This is no secret to those that know me well.
However, it is not always the heights of drama, but the subtleties that draw me in. The simple, authentic details and moments of life that are
most poignant.
Right before this new year, I was in Charlottesville, VA
visiting with some dear friends on their farm.
While I was there I had the chance to explore a now abandoned home
that was built in the 1700s on that land.
The last resident was a man named Harold. His life extended through great technological
changes – although his home never had electricity or many of the modern
conveniences that came along.
Harold passed away a few years back, his home and land left in the care of our mutual friends. Some of the pieces of his hand built furniture have been beautifully and lovingly refurbished and are now treasured additions to
several homes. Although it is mostly
empty, this house still has so much energy. Even now, there are a few things that
have not been moved - and they “hold” him there.
I stayed a long time taking photographs and willing the place to transport
me to a time that has truly "gone by"...
From the names etched in the wood planks outside, to every remnant of life and light on the inside...I still find myself searching these images, and completely intrigued by what was left behind.
Lisa
Stunning work Lisa...I mean it.. Stunning!!
ReplyDeleteWow, those are some wonderful pictures! I know Anne and Al will appreciate them. You know that old house has lots of memories and stories to tell. Wish it could talk and tell them, but the pictures are worth a thousand words.
ReplyDeleteYour photos take us there! I love places like this that whisper their history to whoever is willing to pause and listen.
ReplyDeleteDeb Weaver
thewordweaver.com
lovely, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteLisa I love these images! You have captured such wonderful light on pieces of this man's history. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I am the neice of the owners of Harold's property. I only met him once while visiting my Aunt and Uncle but, it is a memory I cherish. We walked up the hill to visit Harold, he was sitting on his front porch. He questioned my family about where we traveled from, we described a small town in Pennsylvania. He kept asking questions and we explained home being between Harrisburg and Lancaster, PA. He asked, "Is it near Hershey?" He was correct he described the tall, brown, brick Hershey smoke stacks at the factory. His memory was excellent. We also, took him a Coca-Cola, he was so happy. He just pulled out a straw from his shirt pocket and sipped the whole thing down, in minutes. He also shared some stories about his life and him living on that gorgeoud mountain. I am lucky enough to be able to go back and visit my Aunt and Uncle to experience their love for the same place. A small part of heaven. Thought you would enjoy a memory that I have cherished ever since and always will. Your pictures made me speechless, the beauty in them brought joy to my heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your memory with me and for your kind words about my photography. His home is still a special place indeed.
Delete-Lisa
Lisa, It was a pleasure meeting you and your daughter at Al and Anne's. I'm so grateful to see these telling photos of Harold's place. I think of him often, and, off and on, am writing a novel based on his remarkable life. When I finish it, I'd like to contact you about possibly incorporating some of these photos. Your eye is divine. All best wishes. Dick Harrington, February 4, 2013, at 12:58 p.m.
ReplyDeleteDick, It was a pleasure meeting you as well. I would be honored to be included in your novel - please do contact me.
Delete-Lisa