depot.  I already knew I'd missed taking the photos I would have so loved to take of the Depot itself, but I had an inkling Main Street Park would make up for it.  It truly did.  It was like being the midst of an ice castle with the sky for a ceiling and fencing, instead of walls.

(To me, black and white photography isn't necessarily without true color.  It's all about one's imagination and in viewing color photos vs. black and white, with color the eye sees the image first, where in black and white, your heart does.  The emotion that can be provoked, or illustrated in black and white and the all important shades of gray can pale a color version of the same shot if you see them side by side.  Black and white shots are poetic stills, where colored shots vividly portray their subjects. It may just be me, but I believe black and white shots are more timeless.  They certainly capture a part of me, color doesn't. What about you?  As you view the shots below, think about it...) 

We had the most lovely walk through Main Street Park amidst the snow and ice. It was so icy, my husband had to keep a tight grip on me to keep me from falling.  I almost wiped out several times, but fortunately, either my husband, or I caught myself.  We saw one man fall three times.  Poor guy.  He was there with the love of his life, and we were thrilled he didn't take her down, too.  To say it was beautiful, is an understatement.  It was just breathtaking the way the ice covered and molded to everything.  It shimmered and glistened in the sunlight so perfectly, I could have cared less if the trees ever leafed out again.  The sky was a gorgeous blue, but the reflection off the snow mingled with the brilliant morning sunlight made it so incredibly bright, there were times I couldn't see through my camera's view finder.  There were times, I couldn't see at all.  Yep, I was blinded by the light!  We could hear the sounds of the ice cracking as we walked, well, stomped to maintain our balance. We could hear the birds, and a brisk whooshing of the wind through the trees and stark areas. It was refreshing, exhilarating, and the icy air felt so clean.  Like a blast of healthy!

The ancient trees were magnificent. I found myself wondering how many ice and snow storms they'd weathered and how many people they've enjoyed seeing stroll by them. And how many trains either carrying passengers on a journey, or goods to keep our nation's stock piles of whatever filled go by them.  And how much of Hamlet's history they've witnessed, but are keeping to themselves like secrets. What about the younger specimen trees planted around the park?  What are they learning about people as they listen in and observe them as they stand silently?

Although I always find Main Street Park wonderful, it's the views from within it in all directions that always seem to be the most intriguing and appealing to me.

To be continued...

Autumn vividly signals transitions & changes both nature & manmade...

;

Autumn signals many changes.  We've already turned the clocks back from "fast time" as my grandmother Holland used to call it, even though she never turned her clocks back.  She said she'd had enough of that during WWII, and she stuck to it!

In Hamlet Autumn means the Seaboard Festival for townspeople and for visitors from all around.  It also means the colors of the season's change can be seen up and down the old side streets vividly and in places like Main Street Park.

Toward the end of Autumn after the Seaboard Festival, there's a little bit of a lull while shades of yellow, orange, gold and red appear on the trees and leaves begin to delicately fall, before they're either raked, bagged and taken away.  Or, returned to the earth as Mother Nature's natural mulching material.  Once the color peak becomes a thing of the past, and more leaves are on the ground, than on trees, Hamlet begins preparing for the upcoming Holidays.

The transition doesn't really happen overnight if you're frequently in the area, but if you aren't it surely may seem like it.  Even old timer trees get into the act in prepping for the holidays by allowing Mistletoe to adorn their upper limbs.  They want to make sure everyone gets kissed during the Christmas season.

Up above, banners that line the streets signaling events, holidays and season changes are in the midst of transition, too, to reflect greetings for the season.  And giant soon to be lighted snowflakes sit on the ground waiting for a quick boost up from city workers.  They'll softly light up the streets for the holidays with a certain type of warmth and old timey charm one can only find in small town America cities, like in Richmond County, NC.

I believe of all of the seasons, as Autumn begins to roll in the changes it brings to the naked eye are more obvious, than Winter, Spring or Summer.  As the leaves begin to fall, and breezes kick it up a few notches, we know what's ahead for us.  Yet, we're stuck kind of in between Summer, Autumn and Winter with the way the temps swing to and fro in the Sandhills.  Often, there are 40 degree differences from dawn until dusk.  That's like three seasons in a single day.  Some trees stand leafless, while others either hold tight to the few leaves they have left, or their foliage as long as they can with merely a flag pole in between them.

They know it's going to turn cold, just like we do.  The difference, they undress for it, while we bundle up.  Now, ponder that one for a few!   For warm weather lovin' people like me, we actually begin to brace ourselves for the icy temps and the dreary weather.  For me it means some extra pain in my head and throughout my body, but whatever.  It's part of my life now.  I don't like it, but it's the way it is, that's why I do everything I can to distract myself every waking moment of every day.  At the first sign of cool temps, I begin layering my attire, even inside my home.  My homemade iced lattés become steaming hot yummy concoctions to warm myself inside out, inside my home.  Pots of delicious hot tea made from my husband's and my favorite loose teas become must haves, frequently.  I begin switching from showers to hot baths to warm my forever cold feet and hands when nothing else will.  As leaves begin to fall, they begin showing up inside my home with the help of my four rescue Springers (and my husband).  So, with Autumn I find I must tap into my hope reservoir and remind myself that it will get warm again even though the deciduous trees are preparing to hibernate by dropping their leaves.  I keep in mind that we're just in transition and remember how easy it is to find beauty in the imperfections.  During the colder weather that means skies filled with a variety of clouds, and sundogs are apt to pop out at random during icy feeling late afternoons.  I find myself actually looking forward to taking pictures of my favorite sleeping trees, as I affectionately call my tree friends.  I find myself hoping and anticipating lavender, pink and red sky sunrises, and sunsets on cold days, that are so refreshing and renewing to my spirit that they have the ability to warm my heart and soul.  Sky views that only come along with winter.  I begin praying for a few pretty snows, too.  Nothing significant, just enough to  blanket the ground with fun white stuff for kids and critters young and old to enjoy.  And, I know that no matter how cold or icky it gets, a splendor of fresh flower blossoms and delightful fragrances are ahead as Spring rolls in and becomes Summer.

During Autumn I have some special places in Richmond County that call me each year.  One of these places is very nearby me.  So close, I can actually walk to it.  Two are in Rockingham -- the Historic area, and Hinson Lake.  One big favorite, I just featured in my other blog, Project Rewire.  To see an amazing yellowish gold sight, considering clicking "here" to take a quick peek.  The fourth, of course, is Main Street - Hamlet and the Depot area.  The colors aren't as vibrant as in years past, in my opinion, and when I look back through photos, but nonetheless, they're still pretty to me.

 

In strolling around the area, I still see beauty in the imperfections all around, however, it does hurt just a pinch to see how the frost turned the Kudzu lace upon my old telephone crosses into a vine.  It reminds me of the thorns Christ wore on Calvary, even though there are no thorns.  Again, I keep the image of Spring in mind when the green returns to prove God's plan for the cycle of the seasons was the perfect way to go!

Man made transition is so apparent up and down Main Street.  The rehabilitation of several buildings has now taken place and it's so good for the hearts of those who live in, or have heart ties to Hamlet, like me.  The changes have taken what were practically eyesores, to literally stunning joys to behold.  Particularly, when you can see the contrast right before you, as I can via photos I've taken over the past couple of years.

When I began this blog, I shared some photos of the Lackey Building, but there's many more in my stash.  I also held back pictures of Main Street Central because it was in the transition process.  Plus, the photos showed a building of yesteryear, sadly fallen into disrepair.  The aerial above, doesn't show it all, thankfully, but it shows enough to give you an idea of the way it was before it was given a new life by Nancy Rivers.

Even though, I've not talked with her personally, nor do I know her, she obviously saw that it was high time for a change.  That the old anchor building on the corner, needed some badly TLC hands on care to bring it back to it's attractiveness of decades long since passed.

Talk about another amazing transition!  The work Nancy has done, is nothing short of a miracle!  It's gone from being a place a person couldn't get by fast enough, to quite welcoming.

I mean really, what could look more comfy and welcoming than seeing this entry way along Main Street Hamlet?

I've yet to get a chance to see the interior, but I've stood and just to admire it a couple of times now.  In fact, day before yesterday I had to take package to the Post Office for mailing.  As I often do, I went to the Hamlet Post Office.  Yes, it's a nostalgia thing.  I get to walk up the steps and through the doors like I did as a little girl with my granddaddy to retrieve mail from Box 128.  I took this little trip on my own since my husband was working.  These days, I don't get behind the wheel of a car very often.  So, it's a big treat to go off on my own even for simple errands.  Of course, I had my handy dandy point 'n shoot camera with me, because I'd planned on taking a few shots of Main Street Central while in Hamlet.  Standing there soaking in Nancy's handiwork from the Happy Holidays way she has the porch decorated, to the paint scheme, truly was the cherry on the top of my day.  

I looked at the building closely and the hard work that's so easy to see from the outside and appreciated it for several minutes.  To say it's night and day, is an understatement.  It's like a breath of fresh air on that corner now, compared to what always struck me, and others, as sadness and despair for too many years.  I hope to go back soon during the Christmas season to take a collection of photos with my Nikon, and perhaps, get a peek inside the place.

Now for a few comments about this blog from the blogger...

Obviously, it's been almost a month since my last entry.  It's not that I haven't had thoughts, words and photos to share.  It's not that I haven't been compelled to share.  More or less, it's been a matter of holding myself back to give some further thought to this place -- my hopes for it, blended with reality.  And, to be honest, to give my Aunt Jane, the subject of my last entry, which was an open letter to her, some time to get set up with a new internet provider.  I didn't want that special post to get covered up by other entries, so she could easily discover it on her own as she rehabs from the stroke.

And... to be totally honest, I wanted to see if anyone would take me up on my offer to share photos from the Hamlet's Seaboard Festival.  But, no one approached me.  Has that bothered me?  Maybe a pinch, but it's not that I didn't expect it.  And, I'm not throwing off on anyone.  People need to get to know me, to trust me, and the vehicle for that is partially through this blog.  The non response from locals helped me to see that this particular blogging endeavor will be pretty much "my" thing, rather than a community driven blog as I'd hoped.  Not my original intentions, but changing directions "now" in my thought processes is an easy transition.  Down the road would set me up for possible disappointment.  Hopefully, in time people within the community will embrace All Aboard Hamlet, and climb on board by taking time to read and comment here and there.  Hopefully, in time people will get to know me and share their stories with me.  And, in time allow me to share there stories on All Aboard Hamlet, if they are uncomfortable sharing them themselves.  I don't claim to be a photographer, nor a writer, but I do enjoy sharing stories and memories.  I believe it's important for future generations in Hamlet and elsewhere to hear about "then" for several reasons.  One, so we can appreciate the contributions made in getting to  "now".  Two, so "now" as compared to "then" will become crystal clear.  Three, so we can understand how change and transition, although difficult at times, is necessary to bring about a better future.

I could go on and on with this train of thought, cementing it in various examples, but Autumn itself, illustrates it much better than my humble attempts via words ever could.  And what's one of the best things ever that Autumn has to offer?  Well, Thanksgiving, of course!  This year I'm especially grateful for having an opportunity to make a little bit of a difference at The Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum.  My husband and I both enjoy our volunteer gig there, and working with my partner, Dave on the website project has just been great.  I enjoy cyber networking to promote The Depot and all that comes with it, and Hamlet as town with a bright future.  I'm also especially grateful for some special new bonds I've made this past year with some of the town folk and the encouragement they've given to me.  As I walk up and down Main Street Hamlet, I'm thankful for all of the efforts a collective group of people in giving a good part of the street a much needed face lift.  The strides that have been made are both heart warming, touching and amazing.  Thank you from a person with heart string ties to Hamlet.

My best wishes to all for a blessed 2010 Thanksgiving!

Hamlet has some terrific events to enjoy locally ahead.  The ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree in Hamlet's Main Street Park this coming Monday, November 29th at 5:30 p.m. tops my list of my "Hamlet" must dos.  How about yours?

 

To see this lovely tree in it's glory, you must see it 

at night once it's lighted for the Christmas Season!

Meet my friends, the charcoal wall and its buddy, the weed...

Picking up from my October 25, 2010 entry...
Below will be a few more illustrations of how I see beauty in the imperfections from Main Street Park.  For those of you who aren't local and may not know about Hamlet Crossing, it's the physical "X" railroad North, South, East & West crossroads directly in front of the HHD&M (Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum). 

Depending on the weather conditions -- blue skies to cloud cover.  Or, whether we have a front moving in or out.  Or, the time of day such as dawn, dusk, and in between, to long past midnight (if the Amtrak arrives late on its way to Florida) my glimpses of beauty aren't set in stone.  They are ever changing.  However, I do have some favorites that once they captured my attention, I was hooked.  And since, they've gone on to become captivating to me.  Meaning, I take photos of those things often.  I'm using the word "things" very loosely here.  There are certain trees that I take photos of seasonally and whenever Steve and I go down to the HHD&M simply to sit outside and watch and wait for trains to come by.  There's also a particular RR Crossing sign I'm quite fond of and the natural lighting effects upon it can change it from being washed in pastels to reflecting the sun right in my eyes.  Also, the Hamlet Crossing Equipment Building reflective abilities and position intrigue me.  Of course, my fave of all is my heart building, none other than the Depot itself.  And along with the Depot, the tracks running in each direction.  But, one thing that's probably the most unique and may seem curious to others that I could call a fave is the outer wall of the old falling down charcoal building behind the Tornado Building.  Or, perhaps better described as the Main Street Park perspective of what's left of that old building.  To me, it makes for a great back drop, or canvas.  Plus, I respect that it once had a life and gave people jobs.  It had visitors.  It maybe even had friends.  I study that building and look at how the lighting of the day plays upon it.  I study that building and look closely at the foliage, shrubs, and plants growing along its base.  I look at the tangle of vines on the south end of it, and the weeds growing on top of it.  Call me odd, but I actually like those weeds and am thankful they are out of reach for grounds maintenance care takers to remove them.

During the summer months there is a marvelous vine with vibrant orange flowers which attracts butterflies and dragonflies like crazy.  One afternoon the dragonfly population was so busy I hopped around like frog trying to snap as many photos as I could of them.  But, there is a lone weed standing sentry on top of the wall since I first began visiting Main Street Park frequently.  Seriously, God only knows how longs its been there.  It's there in fair weather and bad weather.  Except for it's top, it's roots are unmovable.  Boy, can't a lesson be learned from the weed right there?

I've watched my friend, the weed, bend to and fro in the wind.  I don't know, maybe it's roots are holding that wall together?  Ya think?  It's only a guess, because, much of the rest of that building, contrary to the buildings along Main Street, didn't hold tight.  Possibly, because it's been out of sight and out of mind for so so very long.  I've also wondered if its counterparts, meaning the other building nearby, have made it feel jealous, and sad because it's not getting much attention by its owner.  I hope it knows how fond I am of it, in spite of its condition.

 This weed is very hardy. 
It's growing in brick and mortar at the very top of a relic of a 15' wall.  

 This weed is strong and resilient.  It asks for nothing at all from man to live, not just exist,

because God is its creator and caretaker. 

 This weed is stubborn.  Blue skies, clouds, rain, sleet, hail or snow.  Temps from 110+  degrees with varying heat indexes to temps so cold the ground lays frozen.  Yet, it steadfastly survives.  Which is stronger?  The weed, or the wall?

God made weeds virtually to be thorns in our sides and tough to be done with forever.  This one figured that out and lives single.  It's chosen to live high enough out of reach to keep itself safe.  It's solitary, yet not alone, Main Street Park and all it encompasses gives it company.

As I've mentioned before and will again and again, much in life comes down to perspective.  How you look at things, literally, and how you focus your attention.  A few example of perspective will follow that I snapped this past Monday and Tuesday.  Only one is an exception -- an aerial I took a year ago last summer above the building.  You'll notice that I've cropped my weed friend to show it off.  I bet, to look at it, you would never suspect it sits atop a wall of a caved in building.

 Not quite in its entirety & the Autumn is definitely leaving its mark upon the foilage and   little tree.  Shadows were cast by lots of moving clouds yesterday, yet, there is a bright ray of sun beaming through and down on the grasses and Liriope -- that means something to me, sort of a like a ray of hope.

I have a thing for the fan.  I've watched it spin again and again.  A very welcome sight on a hot as Hades day, as it signals a welcomed breeze.

This south end of the wall or corner is very hard to see due to the overgrowth of fuscia colored blooms, various greens, and yellows.  Some of the yellow is actually that bright Monday sun.

 I believe nature's cosmetic touches to the old building (that could be easily seen as an eyesore) actually help the remnant feel better about itself.  Any architect will tell you a building has a heart, a soul and a personality.  This one is no different.  It's just neglected and partially in pieces.

 Blooms deserve to be appreciated whereever they grow,
even if they're hiding something easily considered unsightly. 

Now, this is what the wall is hiding all of us from,
amazing how appealing the wall suddenly becomes?  

I didn't know exactly what was hiding until my husband and I first flew about 300' above the area on July 25, 2009.  I was already a fan of the wall, but from that point on, my appreciation of it and affection for it grew.  However, cropped with what remains of the building chopped out, it almost looks like a cool abstract painting to me.  How about to you?

To me, the building is happier with its caved in roof.  It can breath again.  It can hear all of the sounds in Main Street Park from the trains to the birds singing.  It can see dawn to dusk and the heavens above.  It can watch Hamlet's annual Fourth of July fireworks and the Christmas tree lighting.  It's no longer closed from the inside in darkness, nor shut in.  And one day, it will have a life again.  Possibly, not as it once did.  It could be something new will be put upon it's foundation, since that is truly the part that has stood the test time.  Or, it could mean something brand new is built from scratch, or the park is expanded where it once stood.  Regardless, just so you all know, as politely as I can say it, the City of Hamlet is not responsible for its condition.

At the moment, my friends, the charcoal wall and its buddy, the weed are anxiously anticipating one of its favorite events, the 27th Annual Seaboard Festival in less than 3 days!  Meet, too!  How about you?

Next up will be some "thens" or "befores" of the Lackey Building, so anyone attending the festivities on Saturday can have a fresh memory of just how far the building has come, as the hands of time have been turned back. Tip... just remember to look up!

Lastly, a comment about my photos.  This is something I've repeated again and again on Project Rewire (which I'll be picking up again very soon).  I don't add effects to my pictures.  On several of the shots above there appears to be no sky.  That's a brightness issue due to the sun.  I could add a sky, but then it wouldn't be exactly real.  Make sense?  Hope so!