01/12/15 | Abandoned

I took an adventure today,trying to break out of my comfortable routine.

Out where I live,there are more than a few abandoned houses. Houses just left to the hands of time. Forgotten,and left for the earth to claim. I drove through the country side in search of some of these gems to photograph. I had discovered this one before,but I had not stopped to take a picture. I am a little nervous about stopping on someone else's property,especially when I am alone. But this house was just calling me,in all it's eerie glory. It rained today,so a haunting calmness surrounded the property. The house is almost hidden behind the most beautiful,twisting trees I've ever seen. I wish I had investigated the grounds a little more,but I will definitely be back to this little forgotten place.

I am saddened,but also so intrigued by these abandoned abodes. What secrets do they hold? What stories could they tell us? I wonder who lived behind those windows. I wonder if there was once great dreams that rested behind those walls. I wonder at the love that may have sat around that table. Once footsteps ran down those hallways. Once candles burned in those windows. This was once someone's castle. This was a place where their dreams were born. This was once someone's life.

If we only had the key. To the house,and the memories.

(Another beauty of a place.)

~Emily

10/02/2014 | "to have really lived.."

///// If I have learned anything in my short lifetime,it is that life should never be taken for granted. I have failed bitterly at this so many times. I get so caught up in this life,that I forget to really live. Life has taught me,through so many storms that you have to hold on to what is really important. Through loss,I have realized how much today truly counts. There may never be a tomorrow. Enjoy every hug. Soak up every,"I love you," and truly mean it when you say it back. Love those you have,because you never know the last moment you may have together. When a dear elderly person tries to give you advice,shut up and listen. Learn from all the storms in life. When they're over,and the smoke clears,you are going to realize you are a survivor and you are going to get stronger. You must never forget who you are. You are a spirit,a soul,and a human. Always remember that. Remember your humanity and do your best to offer hope to those who have none. Stay strong when you feel your world is going to come crashing down. When the tears come,let them go. Above all,you must remember Who put you here. There is a path set for you that no one else can walk. There is a task before you. He chose you. You are valuable. A precious jewel that can never be replaced. You matter. This life is not and never was easy. But that's ok,because life is one big adventure. And as in any adventure,you can't have the joys without the sorrows. One day it will all be over. I don't want to come to the end and look back at a trail of regrets,wasted time,missed opportunities,and risks I wish I had taken. I want to have really lived,not just existed. //////     ~Emily Grace

Back in the saddle

(This was from memorial day,but it fit the mood.)

Saturday,I went on my first trail ride of the summer with a friend. It was amazing! I was so happy to be in the saddle again! I have been working and riding my horse at home,but she is older and a little stiff,so we are taking things slow with her. Saturday I rode my friend's Thoroughbred. We cantered the horses through the fields and had loads of fun! Afterwards,we took her pony down to the creek and had a little photo shoot. I think the dog was a little more into the picture thing than the pony,but we had fun.

~Emily

The traveler….

///"The traveler was active;he went strenuously in search of people,of adventure,of experience. The tourist is passive;he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes "sight seeing."///   ~Daniel J. Boorstin