Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Back Roads of Oregon ~ Highway 97



I love exploring the small towns that are 
scattered across our fair country.  
The ones that if you blink 
you drive past without really 
seeing their charm.  
Sometimes we need to slow down and 
see the beauty that is missed, in our rush to get to our destinations.
The following photos are some that I took in March of this year, on a trip through Oregon to visit my daughter.

This old church was missing it's 
windows and left abandoned.



The bell tower, which once rang out 
every Sunday morning, 
welcoming everyone to enter it's doors.



This old Dodge truck was licensed 
and still in use.



Following is what remains of an
old White truck 
(maybe some of you are familiar with 
this make, but not me).  
I love the deep carving of the name on the radiator and the rusty chassis.  
The rust has created an art all it's own.  
I think is so interesting how it turns 
these amazing colors.





Aren't you glad we don't have to 
crank our cars to get them started.


This is a close-up of the rust.
In this photograph I just saturated 
colors a bit.
Isn't it beautiful?

 




I'm so glad that I took the time 
to drive off the beaten path
 and 
just take this little adventure 
through rural America. 

Thanks for traveling with me
&
I hope you enjoyed the little side trip as much as I did.
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96 comments:

  1. I love that old church, so pretty and the truck is so very different to the trucks we have over here. It has a lot of character and obviously stories to tell xxx

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    1. Yes, when I see old buildings, old trucks or cars, old mixing bowls and such . . . I wonder about their hay day stories. I have a collection of old mixing bowls and when I use them I wonder about the women before me, their kitchens and the smell of bread baking in their ovens. There is something about past loved items that brings me joy. Thanks for visiting, your friend, Connie :)

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  2. I lived for 18 yrs. in Bend, Oregon that is on Hwy 97. I loved to visit all these little abandoned towns too. So much fun. Great pictures. Hugs, Marty

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    1. Hi Marty, Bend was my finial destination, that is where my daughter and granddaughters live. There are so many tiny towns along that highway, but I think this is Grass Valley. It's a beautiful drive from Biggs to Bend; I enjoy the small two lane highways much more than the freeways. So, when I turn at Biggs and head south I'm in heaven.

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  3. Beautiful pictures, Connie. Your photography is truly professional. Thanks for the drive through the country. I think I'll do the same tomorrow afternoon.

    Candy @ PICKINandPAINTIN.blogspot.com

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    1. Candy, thanks for stopping in, and thanks for the lovely comments on my photography. Have a delightful drive tomorrow and I do hope the weather is nice for you. Come back and visit anytime, I adore company. Connie :)

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  4. Hi Connie,

    First I want to thank you for visiting my blog and leading me to yours! What a delight- fantastic photo journeys full of charm, vision and beauty. I look forward to visiting again!

    Lori

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    1. It's so good to hear from you, thank you for the sweet visit and for the lovely compliment. Connie :)

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  5. Dear Connie!
    I loved your pictures!!!
    I always wanted to visit Oregon!
    I love old cars, too... When I was younger I imagined myself in an old car... big round sunglasses and a polka dot head scarf, hahahahahahaha!!!
    Like Thelma and Louise!
    Thank you so much for your beautiful comment on my blog!
    I am going to explore your blog right now!

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    1. Claudine, I'm so happy that you paid me this delightful visit. I'm glad that you like my photos. Starting this blog has helped me start carrying my camera with me more. Before starting to blog it was only coming out at special occasions and family reunions. Love your little story . . . I can see you with the wind blowing your scare as you travel down a winding country road. Have a great day, Connie :)

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  6. Love this Connie! I love old cars and I love road trips, Thanks for sharing : )

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    1. I'm so happy that you stopped by, It was a nice little side trip, sometimes we just have to take time to smell the roses. Have a great day, Connie :)

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  7. The church is a wonderful and unique find. I've witnessed assorted and varied abandoned vehicles over the years, but can truly say I've never come across an abandoned church. Other than the missing windows and bell (and I suspect less than up-to-code interior), this church looks to be in pretty good condition. Makes me wonder why it was abandoned.

    Thanks for visiting my blog; you too have a very lovely blog.

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    1. Niki, It is a beautiful old building and would be a shame for it to end up in a heap of ruin. I've always thought it would be fantastic to live in a church or an old school. I'm afraid that this one is about 200 miles away from where we live . . . it would be a pretty hard commute LOL. Love the new post you just adding . . . the photo of the clouds and the shells must be my favorite. Tried to post a comment and I still can not. The box for posting comes up but when I click it (or even before) it disappears. Well, I'm following and looking very forward to enjoying your photography.
      Your devoted follower, Connie :)
      Come again, my welcome sign is always out.

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  8. when i was a kid my parents used to take us out for sunday drives. i loved them. we went through rich and poor neighborhoods, mostly suburban and urban, and it taught me a lot, even though i didn't know it at the time. thanks for the ride :)

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    1. Hi Lisa, so good to hear from you. Sometimes my hubby and I pack a picnic and head out for a country drive. It is just so nice to get out and take the time to view the beauty around us. I also love it, because there's no TV or phone (that one is a used to be . . . my husband is on call 24/7 . . . but if it's not work, he doesn't answer). It's just our time, and it precious. Thanks for the visit, wish I had some warm cookies to offer you. Connie :)

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  9. You take wonderful photographs! I thoroughly enjoyed them all, but especially the beauty in the ones of the rusting "White" truck .... Mother Nature surely has own very special palette!

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    1. Nature is the most perfect example of fine art.
      Don't you think so? Connie :)

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  10. How fun! I love that old church. Thank you for sharing your trip.

    Thanks for popping by my blog, too. Have a fabulous week!

    xox

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    1. I loved visiting your blog . . . and thank you for dropping in here. Glad you love the old church, it's a shame that it's not still filled with happy Christians. Oh, if those walls could talk. Connie :)

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  11. Wow!!! Really beautiful pictures! I love that you took the back roads and slowed down life for a bit to find these treasures :)

    Thanks so much for the kind words on my blog today.

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    1. I need a little slowing down now and again. The pace of life today, some times makes me feel like a rubber-band being stretched in every direction. Thanks for visiting...love your blog. Connie :)

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  12. Dear Connie...Where do you live? I feel we are kindred spirits! Dumpster diving....where have you been girl? I don't know that I would have any furniture if it weren't for dumpster diving. Anyway, your photos are beautiful...especially the close ups of rusting metals, etc. How much time do you spend painting? You do wear many different hats...so I'd like to ask you a few questions. If you could choose the three creative things that you love to do (ie: phtography, painting, sewing...etc) what would they be (with #1 being the one thing you would love most of all!) Sincerely, Joanie

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    1. I really can not say which are my favorite things to do, because I live my life in a circle going around from one love to another. The only steadfast love in my life is Jesus, my husband, and my family. All other passions become valued with whatever creative mood I'm in. I love painting and photography, but since my injury, I'm just getting back to painting (so in some ways it's all new again). As for photography, it's almost the same thing. I worked almost ten years as a professional photographer (mostly weddings and high school seniors) and I kind of burned out my passion for awhile. Blogging has renewed that passion, and switching from film to digital is still a learning process, but I'm loving the ride. As for where I'm from, for the last 38 years I have made my home in central Washington state, before that I lived all over the USA, but was born and spent most of my childhood (spring, summer, and fall anyway) in the state of Indiana. I was one of those change of life surprises, so my parents were much older by the time I came around and they chose to winter in warmer climates. My Dad was in construction and Indiana is not the best weather for working outside in the winter. WOW! I have rambled on and on . . . now you know a lot about this old gal. Tell me about yourself. Connie :)

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  13. Cool photos Connie - you really bump up the saturation which breathes new life into old subjects. These rural Oregon pics are yet another nagging reminder that I need to take some time off, get the heck out of Portland and really explore my state! I've heard that Oregon has the 2nd highest number of covered bridges in the country, besides PA. How's that for a great excuse for a road trip? Thanks for the inspiration...

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    1. I've seen a few of your covered bridges. My brother lives in Creswell, OR and I think that there are several in that part of the state. Oregon is such a beautiful state. Have to ever taken the scenic route going east out of Portland, that runs parallel with the Columbia river and the freeway. It goes for many miles ( don't remember 20 to 30 maybe) there are several waterfalls and hiking trails, it's a lovely drive. If you have not driven it you must put it on your summer to do list. Connie :)

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  14. Hi Connie! I must tell you that you have a beautifully laid out blog and you take great photos!

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    1. Thank you Tina. You make incredible jewelery. It is so unique. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for becoming a follower, Connie :)

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  15. Thanks for the nice words Connie! And we do seem to love the same photography style!! You have a new follower too :)

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    1. I love getting new followers and I consider you all as friends. If I could I'd throw a party and invite each and every one of you. Thanks you for this visit. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your incredible photography. Connie :)

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  16. Hi Connie,

    I have never been to an area of rural America. Your pictures are fantastic. It makes me want to take a road trip.

    Dee

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    1. Dearest Dee, Oh my goodness . . . I wish I lived close enough to pack a picnic, jump in the car, and pick you up for a trip to the country. You need to put on some jeans and good walking shoes and get out where the roads are dirt or gravel. Where the breeze is blowing through the grass and wildflowers are popping up everywhere around you. I live in wheat country and when the wind blows through the wheat in the summer, it’s like golden waves across the fields for miles and miles. The golden color of the wheat against the blue of the sky is pretty darn close to heaven. Out here you can literally see mountains and mountain ranges that are 200 miles away. Put a road trip on your must do’s for this summer, you will never regret it. Your friend, Connie :)

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  17. Looks like a fun trip! I like hearing about your adventures, sweet Connie!

    xoxo

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    1. Lisa, it is always nice to open my blog and see your smiling face. Thanks for the sweet comment and "stay happy, mama".
      Your friend, Connie :)

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  18. Love the photos!
    And the rust IS gorgeous!! ;-)

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    1. The colors and the texture of rust can be pretty awesome. I guess it is a matter of respective, if that rust were on my car, I would not think it was so beautiful, but on this old truck, I think it's incredibly gorgeous. Thanks for visiting and thanks for becoming a new follower, Connie :)

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  19. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos with us. I love taking the backroads and seeing what there is to see. My parents did that when I was a kid, so it's in my blood. Why take the highway when you can see so much more on the little meandering back roads. Life isn't just about the destination is it? It's about the getting there.

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    1. Now that I am retired, I plan on taking more back roads. Most of our towns out here are 20 to 50 miles apart, so for a woman alone, it can be a risk . . . so I do not take the chance often. Having a break down out in the middle of no-where is not my idea of fun, so I do little towns and save the bigger adventures for when my husband has the time to meander with me. There are treasures to be found on the back roads of America . . . or any other country, I'm sure. Let's do some exploring! Connie :)

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  20. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog, I'm your newest follower. My husband and I also love taking the back roads and seeing a bit of what life used to be like before the highways were put in. Next time...I'm taking my camera :)

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    1. Now that I'm blogging, I carry my camera with me every time I think of it, which is more and more because of the blog. I'm not the best at writing, but you know what they say about a picture is worth a thousand words. I'm so glad that you decided to follow, I enjoy making new friends. Connie :)

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  21. I love that church! So beautiful! thanks for coming to see me and the sweet encouragement! I enjoy the simple things in life too!

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    1. I just clickes on your blog to get a refresher before answering your comment . . . the new post of your home is awesome. If I were to pick up and move, a home like yours would be my dream. Love the big front porch and the simple country feel . . . it looks like the greatest place to raise a family. Thanks for the sweet little visit, looking forward to becoming better friends as we blog along this cyber highway. Connie :)

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  22. Fabulous little trip with some amazing photos. I always have a camera with me even if it's just my mobile phone as you never know what's waiting to be snipped! Thanks for joining my blog, I'm now about to join yours. Suzy x

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    1. Thank you for visiting and for following. I love your photos and your crafts are so lovely. The crochet work is beautiful. Yes, if you are going to blog, you better have your camera charged and ready. LOL
      Connie :)

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  23. Oh I can just imagine the old church with it's windows intact. I liked the old truck too! Thank you for stopping by my blog. Pleased to meet you in blog land :)

    Jo Ann

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    1. You certainly captured the riveting colors in the tulip on your today's post. I've always been very fond of macro photography. I think that your idea of a photo day is a brilliant way to create a portfolio and to keep your creative juices flowing. You're an inspirational to artist everywhere. Hope to have you visit again. Connie

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  24. My dad restores old cars so those photos reminded me of many family trips we took in search of a beauty. xx

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    1. I'm so glad that they brought back a childhood memory. Road trips can be so much fun. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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  25. LOVE the old church !! How neat ! (o:

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    1. Hi Sandy, I'm so glad you decided to visit, and thanks for following my blog. It is a pretty old church. I'm sure it would have some stories to tell. Have an amazing day. Connie :)

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  26. This post made me cry remembrance tears of my youth, growing up in Oklahoma. We had plenty of drive-thru towns and my grandpa had a whole green Ford truck. It didn't look great but it drove like a charm. I love thinking back to my childhood days, as they were full of great times: Rodeos, cattle auctions, every street corner loaded with old pick-ups filled with fresh melons, corn, peaches..., laundry hanging on the clotheslines.... I miss those days, but I'm thankful for my present place in time, for I know the Lord has placed me exactly where I belong. Many blessings, Connie.

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    1. The Lord knows exactly where we need to be, doesn't He? Last year I finally persuaded my husband to let me put up a clothesline in the back yard. I have no idea why he objected to the idea so long. Well, the first night that he slept on sheets that were dried in the sun . . . he knew why I wanted that clothesline. It's hard to convince someone that sheets just smell so much better when dried in the sun. They just have to experience it for themselves. I love your story of pick-ups filled with melons,and corn, it gets me in the mood for a picnic. That's another story . . . Picnic is just about my favorite word in the dictionary. Have you ever been on a bad picnic? Not me . . . even if you get rained on, it's fun.
      I so much enjoy your blog. It is so up lifting and such a sweet way to remember how very blessed we are. Thank you for being a sweet ray of sunshine. Connie :)

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  27. What a beautiful old church and those trucks such solid old beasts. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to supporting and engaging with you. Take Care. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

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    1. Hi there special gal, I am so glad that you want to be blogging friends. I love your blog, you have so many interesting posts.
      Then when I read your profile and hear your favorite movies . . . are my favorite movies . . . Miss Potter, Bridget Jones Diary, Under The Tuscan Sun, Sleeping With The Enemy. Hey, girl let's pop some corn! But the big one was Rod Stewart's America Songbook Albums . . . at this very moment they are in the CD changer in my car. I love singing when I drive and I'll bet you do too. How about it? Have a great day, Connie :)

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  28. Hi Connie,
    Thanks so much for stopping by my little spot in blogland and leaving sweet comments about the Blueberry Cheesecake. I'll have to look and see if I have a recipe for a good old New York one.
    I love the photos you took along your drive. It is nice to stop every once in a while just to "see" what we normally just drive by without noticing.

    I looked at another post of yours~the one with the bluejeans. How very cute!!
    I'm now following you as well and look forward to viewing your next post.
    Take care and have a Happy Easter!

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    1. Hi Jana, Thanks for the sweet visit and thank you for following. I just want to say to anyone that might read this comment and reply, that if they have not checked out your blog, they need to. It is filled with great food recipes. Good comfort food, the kind of food you want coming out of your kitchen, the kind of food that makes your family want second-helpings. Yummy!!! Jana, you have a Happy Easter too.
      Your new blogging friend, Connie :)

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  29. Connie, I am so pleased that you took that little side trip and brought the results to us! I just love that abandoned church, abandoned, so sad and at the same time so beautiful, and those old cars, the colours are just brilliant.
    I just noticed you and another follower love Miss Potter. Me too!!
    Cheers and best wishes always Jane

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    1. Hi Jane, I totally love Miss Potter and have watched it more than any movie ever. What a wonderfully creative and generous woman she was. Rene'e Zellweger did an outstanding job with the character. Well, you already know, it's one of your favorite, too!
      Jane, I so appreciate your visit, it is always a pleasure.
      I only know a little bit about your Australia, you know the Crocodile Dundee stuff, and the sailing and surfing stories. I know there is so very much more to know than that. I have several followers from Australia and they all seem to be very matter of fact, common horse sense women . . . salt of the earth . . .warm and friendly people. I just know we would get along splendidly. Your blogging friend, Connie :)

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  30. What a lovely post. We all could use a little bit of slowing down and taking time to see details in the world around us. Thanks for sharing this post. I am a new follower and thankyou for visiting my Special paper Projects blog. I also have a creative vintage blog that you might like that is askmichelesomethingspecial.blogspot.com or you can get to it by visiting and clicking on the sidebar of Something special on my Special paper projects blog. Thanks for becoming a follower there.
    I love your profile picture with the guitar. You look so cute!

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    1. Thanks for the visit. I will check out your other blog, sounds interesting. As for looking cute, my husband thinks so, but he loves me. Other than that, don't look too close. I'm not complaining, because this body has been a good one for over sixty-five years and if I'm anything like the women that came before me, I should get a good 100 years or more before it wears out. Life is good and I am blessed. Have a remarkably wonderful Easter . . and look for me on your other blog . . .I'm sure it will be delightful and one that I'll want to follow. Connie :)

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  31. Hi Connie! Just the kind of trips that are so satisfying when we return home and then think back upon them later....loved all your beautiful and telling images...every little detail! Truly beautiful, Connie , thank you for taking us along. N.XO

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    1. I love going into my blog and finding such kind words in the morning. I'm so glad you enjoyed my little trip. I must say that the little shopping trip you took the other day was heavenly. The dress form in the photos is so romantic, takes you back to corsets and lace (something I enjoy looking at, but would not want to wear). Thank you for the sweet visit. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Easter.

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  32. What beautiful photos, Connie! One of my favorite parts of traveling is looking for old barns and churches...such character...

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    1. It was just a little stop in a little town that I have passed by in a blink, so many times. One of those places you save for the next trip, but on the next trip you drive by again. I'm really glad I stopped. Besides the adventure, it's a relaxing change of pace. Just makes the whole trip more enjoyable. Thanks for the kind visit, come again and Happy Easter. Connie :)

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  33. Thanks for the lovely comments on my blog.... And i have followed you back. I love these photos.... There is something about once loved items and places that is so appealling!

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    1. Isn't that the truth . . . I also get a stirring inside about the people who were there before me. If it's an item, the person who used it. My husband loves homemade bread and it makes the house smell so good. Baking a couple loafs is on my list today. I have a collection of old mixing bowls, my Mom's, my Mother-in Law's and some from thrift stores and yard sales. I imagine the ladies that sat them on the counter with their bread raising, ready for the oven. How many women sent their husband's noses to heaven, when he came home from a day of hard work to smell the sweet scent of warm bread. My hubby is going to be so pleased. Have a great weekend and Happy Easter, Connie

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  34. Hi Connie, Yes, we do share the same interests and have a lot in common. Your photos are amazing and I love the fact that they are "up close and personal" I carry my small camera everywhere I go and it looks like you do too. Your blog is wonderful with all the places you go and all the things you do. I will stop back soon and explore more soon, and just to let you know...I am a follower.

    Thank you so much for your comments.
    momentsinaneye@hotmail.com

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    1. Hi Linda, I'm so glad you decided to follow. I was just looking at your profile and see that you live in Grand Rapids. Years before I was born or even thought of, my parents had a farm near Grand Rapids. I've grown up with stories of the farm (my brothers and sisters were young then) they had horses (my mom was quite the horsewoman) and a sleigh that they used in the winter. They had a car, I'm sure, but they married in the mid twenties and I'm sure people used both, then. I was raised in Michigan City, IN, do you know it? I adore your falling ladies, you are an awesome artist. Have a great Easter, and thank you for following my blog, Connie :)

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  35. OMGosh Connie, I'm so happy you found me!
    Love your blog and those phoyo's are awesome! I've always enjoyed getting off the beaten path.
    And your studio is so amazingly well organized,do you make house calls?
    Also if you get tired of hubby I'd love to borrow him for a few days,he does some gorgeous work!
    Thanks for the visit and comment,it's much appreciated. I too have had some rather nasty experiences in the Art world. It has never stopped me but I do get testy from time to time.
    Hugs, Amy

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    1. Hi Amy, I'm so glad you dropped by. I'm glad you like my blog . . . house calls . . . only if you live within 50 miles. I'm very happy that you like Steve's work. I just talked him into starting a blog . . .he was hesitant at first but now he's starting to have ideas for posts. I think it's going to be a cool hobby for him and get him out in the shop on the weekends and off the sofa. Sorry, but he really needs to move on the weekends, he sits to much at work. Anyway, it's new, only a couple posts, but you can check him out at http://woodworkinandgoodeats.blogspot.com/ His first posts are about a cedar strip boat that he built. Art should bring JOY and some people put too much technical importance on it . . . just enjoy it. If it touches something in your soul, it's good art. That's my motto. Have a magnificent Easter weekend and thank you for your sweet comment. Connie :)

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  36. Hi..thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a nice comment. Love all your pictures of your Oregon trip. I have a sister who lives in Bend, Oregon. What a beautiful area. Thanks for joining my friends list, I joined your as well. Have a wonderful Easter week-end. Susan

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    1. Hi Susan, I'm so very happy you dropped in and thank you for following. My followers are very special to me. Bend is beautiful, and so diverse with dessert on one side, mountains on the other and rivers and streams everywhere. It's quite the outdoors playground.
      I love the photo of you and your hubby. Looks like a match made in heaven. Have an amazing Easter weekend, your new blogging friend, Connie :)

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  37. Absolutely lovely! I really love the close up of the rust colors that are a bit saturated. Soooo inspiring. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. Have a wonderful Easter weekend. <3 Angela.

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    1. Angela, I'm so glad you stopped by, wish I had cookies and lemonade to offer you. I'm very happy that you like my blog and that you made the choice to follow. Your blog is so romantic and charming. I too have always dreamed of Paris, but I'm getting old and my dream is fading.
      I do hope you make it there. Looking forward to getting to know you better through blogging. Have an incredibly wonderful Easter week-end. Connie

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  38. What amazing photos Connie. I love driving off the beaten path, too. There really is beauty in everything and that rust is no exception. I love the texture you captured in the picture. Thank you for stopping by my blog...I am following back. Patty

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    1. Patty, I'm so glad you like it here and that you want to follow. I agree that you can find beauty in everything . . . sometime you just have to look at it from another prospective or another person's prospective. If that rust were on my car, I might have a lot more trouble finding the beauty in it. LOL Happy Easter, Connie :)

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  39. Hi Connie,

    You do need to try the baked french toast. I use only about half a loaf of the french bread and you could probably use egg beaters instead of eggs. But there is really no good substitution for butter!

    I love these photos. The old church - how sad that it is now abandoned. I wonder if the pews were still inside. I love old structures and old trucks. Thanks for sharing your road trip with us!

    Hugs,
    Kay

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    1. Hi Kay, I'm so glad you came by for a visit. Yes, I agree there is not substitute for butter. What you did not see in the photo of the church (because I blocked it with the tree branch) was a no trespassing sign. Therefore; I didn't walk up and peek in side. I know I love old church pews and would love to have one in my home as extra seating. I try to avoid any change of angry men with shotguns LOL. Have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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  40. Great shots! We have family in Oregon...love to visit there! Thank you for your sweet message on my blog.

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    1. Hi Becca, so happy to hear from you. I went back and visited your blog this morning and saw your irises. I especially love the macro shot, you are outstanding in so many creative ventures. Thanks for following my blog, I'm looking forward to an inspiring blogging friendship. Have a great day, Connie:)

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  41. amazing pictures - what a wonderful trip. Thank you :) x

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    1. Hi! Thanks so much for dropping by, I truly love getting feedback on my posts. Thanks for the sweet compliment. Your blogging friend, Connie :)

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  42. Hi Connie,
    I am your newest follower. I love your pics and descriptions, a wonderful blog. Stopping at these little villages, one can find so much charm, my husband and I love doing that.....Have a happy Easter!...Heidi

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    1. Hello Heidi, I am so happy that you came by for a visit. I am looking forward to being blogging friends and sharing creative ideas. Also, thank you so much for deciding to follow my blog, that delights me. Your new blogging friend, Connie :)

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  43. I've been in that church and have shots of it too! I thought it was so lovely... wouldn't it be fun (and cost a lot of money) to restore it and live there??

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    1. I certainly hope that someone does decide to restore it. It reminds me of the church I grew up in. We had a bell tower and a rope that hung down . . . I never got the chance to ring it but always enjoyed hearing it on Sunday mornings. Thanks again for visiting this post. The little side trip was a lot of fun. Connie :)

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  44. hi there, I have just found your blog, your photos are beautiful! I live in little old England and I love to see photos from other places! am now following you and look forward to visiting again :) x

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    1. Sarah, thanks for visiting. I also love visiting blogs from other countries, it is such a nice way to see another country through the eyes of it's people, rather than the eyes of a tour guide photographer. I love to see real people and how they live, decorate, cook and just enjoy life. Have a wonderful day and thank you so much for following my blog. Your new friend from across the pond, Connie :)

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  45. WOW Connie! These are wonderful images. Seeing old churches abandoned like that makes me feel a little sad. I try to imagine what it would have looked like in it's heyday... people walking in the door, all smiles, a full church singing loudly... sigh.
    I love those old cars too!

    Thanks for visiting my blog and your lovely encouraging comments. I am your newest follower and looking forward to your posts each week.

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    1. Liz, I am so glad that you decided to follow, I am looking forward to following your blog and gleaning from your expertise. Your photography is amazing, but you don't need me to tell you that . . . the proof is in the pudding. Have an incredibly wonderful day, Connie :)

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  46. Connie,
    Those photographs of the buildings and vehicles are just wonderful. I love seeing all the beauty that can be found along the back roads as well. Thanks so much for dropping in to visit me at Knick of Time.

    Blessings,
    Angie @ Knick of Time

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    1. Angie, thanks for the visit. I'm glad you liked my photos. I've been enjoying your blog for sometime now. Great ideas! Have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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    2. HI Connie, thanks for the wonderful things you said about me on my blog, it really does make the sun shine brighter when people are complimentary about things you say and do! I ADORE the photos of yoru road trip - I also love taking pictures of things and then getting close up to the details..love the one of the writing on the car and the rust! HOpe to chat to you soon, keep up the creating, PennyB xx

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    3. Hi Penny, I'm so glad you came by for a visit. Life is good and very day is a blessing. I love your positive attitude on life, keep smiling. Your blogging friend, Connie :) Come again, my welcome mat is always out.

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  47. I don't know where in Oregon you were..but your photos are so wonderful, Connie! Isn't it sad that no one has restored that beautiful church???

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    1. This little town is just south of Biggs on highway 97. Less than 50 miles, I'm thinking more like 25. There are a lot of small towns (more like villages) along that route. I notice that you are not far from LaGrande. My daughter is hoping to attend nursing school there in the fall. Well, I hope that your day is filled with sunshine and beautiful weather, looks like that's what we are having day, it's only 7:50 a.m., so things still could change. Have a good one, Connie :)

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