Sunday, January 3, 2010


Another picture of contrast...the invitation of a front porch swing guarded by the warning of "No Trespassing".

At one time this was a vibrant, white house with children in the yard and neighbors sharing their lives together in the swing. Where did they go...what changed?

The presence of a young and growing family always made sure that life on the farm continued from one generation to the next...keeping the swing gliding with the gentle push of a foot now and then during days and nights of courting, resting and contemplating.

As the family grew older...so went the need for togetherness. The children left for "greener pastures"...Mom and Dad moved to a location more convenient for their age and there was no longer the need for the swing. The home deteriorated without the loving touch of a family and now the home that once invited us to sit a spell, now forbids entry.

The family unit...whether large or small...remains the lifeblood of our human race. Without it......
walls are thrown up and entry is prohibited.

Dan

18 comments:

The Lly Dilettante said...

Beautiful. The swing looks kind of sad...empty. I like how you let in bits of colour in the otherwise b/w photo.

Indrayani said...

This kinda reminds me that it people and relationships that are far more important than houses and things and stuff like that....

people make a house~ home ...

interesting picture... as always...

Heather said...

Wow. I am speechless with this post for some reason, Dan.

Sunny said...

It's sad to see a house that once held joy, now just an empty shell. Hopefully whoever lived there have happy memories.
It has been snowing on and off since yesterday, very windy and bitterly cold here!
Sunny :)

A Scattering said...

Abandoned farms always make me feel so sad. It's concrete evidence of the death of someone's dream. Many dreams die but they aren't always visible to the naked eye the way barred up buildings are.

Unknown said...

Lovely photo, but also sad. There must be a story there somewhere - we just need to tease out the details. Great job, Dan!

Suburban Girl said...

Awesome conclusion on your post. At first I didn't notice the No Trespassing sign, it seems like such a misfit in an otherwise inviting place, I think I would ignore the sign once in a while, I've gotten much more rebellious as I age.

J Cosmo Newbery said...

Interesting contrast between the homeliness of the swing and the 'no trespassing' sign.

septembermom said...

So true about a family energizing a home. There is something sad about that swing.

Dan Felstead said...

Lly...I agree...it is sad to see an old house in ruins with all the history it holds.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Indryani...Agreed...big difference between a house and a home!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Heather...you and I both like the stories behind old buildings so I know what you mean.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Sunny...I know the weather...we are having bitter cold as well. For us even in January...8 degrees is a bit too much...or I guess a bit too little!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Scattering...I really like your comment about lost dreams are not always visible to the naked eye...so true.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Bobbi...I like the way you are always looking for a story!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Rebecca...I have also ignored a few of those "No Trespassing" signs in the past!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks J...I feel the same way about the contrast.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Septembermom...yes the swing struck me as I took the picture...strange how it seems inviting but the house is in ruins.

Dan