Oxford Barn in the Grasses

Oxford Barn in the Grasses, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP

There are favorite rural sites that I thorough enjoy returning to time and time again - even though I am living among them. This barn is one of them.

It sits on a number of acres bordered by the road we drive when going to our favorite park to walk, and I love seeing how different it looks in each season. It's been long abandoned, but every once in a while, the tall grasses get mowed and the fields around it are planted - so apparently the property is still owned and somewhat maintained.

What I love most about these old structures is the history contained within their weathered wood, the architecture, and most of all, the fields upon which they stand. These are the remnants of stories and life and seasons and plants that provided a livelihood, a way of life, relationships, a family. If the wood could talk, we'd know of the hardships and joys, the failures and successes, the rain and the wind and the sun over time. We catch a glimpse of what was, while viewing what remains. They remind me of our fragility and impermanence, and most of all, time passing.

"Make hay while the sun shines" isn't just for farmers. It's for all of us as we too wear the seasons on our bodies and our faces ......