Exploring Independence, Colorado - Raven's Roost

Exploring Independence, Colorado was a fun day of discovery. This old ghost town was originally established after gold was struck nearby on July 4, 1879, hence the name Independence. Most of the cabin ruins were only one room cabins, but this cabin had two rooms making an interesting crooked collection of doorways leading to a scenic view. Do you see why I came up with the title, Raven's Roost?  Hope you like it!

Thank you kindly for your shares and comments.

Raven's Roost

A rustic abandoned log cabin with three crooked doorways leads the eye to a scenic mountain view. But wait. I think a raven has decided to move in! This photograph is a perfect way to add a touch of rustic charm to your home, office, or bedroom decor.

Independence, Colorado

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Warehouse Moon

An old warehouse in Bucyrus, Ohio has been boarded up for a long time. Every time I venture back to my childhood home a few miles away, this building beckons my camera to shoot. If anyone recognizes this building I would love to know what its former life was. I think it is a very beautiful old building and in the west we do not see very much brick, especially used in such a big structure. I loved playing in post processing with this one. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it.

Warehouse Moon
A slice of American history is preserved as a full moon glows over an old 19th century brick warehouse, long ago boarded up and abandoned.
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Stepping out of My Steel Box

If you are familiar with my work then you know I tend toward natural images found in the Western USA. Today I am stepping out of my comfort zone. You might think I took this photo in a major city, but in fact, it was taken at a rural interstate rest area in Wyoming. It is what my eye saw when I looked at that reflective steel face shining like a beacon in the sun. Let me know what you think.

Steel Box
A wedge shaped building with a face of reflective steel shines in a blue cloud filled sky.
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Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

I-80 Road Trip: Colorado to Ohio

Some of you may remember my road trip last month from Colorado to Ohio. I thought I would share a few photos from that non-stop whirlwind tour. We started bright and early on a Saturday morning and made it to our destination by Sunday night. That is pretty good time for 1300 miles. We had a fun family visit squeezed in between our obligations before we headed home. On the return trip we had one little glitch of a spark coil going bad on our truck. Apparently, our desert rat truck did not like the humidity either. Then it was back on the road. Some of these photographs were taken in a moving vehicle at interstate speeds. That might explain some of the blur and bugs!

Glass Building
This glass church with post and beam construction is exceptionally beautiful.

Happy Face

Wind Turbines
This could be the AT&T logo. Somewhere in Iowa on I-80.

Rob's Nap
Rob takes a nap in the jump seat of the truck. He ended up in many peculiar positions trying to get comfortable but this was the cutest.

Glass Dome
A glass geodesic dome flashes by at 80 mph.

Jordan Truck
Michael Jordan's head. Just one of the unusual sights on I-80 somewhere in Indiana near Chicago.

Best Moment
My Mom is a great grandmother for the fourth time.

Worst Moment
Our truck breaks down in Iowa City. We spent the evening and next morning with repairs sitting in this parking lot.

Road Weary
After almost 2600 miles of driving within six days, we are all a bit weary.

Colorado Sunset
An exceptional Colorado sunset greets us as we return home.

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Twilight and Bella Italia

As some of you are aware I had a recent vacation to the Olympic Peninsula, the home of the popular Twilight book series. Although I am not a huge fan I was curious. So when we just happened to walk by Bella Italia in Port Angeles, the restaurant where Bella and Edward had their first date, I had to stop and take a photo. This one is for you, Twilight fans.

Click on Bella Italia photograph for purchase information.

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Architecture in Seattle

Hi everyone! I need your help. I have two images of the same building and would appreciate your feedback. Let me know which one you prefer. Number 1 is a more traditional presentation, while number 2 is a bit more contemporary with composition and color. What do you think? Which do you prefer?

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Friday Favorites - Reflections

THE MUSE'S MIRROR

EARLY one day, the Muse, when eagerly bent on adornment,
Follow'd a swift-running streamlet, the quietest nook by it seeking.
Quickly and noisily flowing, the changeful surface distorted
Ever her moving form; the goddess departed in anger.
Yet the stream call'd mockingly after her, saying: "What, truly!
Wilt thou not view, then, the truth, in my mirror so clearly depicted?"
But she already was far away, on the brink of the ocean,
In her figure rejoicing, and duly arranging her garland.

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1799

Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge
by
Forgotten Beauty

Reflections of the Ponte Vecchio
by
LD Photography

Mountain Lake Reflections
by
Creations Anew

Building Reflecting Buildings
by
Scooyou Photography

Please visit the work of these fabulous photographers at 1000 Markets by clicking on their name or the image name.

What the Heck is That? Contest

Yesterday I showed you some of the outside. Today I'll let you see some inside.

Did I mention that the person that comes closest to guessing what this is will win their choice of any 5x7 or 5x5 photo, a $15.00 value, from my Etsy Shop! To enter please leave your photo choice and a way to contact you.

Yes it is a memorial, in fact, a national memorial. Now can you tell me the name and where it is?

What the heck is that?

There it was perched on the western landscape like some big giant white bird. You could see it from quite a distance, the geometry an antithesis to the natural world. It beckoned, we came. What is it, where is it? Any ideas?