Not far from one of the roads that we have come to follow for our drive from our home in Omaha to our cabin in northern Minnesota, there stands a small, long-abandoned house. I can’t remember the first time I really noticed it, but I’ve come to look forward to seeing it again and to pay special attention to it each time we pass by.
I’ve stopped a few times for a closer look, but it seems that when I’ve had the time, it’s been high summer and the deer flies were so numerous, persistent, and fierce that nearly all I could think about was getting back to the safety of the car, and I couldn’t let myself embrace the aura that I sensed was a part of this special place.
But when I drove up the last time, about three weeks ago, with a friend who shares some of my passion for photography, I told him about the place well before we reached it, and he was eager to see what had attracted me to it.
I’ve chosen to process these three images with a gentle HDR (high dynamic range) treat- ment and lower the color saturation a bit to help to convey some of the spirit and mystery that I feel when I’m there. It’s my birthday today, and this is my present to all of you who help me to stay creative and enthusiastic about this wonderful art form. Thank you!
krikitarts 
These are great Gary, especially the last one. The color in the sumac and the missing/broken windows are nice touches. HDR, done well, is perfect for places like this.
That’s just what I thought. There’s an ethereal feel to this place that doesn’t come out adequately in a regular rendition. Glad you like it!
Oooh, I love old houses like that! I would probably stop and take pictures every time I passed it :). Great shots!
It would be fun to know some of the history of a place like this, but I rather like seeing what my imagination can come up with. Thanks, Cindy!
Happy Birthday, Gary, and thank you for your present today.
You’re very welcome!
Happy Birthday dear Gary :) Auf viele weitere, schöne Jahre :) Zu dem Foto: Lovely! :D
Herzlichen Dank für den freundlichen Geburtstagswunsch! Ich bin froh, daβ Dir die neuen Fotos gefallen, und wünsche Euch aucn einen wunderschönen Herbst!
Well worth taking the time to explore…not sure todays buildings will look as magical when they are as old! DID someone say it was your Birthday……. Another year older and you are left asking the question where did the last one disappear to? Best wishes
It’s true–most houses being built today don’t have the same structural charm that the older ones do. Why is that? I’ve packed a lot into this past year, and I can’t really that it has seemed to fly by, when I think back on it. In fact, it’s been a great one in almost all regards!
The stories it could tell…
Ah, yes, that thought comes often, but I’ve been unable to bring myself to stop at the farmhouse that’s about a quarter-mile away to ask about it–yet. I still may do so and offer a print of one of my impressions. If I do, I’ll let you know.
I also like old buildings. I love to paint them. I might just try if it is ok with you. By the way a very very Happy Birthday cousin. Where does the time go? Love Joan
But of course, Joan, you are perfectly welcome to have a go at it! If you do, please send me a photo of your results!
Just noticed it looks like the outhouse is still there also.
Actually, what you’re seeing (in the second photo) is the end of a small room that extends out to the side in an L. I don’t recall seeing anything like an outhouse, though there may be one hidden out of sight back in the woods…
Love places like this and to imagine what living occurred there. The boards that are evident in #3 look like a person standing in the window of #1, I think. Happy birthday!
Good eyes, Winnie–I hadn’t noticed that, but you’re right. It’s great fun to let the imagination have its way with us, especially in abandoned homesteads like this, where there are certainly spirits, or their shadows, in residence. I find myself drawn to them, and I always try to treat them with great respect.
I can see why you’re attracted to the place. That time-worn wood holds a sense of mystery and timelessness.
And a Very Happy Birthday. May the future hold just as many special moments in each day as the past.
I’m grateful for your wishes for special future moments, Vicki. I also wish you lots more of your ability to get out and about as much as you’d like!
A belated Happy Birthday greeting to you, Gary. These shots are wonderful–the first one is my favorite. The house is nestled in as though it were a part of the natural environment.
That’s one of the things that has attracted me to it through the years. It’s fascinating how nature steps in to reclaim man’s abandoned works.
Belated birthday wishes to you, Gary! I love these images – especially the third one.
Belated thanks for your good wishes, M!
Gary, I’m way too late but – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :)
And I very much like your mention of processing the shot to help express how you felt when you were there – way to go, man! Adrian
Hey, man, you were NOwhere near as late as I am in acknowledging your greetings. Many thanks for sending along your good opinion!