Tag Archives: photography

Around Here: Sleep Edition

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Around here, this week has been busy.

Dentist, hair and chiropractor appointments early in the week, busy days at work, a blood drive donation, and an excellent concert one night kept me hustling and on the road a lot. I also got a new phone which has caused another layer of complications.

Unfortunately, I had some sleepless nights too.

Around here we value sleep as a means for overall wellness and it just wasn’t coming. In addition to the tired, I have felt dehydrated and off balance.

This is not a great combination.

So I had a chat with Scout last night. As I carried him to bed, I explained how badly I needed to get some rest. Could he please play quietly if he woke up before me?

Would you believe I didn’t hear a peep out of that little cat for fourteen hours? Long story short, I slept till after noon today – something so rare I can’t recall the last time it happened.

And I’m still kind of tired.

So around here today, I’m thinking it’s going to be a hot shower and fresh pjs kind of day. I am going to light a fall scented candle (because if I don’t go outside it can be any season I want) and curl up with books (maybe even something with illustrations) and pretend that feeling rested and reading is my only job.

Have a great Saturday, friends! At least what’s left of it!

Dunkle’s Gulf Service Station

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Along the Lincoln Highway in Bedford, PA, there’s a remnant of a time when automobile travel was in full swing and businesses took pride in creating unique spaces to stop for a while.

This is Dunkle’s Gulf Station which was opened by Dick Dunkle in 1933, according to the sign out front.

Isn’t it fabulous?

The tile facade in all its art deco glory was designed to draw the eye and cause a motorist to pull in and ask the attendant to “fill’er up!” They also repaired cars and could tip off your fluids and air up the tires while you waited.

Man, what I wouldn’t give for a full service gas station sometimes when it’s raining or humid or when I’m dressed up to be somewhere.

Mr Dunkle is now gone as is his son who inherited the place so it is now closed. I worry for its future but hope someone with deep pockets finds a way to repurpose the space for future generations to enjoy. It is truly the most beautiful service station I’ve seen and it’s worth saving.

The Lincoln Highway was the first coast-to-coast road in America, cutting through fourteen states over more than 3,000 miles. Long ago replaced by interstate and no longer used for those long road trips, much of the Lincoln Highway still exists and makes for amazing off the beaten path exploring. I would love to hear stories of things you have seen along the Lincoln Highway in your travels.

Chihuly Sighting

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If you ever find yourself in the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, Pa. you will likely be impressed by the variety of things to see and appreciate.

There’s one in particular piece you should look for while exploring. In a rather unremarkable stairwell, there is a large Dale Chihuly glass chandelier. You can stand under it on the stairs or you can appreciate it at eye level from a hallway.

Chihuly’s work is recognizable because it’s so different than what most glass artists are doing. He mimics shapes found in nature, the colors are brilliant even when he’s using a monochromatic scheme, and the scale is typically quite large.

A lot of places would be tempted to hang this piece in their lobby so you can’t help to see it. They would want to show it off . At Westmoreland, it’s placed somewhere quiet, somewhere that you feel like you’re discovering it, and where you can quietly contemplate how the glass handles the light.

Interested in the Westmoreland? It is worth the trip. Read about it here.

Silent Sunday: Oglebay Mansion

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Come Out And Play?

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I was headed out for work yesterday when I found this cute little toad waiting at the screen door to the porch. He seemed to be asking if I could come out and play.

I was in a rush but did pause a moment to say hello to my little visitor and to snap a photo. After having his photo made, he very politely moved aside so I could leave.

I have a number of toads and frogs in my yard on any given day and I especially enjoy hearing their chorus of trills, croaks, peeps and chirps. Never heard a toad before? You’re in for a treat. Click here to have a listen.

I know people who complain about the sounds of country creatures but I think they make life more special.

Making friends with the neighbors is always a good idea!

Stand Still

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Stand still.

Take a deep breath.

And another.

Close your eyes and take another deep breath.

Feel your feet pressing into the ground.

Need to breathe again? Do it as much as you wish.

When you are calm and centered, you are stronger and more confident. You are better ready to face what’s ahead. And while nature has an amazing healing power, don’t think you should wait until you’re outdoors like here in the Hocking Hills State Park. Try it in your back yard or next your bed when you wake up

Ready?

Let’s go tackle the day. It’s Thursday, friends. You’ve got this.