Illumination

Rapturous Light

Although cloudy, overcast days possess their own kind of beauty, for me, it’s the brilliant light of early morning and late evening that stirs my soul and my imagination. I long to capture what such rapturous light evokes within me. Although that quest seems nearly impossible, still I try.

One recent morning, light was working its magic seemingly everywhere I looked. As I rounded a wide curve on Shallowford Road, not far from NC Highway 421, this old, now-spruced-up tobacco barn caught my eye. So I pulled over and began photographing it.

More Photos of the Old Tobacco Barn

To see MORE PHOTOS of the old tobacco barn, please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK to see MORE PHOTOS of the old tobacco barn

Snow on Conrad Road

Getting Around Town

A beautiful snow had fallen overnight in Lewisville, and I wondered: Just how in the world am I going to get photos along Conrad Road? I wanted so much to photograph the scenic Conrad Road area covered with fresh snow. Yet my little truck was not to be trusted whenever the roads were the slightest bit slick. With no clear answer, I left home on foot — equipped with photo gear — and I headed toward the center of town.

Somewhere along the ever-so-peaceful walk, the answer came to me. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it before: Just bum a ride to get to wherever I want to go in Lewisville!

I mean, with two cameras dangling on me, I figured I’d look innocent enough to approaching motorists. And I trusted that I could accurately “size up” my prospective “taxi drivers.” (I was also convinced that kidnappers and other ne’er-do-wells aren’t prone to committing crimes on snowy days!)

“The Tank”

I’d just finished photographing around the old Spaugh House  (discussed in Oh, What a Beautiful Day), and was making my way toward Shallowford Square when I saw “The Tank” coming my way. It was a Hummer — the really big version.

Unexpectedly, the driver of the Hummer, Greg Aaron, brought it to a commanding halt in the middle of the snow-covered road, lowered his window and hollered: “Have you gotten some good shots?” “Yeah, I think so,” I replied. We talked a moment or two about camera gear, and then Greg said the magic words: “I’m headed to Conrad Road to take pictures.”

Before I knew it, I had “volunteered” to go with Greg to Conrad Road! Now, I’m usually not the pushy type — but when it comes to getting good shots, my middle name is “Assertiveness.” Thankfully, Greg is a nice guy, plus he’s a bona fide photo enthusiast who photographs as much as his schedule permits.

A Popular Spot

Of course, Greg and I weren’t the only ones heading to Conrad Road that morning. Numerous vehicles were stopping here and there along the most popular stretch, and folks were stepping out to take pictures of the lovely snowscape.

The everyday beauty of the Conrad Road area is always remarkable to behold. But when covered with snow, its beauty is gloriously magnified. Thanks to Greg Aaron’s hospitality, I was able to capture some of Conrad Road’s snow-covered splendor on a fine, and most memorable, winter morning.

If you’d like to see a few more snow-scene photos of the day, please visit the Conrad Road photo gallery.

Interested in more Conrad Road coverage? CLICK to enjoy more ARTICLES and PHOTOS on Conrad Road.

Two Symbols

Year-round, the US flag hangs in this old barn. And for as long as I can remember, the crèche has been placed there, too, each Christmas.

One symbol peacefully coexisting with another. May it always be so.

More Than a Flag

This flag is tacked to the side of the barn that was recently featured in the Bygone Days post. It’s a fairly simple scene. Yet, for me, on this Election Day, it’s about more than a flag. It’s about the privilege and the freedom to elect those whom we charge to lead and represent us.

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