Friday, July 29, 2011

A Small Town

A few days ago I drove through a small town. It was late afternoon and not many people were around.



Such towns as this are common across the Midwest. They are very flat and seem totally nondescript. Looking west is not much different than looking south.



Or east.



But if you stop and look a bit closer you find there is more to a place such as this than you might expect. Here's a grocery store that has been renovated. At one time it was a busy store. Today it is a historical site.



Or a new water tower next to a double set of railroad tracks. These tracks go from San Francisco to New York City.



Yes, I am sure those tracks could tell a story. As I stood there in the light rain I wondered about those people who had been where I was standing.



And turning around I saw this.



Thanks for stopping by.

6 comments:

JJ Roa Rodriguez said...

that's a very sad looking pics. it's deserted... but at the end you give life and light by seeing and capturing that rainbow.

have a great weekend ahead...

JJRod'z

Marge said...

Good to hear from you again, Russell. Don't be such a stranger!

Sadly, this is what many small towns in Minnesota look like, too. Maybe a small cafe remains open, filled only with old men drinking their morning coffee, or an occasional couple having a sandwich at noon. Or there may be the local watering hole, also mostly empty. Schools are consolidated, post offices are closing, and everyone has gone to Walmart in the closest larger town.

So sad.

Hilary said...

I noticed that lovely arc in the sky in the second image and wondered.. why black and white? I feel like I'm watching the opening of the Wizard of Oz.. only you're not in Kansas. Good to see you Russell. I hope you're having a great summer.

Anonymous said...

Hi Russell! I love exploring small towns and I love your photos. I hope you and Bailey are doing well.

Small City Scenes said...

Hi Russell good to see you back on the blog. I love small towen so much better than the big cities. This town looks similar to Stanwood---maybe smaller. No much going on in Stanwood but not too many empty shops either.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
MB

Pauline said...

I like the reflectiveness of this piece. Every place and every person has a story. When we don't know it is, we often make one up. I'll bet if those tracks could talk, you'd be listening to stores for a long, long time!