A series of essays….
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BEAUTIFUL WILDFLOWERS ALONG THE ROADSIDE IN SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA! |
….as seen through my eyes!
By: Jacqueline E Hughes
It was a pleasure taking this particular picture along the roadside in Southern Pennsylvania. The colors are so vibrant. The natural blend of flora represents the mixture of wildflowers that line most of these two-lane roads that host many small farmsteads, grazing animals dotting the hillsides, and even abandoned buildings that once were the homes of growing families obliged to work the land and live life on a day-by-day basis.
This photo, for me, encapsulates all of the above, as well as one more factor that, if you look closely, epitomizes the true beauty of life coupled with humankind’s all-too-human foibles. Funny how it wasn’t until going through my shots later that I realized just what I had captured. Protected, as it seems, by nature’s infinite beauty is a can of Rockstar Energy Drink that appears to blend almost seamlessly with the natural beauty of the colorful flowers.
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JUST UP THE ROAD….! |
Interestingly enough, I initially had my poor husband inch over to the side of the road and park our running car so that I could jump out and take a picture of an abandoned log cabin that lived about fifty feet back off the road. I’ve been told that I have a very wicked and uncontrollable habit of asking Dan to pull over and stop the car, often, so that I can experience a certain photo op along our backroad travel routes. Even with the off-the-beaten-track vibes of this road, it became super busy very quickly.
It was bad enough that my posterior protruded out into the road just beyond a wide curve not far behind us but, I was seriously close to the oncoming traffic which happened to include camping trailers pulled by half-ton trucks and an eighteen-wheeler tractor trailer barreling its way to Columbus, Ohio, Detroit, or Chicago! Evidently, throughout my adventure Dan was desperately trying to grab my attention while flailing his hands in a feeble attempt to entice me back into the car.
Miraculously, with shots of the ancient log structure secured, I made my way back to the car, hazard lights flashing blindingly, and a very nervous looking husband behind the wheel. He proceeded to remind me that he is always willing to oblige my artistic endeavors as long as they don’t involve loss of limb or our very lives in the process. Humbly, I agreed with him.
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A LOG CABIN, |
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ONCE A HOMESTEAD, |
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IN THE PENNSYLVANIA WOODS. |
Having no recollection of driving through the beauty of this part of Pennsylvania before, with its rolling hillside and green pastures, you can bet there were a few more impromptu stops along our way. The distinct and remarkable attractiveness surrounding the convergence of mountains, streams and lakes, trees, and pastures where the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania meet contributes to the natural charm of this area of our country.
Our travels, whether domestic or international, are often based upon answering one very important question: “Could you live here?” My answer regarding this particular trip would have to be a resounding — YES! The joy we received by navigating the backroads under a canopy of ancient trees and highlighted by the striking wildflowers that outlined them — was captivating. Some of my most interesting extemporaneous photo ops include the unique craftsmanship of local artists represented by their random pieces displayed in parks and various open spaces. Giving back to the community in such a pleasing way indicates to me how happy they must be to live in a place that offers them so much joy in return.
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JOIE DE VIVRE! |
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VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS… |
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BLUE SKIES, VALLEYS, RIVERS, AND MOUNTAINS AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE! |
If having a ‘Rockstar’ nestled among the colorful roadside flowers makes an appealing statement, just this once, I find myself grateful for the energy it took for someone to toss it from the car window for me to find. This minor weakness or failing of character exemplifies the yin and yang of the nature of man’s coexistence with all things natural and fragile. Ancient Chinese philosophy describes yin and yang as a concept of dualism, describing how obviously opposite or contrary forces may, actually, be complementary, interconnected, and independent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.
If this philosophy rings true, this particular Rockstar can, tossed onto the side of the road by a human devoid of respect for himself and his fellow humankind, may have inadvertently influenced this vivid imagery of a place that captured my heart. Even Dan agrees and promises to stop whenever and wherever feasible in order for me to continue my intoxicating journey into every nook and cranny this impressive world has to offer!
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YIN AND YANG |
Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes
All rights reserved
Photo Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes
All rights reserved
