West Virginia

Howdy Y’all! I had a wonderful trip to West Virginia and Maryland for the Williamson wedding. It was so hot and humid that I somewhat melted, but other than that, it was an absolutely beautiful place to be in June!! The mountains, valleys, homes and people were all so inviting! I would absolutely go back to visit anytime…but preferably in the fall.  Here are some of my photos from this trip. I couldn’t help but to go a little overboard on the picture-taking, but since I haven’t had a quality gravel travel in such a long time, it was appropriate!  Thank you to Todd and Jeanette for being wonderful hosts and to April and Chris for not killing me on a long two days in the car. Love always, Chickey

Click the image for the larger version.

Missing Missouri

I am a Missouri gal…sorry all you Kansas folks!  I miss the hills and the trees and my Cardinals!  I always try to bring my camera on my random adventures to the Missouri side of things, so here are some of the things I was able to capture a couple of weeks ago, close to Warsaw. Short and sweet! Enjoy!!  xoxo Chickey

RoHo Layers 2011 Exhibit

Well kids, with your help and encouragement, I have done it again!! I have been accepted to hang in the RoHo Photo Gallery, both physical and online, as well as in their Layers 2011 book! This time they chose a photo that I took while on a gravel travel with Mrs. Wendy Axlund out in the middle of nowhere Kansas. This little scene was at the bottom of what I believe is a childs headstone. I titled it Innocence Lost. Hope you enjoy and if you are interested, the Layers 2011“ opening reception is Friday, May 27th from 6:00 – 10:00PM at RoHo Photo Gallery in Cincinnati. Thank you all! Love Chickey!

Happy Spring Weekend

This past weekend was wonderful!!  I spent a lot of time taking pictures and was able to hit up my cousin’s wedding too!  I’m still learning so much about my camera and all of the fancy-schmancy new settings.  My travels this past week were just what I needed to get me started on my spring time gravel travels!  I explored a creepy old house with Amanda of www.fatmonkeysnapshots.wordpress.com and also had the opportunity to explore the creepier side of Kansas with Mrs. Wendy Axlund.  You know how I am, so I will make this short and sweet. May the wind always be at your back and you always have a dream in your heart! Enjoy!  XOXO – Chickey

Kindness of Strangers

I had a wonderful experience today while out gravel traveling!!  I was lost near Drexel, MO and I saw a wonderfully old and creepy house on a hill in the middle of a field. None of the gravel roads got me close enough to take the pictures that I wanted, so I did something I never do…I stopped at a nearby house to ask who owns the land that the awesome house was on. The house I stopped at happened to be the owners of the land, a very nice old couple. I met 86 yr old John and his wife and 2 of his 5 great-grandkids. John drove me up to the house in his truck and let me take pictures, all the while telling me the history of the houses and barn on top of the hill. The original stone house was built by his great-grandfather back in 1850. In 1898 a tornado took most of the home, but left the very sturdy barn in tact (which is still standing!) In 1899 the frame house was built, in which John was born. I love hearing the stories of the creepy old places I find! What a lucky find and I am safe and sound!  Here are some photos from this adventure and just a couple of storm photos from our trip back from Oklahoma last Sunday for good measure.   Hope you enjoy!!  Love Chickey!

PS…those Llamas were just standing in the middle of the road when I came over the hill….good thing I was paying attention!