As September winds down, autumn is making its presence known. This morning’s temperatures dipped into the 50s, and the air had that crisp feeling that’s so distinctive of fall. Here at Haywood Hall, some of our trees are beginning to show their fall colors as you can see in this photo I took last weekend. I was playing around with our old watering can, but the tree in the background almost steals the show.
Well, I said yesterday that Memorial Bell Tower is NC State’s iconic image, so how could I not include it in this photo project? This morning’s ominous sky was perfect for adding drama to the images.
Just across from the Bell Tower is Holladay Hall, the oldest building on NC State’s Campus. It is now home to the Chancellor’s Office.
Memorial Bell Tower is the iconic image of North Carolina State University, and it is one I have grown to love. Yet for many years the Alumni Centennial Gateway was the symbol I most associated with NC State. During my Meredith years, I drove into Raleigh on Gorman Street. When I reached the intersection of Gorman and Western Boulevard, I would look over to my right, there was NC State. Back then, this monument symbolized my image of State. It was edgy and modern, which perfectly matched this small-town Meredith girl’s image of NCSU.
Looking through photos from last spring, I found this shot of downtown Raleigh from March 22 of last year.
I thought it might be fun to go back on the same day one year later to see how the view has changed. I hadn’t intended on this result, but the two shots also show how the time of day and lighting affect the color of a scene. The first shot was taken about 4:30 in the afternoon. I took today’s photo at 10:00 this morning. Now I’m wishing I had taken today’s photo at the same time, so I could have had a true comparison. I think I have a downtown shot taken last April, so maybe I can try that project next month.
On my drive home from Raleigh, I take NC-410 from Bladenboro to Tabor City. Just after crossing into Columbus County, there is an old abandoned house that has long fascinated me. Despite its fallen porch and broken windows, I see beauty in this house. Here is a photo I took during the summer of 2006.
By today’s standards, it might not be considered large or impressive, but for its era it was probably one of the great farmhouses of the community. I wonder about the family who lived there. What happened that no one was left to care for and preserve their home? Were there children? Did die? Or did they move away to make their lives somewhere else? Do they think of home and miss it? What was their story? Every time I drive by, I imagine what that story might be.
This past Thursday was the first time in quite awhile that I have driven home in the daylight. As I zipped down 410, I looked over to my left, and here was what I saw.
My house on 410 is gone. I turned around and went back to take some photos. At first I was sad, but as I framed the scene through my camera, it still fascinated me. I admired the way the chimneys seem to be standing guard over the ruins and how the doorsteps still appear to be waiting for someone to enter — or perhaps to leave. It may be in ruins, but the shadow of the house is still there, waiting to tell its story, inspiring me to create it.
A few weeks ago, I was visiting student teachers who are placed in Johnston County middle schools, and I took a different route through eastern Wake County along Smithfield Road. Just after crossing Poole Road, I noticed this picturesque scene. After a bit of research, I found out that this church is Oaky Grove Methodist Church, built around 1876. The church sits along a gravel section of Mial Plantation Road, but I love the view from across the field.
I did not have my camera with me that day, so I knew I would be returning to photograph the scene. Today after visiting with the Goldbergs, I wasn’t in a great hurry to return home, so I thought it might be a good time for another drive along Smithfield Road. I’m not satisfied with this photo. I was there through the middle of the day, and the angle of the sun made it hard for me to capture the vivid blue of today’s sky. The sun also reflected harshly from the church’s metal roof, so that area of the photo is blown out. But while an imperfect photo, it still conveys a lovely country scene.
Finally! After eight winters in Raleigh (nonconsecutive winters, that is), I have finally seen a real snow. While I was at Meredith, we had one ice storm but no snow. Two years ago, we had enough snow to cancel school, yet it didn’t completely cover the ground. Today was the real deal — or as real as you can expect for our area of North Carolina.
When I woke this morning, here was the view outside my door.
The snow continued until just after lunch. When I later ventured out with the camera, it was amazing to see how the snow had transformed Raleigh.
Today’s inauguration of Governor Bev Perdue is historic in that she becomes North Carolina’s first female governor. For me, the day was significant simply because it was the first time I had attended an inaugural event. All week long I’ve watched out my back door as preparations have progressed, and it’s been as though I could feel an increasing excitement. By this morning, I was more than ready for the big day.
I was greatly impressed the Inaugural Ceremonies, which were held on the steps of the Archives and History Building. I have heard that there was seating for 5,000 people. I found a seat about 1/4 of the way back and was able to take photographs throughout the event.
Governor Perdue listens to opening remarks.
Governor Perdue delivers her inaugural address.
As excited as I was about the inauguration, the highlight of the day came after the Governor’s address when I finally got to see my lifelong hero — Andy Griffith.
After the cermonies had concluded, I walked down Blount Street to look for a friend who I suspected might be there with the Highway Patrol. While I didn’t find my friend, I did discover the exit where the Council of State and distinguished guests were leaving. There I had a close-up view as three North Carolina governors and one senator exited the building. As a matter of fact, I was even lucky enough to shake hands with and speak to Governor Perdue and Senator Hagan.
Governor Mike Easley
Governor Perdue greets well-wishers.
Former Governor Jim Hunt
Senator Kay Hagan poses for a photo with Griselle Williams, a Smithfield Middle School teacher.
Last Saturday’s outing took me to Warren County. Warrenton, the county seat, is a beautiful town. I spent most of my time visiting the downtown antique shops, and I hope to go back one day soon to complete their walking tour of historic homes.
The Courthouse is located in the middle of the downtonwn area and like many towns in the South, the grounds include a Confederate memorial.
As I was walking through downtown, I saw this lovely Nativity scene in one of the shop windows.
I’m not sure why, but I’m drawn to abandoned buildings. I tried to compose this shot to focus on the two empty stores, but I think the HI Fi sign makes for a nice contrast.
A long overdue update — I didn’t mean to abandon the blog, but the second half of 2008 can best be described as overwhelming. As a result, I had little time for fun with the camera. But 2009 has gotten off to a great start, and today I spent my afternoon on a photo excursion.
My best photo opportunity came on my way home. Just as I was approaching Raleigh, I spotted a hot air balloon off in the distance. Photographing hot air balloons has long been a goal of mine, so I decided to go for it. With one eye on the road and the other on the sky, I headed east in pursuit of the red ballon. I managed to catch up with it and another balloon just before they landed, and despite the fading light, I captured a couple of decent shots.
