A Love Story in September

On the edge of summer, a sunflower becomes both home and haven.

***

Last summer (hard to believe it’s already behind us), I often found myself surrounded by grasshoppers, some of the most patient little subjects I’ve ever met. 

As autumn approached, I wondered what happens to them in autumn.  

Their lives are brief, yet before the season ends, the females leave hundreds of tiny eggs tucked safely in the soil. Through the quiet of winter, those hidden seeds of life wait, until spring awakens them and the grasshoppers return, continuing the rhythm of the seasons.

Generally, life is good.

An Ancient Guardian Watching Over the Water

 

There has always been a quiet magic in this tree, something that draws you closer, as if asking you to pause for a moment. I’m certain it carries countless untold stories within its silence, though it seems unwilling to share them with anyone.

Generally, life is good.

On the Country Roads. Half an Hour to Sunshine

Sunflowers in Sunnyfield.

***

If someone had told me that just half an hour from home I’d stumble into sunflowers in the little town of Sunnyfield, I’d have laughed and asked, “What’s next—grizzly bears in my backyard?” 

But there they were, countless golden faces staring at me as if I’d shown up late to their meeting, radiating strength and beauty.

 

Generally, life is good.

Notes to Self. The Stubborn Survivor

 

Utah barns may not dress fancy, but they sure know how to outstare a storm. Rust, wind, and time tried to take this barn down—yet here it stands, still squinting at the horizon like a weathered cowboy.

***

Once upon a time I stumbled upon a blog called “Barn Charm” (yes, apparently barns get their own fan clubs), I thought—why not me? So off I went, on a noble quest to become a barn collector.

My first “treasure” was a small, decrepit barn that looked like it had seen better days. But I was thrilled—I had officially became a barn hunter.

True, I realized something very soon: Utah barns are a different breed entirely. While barns in other states wear fancy painted doors, decorative trim, and practically wave at you saying, “Look at me, I’m Pinterest material!”—our barns are very modest.

Utah barns are plain and gray but they’ve their own charm. They don’t waste time on frills; they’re too busy standing tall through blizzards, strong winds and scorching summers.

***

The blog "Barn Charm" vanished years ago, but I’m still out here photographing barns. Somebody’s gotta keep the legacy alive, right?

Generally, life is good.