I drove right by this corner on Main Street in Pataskala, Ohio yesterday. Fortunately, my good sense kicked in and I hit my turn signal to circle the block.
Pataskala Presbyterian Church is a real beauty and it seemed to glimmer in the morning sunlight. This Gothic Revival Church was built in 1868. When it was added to the National Register in 1983, it was noted as an important example of mid-19th century Gothic Revival church design. The church is also important because the congregation, established in 1837, was the earliest of religions established here.
Across the quiet tree lined street was this fantastic scene. I liked the cottage, the streetlight and the seventies era Ford pickup truck.
I was on a mission, headed to a work meeting, but it was pleasing to still see something interesting along the way. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Finding something to spark some joy amidst the mundane is a great feeling.
Go around the block if you must. It will be worth it.
Last night I celebrated my independence with dinner, a movie and a stroll through a car show.
The car show was a precursor to the fireworks in Athens, Ohio and was in a parking lot shared by the movie theater. So I couldn’t resist a stroll through and the opportunity to chat with a few classic car owners.
Some were decked out with flags.
The owner of this 1963 Sting Ray has enjoyed a long relationship with Corvettes. He has owned several but says this will likely be his last.
I didn’t ask why because I was busy trying not to drool on his pretty car.
There were a few early Fords including this Model T.
The owner of this Chevy was busy polishing her up as I strolled past.
I pitied him a little because it clearly was going to rain. And rain it did. The sky turned dark as I skedaddled into the theater. It wasn’t raining yet but I badly wanted to avoid wet feet.
I was there to see the new Wes Anderson flick “Asteroid City.” His films are odd, filled with wry humor and thought provoking themes. There were eighteen people in the theater, a small but mighty tribe compared to the throngs that came out for the new Indiana Jones movie playing in the next theater.
Six of those attendees were young men who wandered in just as the movie was starting and sat in the row in front of me. The guy directly in front of me had an enormous head of frizzy hair so I got up and moved a row back.
Isn’t that just the way it goes? The place is nearly empty and the person right in front of you is nearly impossible to see around.
Even if you don’t get the humor or the search for meaning themes of this movie, it is a feast for the eyes. The set is quirky and colorful and a fun reimagining of 1955 America. It felt positively decadent to see a movie on a Monday night – a luxury afforded to me by having today off for the holiday.
I left the movie amused and with some things to think about as I fled town and the crowds gathering to see the fireworks. The rain had moved through and people were happily tailgating in store parking lots and alongside the road in anticipation of the annual patriotic display.
As for me, I was happy to come home to my quiet house and little house panther who was more than glad to see me and who didn’t care one bit why I was gone – only that I had come back.
Last night took me to Athens where I glimpsed a sign for a car show. So I swung in for a look even though the sky was threatening rain and there were just a few vehicles.
Here’s a basic rule of thumb: if people line up their classics for you to enjoy, stop and have a look around!
The suicide doors on this old Studebaker are sharp.
This 1965 Mustang drew a lot of looks.
Here’s an interior shot.
I think old trucks have character and always wonder what they might say if they could talk.
Car shows are ripe for people watching and a great way to photograph classic cars without seeming like a weirdo. It’s also free entertainment and a fun way to kill a little time.
There’s no school like old school. At age 54 years, this 1969 Ford Mustang still sounded amazing as it cruised through a store parking lot yesterday.
I was on my way home from a fun adventure day and thinking about how the planned stuff is grand but the unexpected sights along the way keep me looking around.
Keep adventuring, friends. Never stop looking for the interesting things in the world around you!
In the sea of generic modern sedans and boxy SUVs on the road today, there sometimes is still something unique to enjoy. This classic Ford Mustang was parked outside the sporting goods store in Chillicothe this week.
