Category Archives: Photography

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Day 1 – Radford: A Home to Trains and Building Art

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Why a post combining trains and building art?  Mostly it’s about timing.

I am on the first night of a 7 night / 8 day, mostly business trip around Virginia.  As I was trying to get out of Radford and head on down the road to Richmond, I was drawn to two scenes that I see almost on a daily basis.  I’m not sure what made me stop to take pictures today, especially since I was already running late, but … have camera … well you know.

Trains and building art could easily fill several posts, but today, a few pictures will have to do.

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Radford has been a railroad town since the 1850s when the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad (later the Norfolk and Western Railway) came through.  The population grew dramatically as did business, industry and education.  Passenger rail service no longer exists in Radford, but the railroad through the city is still a major component of Norfolk Southern Railway’s Roanoke to Bristol route.  As is typical of those who live in a railroad town, it is easy to become immune to the sound of the trains and their whistles as they pass through the city.

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The structure pictured below sits right behind the railroad tracks.  I am sorry to say that I do not know what it is … I was guessing a water tower.  A quick FB call out to local Radford folks revealed that most agree, especially given it’s proximity to the rail yard.  I’m hoping I can learn the date it was constructed and any other interesting bits of information as well.  We’ve got some serious history buffs in our little city.  I’ll pass on what I learn!

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Since I posted this morning I have heard from several who tell me that the tower served to store water for use by the steam engines.

As buildings are renovated or unfortunately torn down (or fall down), art in the form of advertisements is often revealed.  Radford, like many localities, has many more examples of building art than just those pictured here.  These particular ads were revealed when the City of Radford took down an old partially burned out building (which even had a tree growing in it) and created a community courtyard.  This lovely little area is now called Carson’s Courtyard.

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This next building sits right across the street from Carson’s Courtyard and the art provides a lovely backdrop for the Farmer’s Market.

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And as you look past the brick wall, you will once again see the tower.

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Day 2 – Richmond

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Practicing Macro on the Signs of Spring

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I love all seasons and types of weather – seriously!

If you follow my blog at all, you’ve heard me express joy for rain, ice, snow and wind, as well as sun and the beauty of fall.

What I particularly love about a seasonal change is that a new season starts arriving right when you are tired of the one you are currently experiencing (obviously, I would not be a good one for living in a southern locality).

Yesterday, I posted pictures of ice … today it’s about the signs of spring … and a few minutes practicing in the macro setting!

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Brrrrrrrr ….

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I am rarely cold, but for some reason this unexpected ice storm has me chilled to the bone!

Still … it’s easy to find the beauty!

First, from the inside looking out …

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Aged And Useful

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As I noted in the previous post, I captured a few different pictures yesterday.  Back at home and in the process of editing, I realized that these four photos had a similar theme and needed to be posted separately.

 Older structures but still very much in use!

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Slow Down, Breathe, Create … Then Have Wine!

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I tend to be an organizer … a doer, planner and task master … with few outlets for creativity.  Photographing what I see around me and blogging about the stories of my life and the lives of those that I love, may just be my only creative outlets.

Yesterday, as I was rushing to take lunch and visit with a dear friend and from there, head to a birthday celebration at a local winery, I felt such a strong urge to stop and photograph the scenes around me.  What I photographed wasn’t so amazing as much as it was the time I took to do it.  It gave me a few moments to breathe, to compose, and to embrace bit of creative energy.

And it felt good (as did the wine I drank afterwards)!!  I enjoy red more than white, but this  vignette at the table nearby caught my eye.

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Another post will follow shortly but the four other pictures begged for a different  venue.

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Holly and Nandina / Rain and Snow

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In just 24 hours, I experienced sun, rain, sleet and snow … and the plants and trees were made prettier because of it.

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One Morning in Roanoke

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The Roanoke Valley is as rich in history as it is in natural beauty and has played a vital role in the growth of Virginia.  The Wilderness Road migration route, traveled by pioneers in covered wagons on their way to settle the frontier, passed right through the region.

Roanoke is the 10th largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the largest municipality in Southwest Virginia.  Formerly known as Big Lick, because of it’s numerous salt marshes (or licks), the city was renamed Roanoke in 1881.

Roanoke became a crossroads for the railroad, which eventually became the Norfolk and Western Railway. Its historic market, which also began in these early years, remains vibrant as one of the oldest in the country and still is an anchor of downtown commerce (http://www.visitroanokeva.com/visitors/history/roanoke-history/).

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It was a lovely morning in Roanoke … perfect for a quick stroll around the downtown market area.

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The variety of windows caught my eye

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Historic Signs and Newer Signs

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Old Buildings

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And New

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Inside the renovated market building

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Outside on the market square

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Downtown Roanoke has much more to see … restaurants and pubs, museums and historic hotels, renovated buildings and shops.  Festivals too!  You should come check it out!

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Roanoke

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While traveling to visit the GOAs in Richmond (see Feb 15th post), I had the chance to stop in Roanoke to meet my friend Ralph for lunch.  It was a bright, sunny day and since I had some extra time, I was able to take some really fun shots of the downtown area.

I’ll be sharing more pictures later … this one is just to introduce you to this Southwest Virginia city, population just under 100,000 people.

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What Was It About This?

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The bright sun shining through and creating lovely shadows?

That same bright light revealing the very dirty window?

The tiny reflection of the flower in the glass?

The simple things in life: flowers, cards, candles, beer, plants?

Not sure … but it caught my eye so thanks for looking!

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