Illumination
Beautiful morning light bathes an old spruced-up tobacco barn along Shallowford Road in Lewisville, North Carolina.
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
Memorial Day Service
As with so many communities throughout our grateful nation, the Town of Lewisville, North Carolina held its annual Memorial Day Service at Shallowford Square. The event was sponsored by American Legion Post 522.
Real and Present Gratitude
Thanks to the efforts of the American Legion Post 522 and other groups and individuals, our community gathered once more at the Veterans Memorial at Shallowford Square on Memorial Day to honor and thank those who serve, and have served, in our nation’s military.
The Memorial Day Service included vintage military vehicles, special music, invocation and benediction, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Commissioner David Plyler, honor guard, rifle squad and bugler.
We’re thankful for our military men and women who are presently serving our country in such a challenging time. We know you have not chosen the easiest of paths, and we thank you for your service, and for the sacrifices you and your families are making on behalf of your country.
To see more photos of Lewisville’s Memorial Day Service, please visit the 2009 Memorial Day Service photo gallery.
Back to School
A snow day at Lewisville Elementary School in Lewisville, North Carolina.
School Day Memories
Last week on the morning after the light snowfall in Lewisville, I headed to Lewisville Elementary School, hoping for a good shot of my very first alma mater.
As I recalled some of my childhood experiences at the school, I decided to share some of those memories with you. Maybe they’ll trigger some school day memories of your own. If so, consider sharing them in the Comments section at the end of this post.
Please continue to the NEXT SECTION to read 10 distinct memories I have as a student at Lewisville Elementary School…several “light years” ago. CLICK to read the school day memories
All Snowfalls Welcome Here!
Decorative winter flag flying outside the Accessorize This store in Lewisville, North Carolina.
Another Snowfall
Unfortunately, I was not in Lewisville when the light snow began falling this past Tuesday afternoon, and I did not arrive home till late in the evening. I think my shot options would have been better that afternoon than they turned out to be the following morning.
Nevertheless, the snow was a pretty sight the next morning. The roads were mostly clear, and they posed no problems driving around town.
But, boy, was it cold! The wind relentlessly beat the frigid air against my exposed face till it was actually hurting. Plus, I was not completely prepared for the cold when I left the house, as I had inadvertently left behind the all-important hand and toe warmers. (They really do make a difference when you’re in freezing weather for a length of time.) It didn’t take me long to realize I’d forgotten them! After my first stop to take some pics, I headed back home to pick up the warmers.
Looking for Photos
I had already scoped out Shallowford Square and had discovered that the light covering of snow there was disappointingly inconsistent. I eventually headed toward the intersection of Shallowford and Lewisville-Vienna Roads. That’s where I noticed the decorative flag flying outside the Accessorize This store. I liked the bold red cardinal pictured in a snow scene on the flag, so I stopped to see if I could get some good shots of it. The photo shown above seems to be the best one.
Tips for Photographing Flags
If you’ve ever photographed a flag blowing in the breeze, you may know that in order to get a good shot of it, you’ll need to make sure your shutter speed is set fast enough that the flag won’t be blurred (that is, if you’re indeed wanting the flag to look sharp).
More than likely, you’ll also need to take lots of shots, in order to end up with at least one pleasing composition in which the flag is spread out nicely. Most of the shots you’ll take will probably show the flag caught in unnatural-looking and unattractive positions. The strategy of taking a lot of shots was especially necessary on this particular morning, because the wind was very strong, causing the flag to flap about wildly.
Want More Snow?
While I think the shot of the flag turned out nicely enough, I must admit that my hankering for a good snow has not yet been quenched by the little snowfalls we’ve had thus far. I’m still looking for a good one!
How about you? Would you like to see more snow? Or are you ready for spring?! Chime in by clicking on the Comment link below.
