I'm not sure why, but for as far back as I can remember, I've been fascinated by old barns. The weather-worn wood, aged by wind and time, seems to whisper of bygone days. There's character and strength in a faded yet tall and proud structure built board-by-board years ago.
Poor Hubby nearly wore out the brakes on our rental vehicle as we made a loop around Ohio because I was constantly hollering, "Stop!" (He didn't always honor my command--sometimes traffic wouldn't allow, so I had to snap through the window. Missed a lot of shots, too. *sigh*) I took no less than 120 photographs of old barns. But don't worry--I won't share all of them with you here. (However, if you're a Facebook friend, feel free to pop by my page and peek at the album titled "The Barns of Holmes County.")
Poor Hubby nearly wore out the brakes on our rental vehicle as we made a loop around Ohio because I was constantly hollering, "Stop!" (He didn't always honor my command--sometimes traffic wouldn't allow, so I had to snap through the window. Missed a lot of shots, too. *sigh*) I took no less than 120 photographs of old barns. But don't worry--I won't share all of them with you here. (However, if you're a Facebook friend, feel free to pop by my page and peek at the album titled "The Barns of Holmes County.")
I like the way this one nestles against the hill, as if one with the land. The towering trees behind it and ground shrouded with mist makes me feel as though I'm slipping backward in time. Do you notice the drive-through resembling a covered bridge? I bet kids played in the shade there while a stout breeze rustled their hair and dried the sweat on their brows.
This was taken with a quick snap out the window while passing by--hence the reflection of Hubs' shirt--but I love the stately appearance of this behometh. The open door beckons me to come in, explore, find a shadowy corner or a soft mound of hay in the loft and indulge in a daydream or two. Oh, if only time allowed...
Obviously this beauty has been added onto a time or two. Its bold red paint makes it stand out against the backdrop of green. The play of shadows enhances the many strong lines. If this barn had a name, I think it would be something like Granville or Jeremiah--a name with strength and longevity.
Hubs really questioned my snapping photographs of buildings in disrepair (this one actually looks pretty good compared to a couple of others), but I reasoned if I didn't capture them now, I might not get another chance. Although it's leaning and bears large holes (which provide entrance for any stray creature seeking shelter for the night), there's something about it that appeals to me. It's faced hard times and still manages to remain upright. Gotta admire that. I also like the embracing vines on one corner, as if it's being offered comfort. 
And finally one taken from a distance. The porch roof on the front tells me there's another level hidden by the gentle roll of the grassy prairie, so imagine the size. The dormers are like eyes, watching for the farmer's return, waiting to welcome back the hardworking animals and offer a place of rest and rejuvenation. From this angle, with grass below and endless sky behind, the barn seems the only building for miles...a place of refuge.Yes, barns speak to me. Next week I'll share some of the beautiful century-old houses we encountered on our travels. Until then take care, and...
May God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim
Oh Kim!
ReplyDeleteYou have set me off with your charming photos of your barns.
When we were visiting your magnificent country,I could not help myself...every barn I saw, I snapped. The red barns especially, captured my attention. They reminded me of the barns in little children's picture books and I always loved looking at them!
I took 3000 photos while we were away and at least 150 of them were barns. I think I share your love for old barns too!
Our barns are nothing like yours,as they are really only used for storing stock feed and protection for farm machinery. You might see the occasional farm horses in there as well, but our stud farms have purpose built stables rather than barns.
Generally you will only see a large shed usually with the door open and full of hay bales. Some have lofts, (which we used as a haven from wrathful parents, when our chores weren't done and a great place to play!)
I smiled at the picture of the rather dilapidated barn with the large holes, because it reminded me of the "thunder boxes" that you see here. (I gather you'll get the gist of what I am saying!) They really add to the charm of our countryside!
You mentioned in a reply to my comment some weeks ago, that you were talking to your Dad and how you'd like to visit Aus some day. Well, we would love to have you come and see our beautiful country. I am sure you would find plenty of things to captivate your interest.
I simply adore old houses too,(I can never see enough of them) so I am really looking forward to your next post.
Thanks for sharing your travels with us Kim.
Bless you.
Rosie.
Kim, I'm so glad I'm not the only barn lover. Well kept or in ruins, they just seem to have a story to tell. It might be the Iowa farm girl in me.
ReplyDeleteThey speak to me too! I just love them. Thanks for sharing,great pics!!
ReplyDeleteLoved this post, Kim, AND the wonderful pictures of the barns. And I also enjoyed reading your descriptions of them (and couldn't help but wonder if maybe there are some cats who take refuge in them too!). ~ So glad your trip to Ohio went well, and I'm looking forward to seeing your pics of the old houses next week! Hugs, Patti Jo
ReplyDeleteRosie, your "thunder box" comment made me giggle. :o)
ReplyDeleteLorna and "Takin' Time," aren't barns wonderful? Someday I hope to own one.
Patti Jo, on the trip, I spotted a cat in the ditch with a mouse dangling from its mouth--held by the tail! I didn't get a photo, but the picture is imbedded in my memory.
T AEWSome shots,
ReplyDeletelove to take shoots of old barns too! :)
thanks for sharing them
I love barns too.
ReplyDeleteI have pleasant memories from childhood.
I love the smell of hay inside.
I used to look for eggs hidden in the barn. I used to roll down on a hay with a dog by my side.
I used to cover myself with the hay as well. But I did not linger too long. I did not want to see a mouse crawling somewhere. That thought always stopped me from spending too much time in a shed.
I am a city girl but I loved to vistit my grandfather who lived on a farm.
Jel, thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteAnd Anna, thank you for sharing your memories with me! I could envision you snuggled in the hay, watching for a mouse. :o)
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI realize I am quite late to your post, but was going back through and saw your wonderful barn pictures. I, too, am a lover of barns and old buildings. I love these snaps you took. Oh, what stories flow through the imagination just looking at them.
Dawn
Dawn, I'm so glad you came by. Yes, there always seem to be stories in the walls of old buildings. :o) Please peek at the houses tomorrow--one of them has stirred some characters to life in my imagination.
ReplyDelete