Old Truck in the Bonnets

I have talked before about living in the country, rural America, and the South's propensity to leave old vehicles just sitting outside until they rust. This old truck has not been totally abandoned;however, it is being overtaken by weeds and lucky for me, bluebonnets! The "birthplace" of Texas history is Independence, Texas. It is small, kind of run-down, but it is historically huge in our state's history. Bluebonnets surround every part of this little town. If you are ever off Highway 105 between Navasota and Brenham, Texas turn off on Hwy. 50. Go in late March or very early April. For our Lutheran friends, there are four historical Lutheran churches within two miles of one another. Wind your way around the beautiful hills, slow down, and see where the road takes you. You won't be disappointed.

Consider the Heavens

Driving along this one dirt road about 10:30 in the morning, I had the sun roof open and the iPod on playing Coldplay. There is something about Chris Martin's voice that makes a day like this in Texas better. Late March through early May is just awesome here. After that, it is every person for themselves in the air conditioning. As slowed down for a dog laying in the road..yes taking a nap....I looked up. The song playing was "Viva la Vida." There is a line, to paraphrase, that says that St. Peter will call my name. I mean, come on! How could I not just stop, get the camera, and look for St. Peter myself. When Texas is "on," it is RIGHT ON!!!

Beauty in the Small Things

What makes nature so incredible is not the grandious, but rather the small moments. The fence post, or stick, was simple in itself, but add the bonnets and you can see why people do believe that something or "one" put everything in motion. Once again, take that dirt road, slow way down with the windows down...you never know.

Texas Threesome

Here it is, Texas in one shot. The bonnets, the state flower of Texas, surround a gas transfer pipe. Natural gas/oil is of course the legends that made Texas. Protecting the pipeline is barbed wire invented by Glidden to keep cattle in and others out. Kinda cool, huh? Dirt County Road in Grimes County.

Stop and Smell the Bonnets

It is bluebonnet/wildflower time in Texas. In Washington County, Texas (Brenham) every road holds the promise of flower sightings. The best sightings do NOT take place on the main paved highways. Every city slicker from Houston comes to those to torture their children and pets with the picture all have had made in the bluebonnets. If you are ever in Grimes County, Brazos County where it butts up against Washington County, take one of the many DIRT county roads. Yes, they are dirt, but well maintained. You will see some truly beautiful sights, both small, like this, and overwhelming as seen in some earlier posts. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Country Politics and Patriotism

Some folks wear their politics on their sleeve, some on the bumper of their car..this barn in the bonnets near Navasota says it all. Barns in these areas are used for all sorts of advertising or proclamations.

Relics

Here's the relics of a former way of life. Plantersville, Texas.

What's Behind That Old Door?

Texas is filled with old barns. Remnants of our rural past stand vigil over the land that is being abandoned daily. Often surrounding these old relics of days gone by is the farm equipment waiting to rust into the ground. I wonder how many times the farmer who once lived here walked through that door to retrieve something? This barn area is located adjacent to St. Mary's Church in Plantersville, Texas. If you have a chance go to see the church. It is beautiful on the inside.

Contented in the Bonnets

All that was needed was a half pint of Bluebell any flavor! For any non-Texans, Bluebell Ice Cream is "cream filled goodness" often the one singular thing missed by Texans who have left the state. This cow simply turned her head, looked at me, and in my head I heard her saying "Don't you wish you could be here right now?"

Bale of Hay Rolling the Bonnets

Near Nelsonville, Texas there was dirt road that I simply had to drive down. To my right was this idyllic scene. I really had to take a moment to think about what I was seeing from my car window. I have hung this photo in my outer office and for some reason it resonates with people. Remember: get off the main hard topped roads and see what's around the next dusty bend.

Field of Texas Dreams

It's that time of the year in Texas. God help all the little kids in their spring finery in the itchy bluebonnets. It is a rite of passage here..much like baptism, pick-ups, and rodeo. Between Bellville and Industry take any side road and be amazed. You have to get off the regular traveled roads.