Monday, November 21, 2011

My brother-in-law drove me far into the Flint Hills to relish in wide open spaces - the joy of this heart - but my photo opportunities had to be quick.



It usually went something like this:

We barreled down the road with me hanging my head out the window like a dog, the wind so violent against my glasses I secretly feared they would be ripped off. I would spy some old lovely thing and squeal. B-i-L would pull over and the clock would start ticking... I had mere seconds to snap before he began pulling off the shoulder and back onto the road. Some squeals would go unanswered, and I quickly learned that I was only permitted so many squeal-stops per hour.

At one point I bolstered my quota by suggesting I buy him a Coke and some chips. We pulled over surprisingly quick for that, and I was in and out of the dollar store in no time and with a food supply that would make even the Pillsbury Dough Boy proud.

This is one of my favorite shots of that trip. As I was taking it, the ground rumbled up through my feet and deep into my chest as the longest train I'd ever seen roared past just feet away from me.

I was dangerously close, it's true, but that sound, that feeling, that deep shaking I will never forget.

Sigh. ♥

15 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

i love how you capture moments and share them with us. i could feel that train in my chest as i read this. :)

MarmePurl said...

In addition to that coffe shop on Main Street, I have train tracks a couple of hundred yards from my little homestead. Just Sayin'

Meg said...

"Squeal-stops per hour" is the most hilarious phrase! I love that shot too! Were you able to get a picture of the train going by?

Dawn said...

PERFECT!
Food wins over every time. Just think what you could have captured had you bought him a pizza;))

lindasinklings said...

Ah, but B-i-L was racing against the clock, wanting as much light as possible for you. Hence the limited squeal-stops per hour. As he said during one of those forays into the unknown, you tramping shockingly close to a stangers 'so interesting' house..."it's her day."

Ben said...

Wow what a close call you have. Just like the nice looking antique fan .. hehe just hope nobody will accidentally poke their hands into the moving blades. Enjoy great weekend Allison!

penny said...

My heart was race as I read how fast the train wised by your ears, Allie.
hurry, hurry not daring to tarry for fear your ride will say bye, bye.
Love the fan photo.

Hugs,
Pam

D said...

....laughing. As we are driving along a country road, my husband often says "if you want a picture, just let me know". Occasionally I see a "wow" opt and exclaim so. Of course we are traveling at about 60 mph and traffic is behind us... and he asked, "Do you want me to stop? I'll turn around if you want me to." I do love him.

Out on the prairie said...

I love the thundering train to top off this lovely area. Too bad he had to show all, must be a guy thing.LOL I pull over, swoop back and stop at a glance a lot,but still want to see it all.

Michael Rowland said...

Wow, great photo, interesting composition, reminds me of one of those french impressionist paintings,,,M

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

I love how your eye finds these wonderful things to photograph. What a character your brother in law is. A man who means business.

Debbie said...

Tom got a taste for life with blogger this weekend. We went to the coast for the weekend and I took pictures wherever we went. Sometimes he'd ask why, but by the end of our trip he was pointing out what he thought might be a nice shot and speeding up past the traffic so I could get a clear picture.
You take the best pictures!

Love you,
Debbie

Southern Lady said...

Hello, my friend! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Carla

PJ van Zyl said...

I had to smile after reading your post. Great photo. I love the composition and all the different textures and lines

Nancy said...

Wish you had more time, but passengers are usually at the driver's whim, aren't they?

Perfect capture, Allison. :)