“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”
– Robert Frost
I went out and took some pictures just for the heck of it yesterday. Or was it? There’s a part of me that feels so nourished by capturing images like these. The first pic is of the lobster-colored house on the corner. It’s been for sale for as long as I can remember…maybe because of its unusual floor plan? I think it’s charming though. I mean, who wouldn’t want to work in a 20-foot-tall, natural light-filled tower with a view of the lake? Apparently lots of people. So it continues to sit…smiling at the herons alone.
The lobster-colored house with Spanish moss hair and white picket teeth.
A birdhouse sitting over on Bungalow Court. Seeing it on the ground makes me want to surprise whoever it belongs to by adding a couple of fairies!
Crouching down behind my neighbor’s azaleas so it looks like they’re mine- ha! (See the lobster-colored tower at the end of the street?
An Alabama-shaped rock nestled under the juniper in the corner of Mrs. Hawkin’s back yard. I wonder if anyone else sees it that way too?
Anywho, I’m no professional photographer, but I’ll be honest, I’d love to put together a whole book chock full of photos and stories that speak to my soul, in hopes that they might speak to other kindred spirits out there too. Pages about people, and their passions, and the places their purposes took them. Wouldn’t that be fun? I would like a book like that. And if I could find the time, I know that just creating it would feel like such a meaningful pouring out and a filling right back up. I guess that’s why I blog the way I do lately…and it’s neat that after a decade of passionately pounding out posts, the Lord can still fine-tune what it is I love to do.
So, who knows, maybe there will be paper pages in my future. Bound together like old friends. A book that is warm and comforting; one whose cheerful cover says, “come on in!”
______________________
They say a good snapshot keeps a moment from running away. Here are some more pictures that I had fun capturing for keeps:
She stood at the sink, lifted her face toward the sun, and relished the blaze that graced her face.
In four words, I can sum up how to ride a life: pedal hard, glide. Repeat.
I have seen tree bark and a leafy climber make together a sweet and unmistakable face. Do you see it there too?
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory,
Don’t ride nothin’ but the righteous and holy
This train is bound for glory, this train.
(I know, I know- it’s a tractor…but a mama can make-believe, too!)
And that last one…that’s a sunrise I snapped on a lonely stretch of road between Montgomery and Mathews. Mornings out there are some of the prettiest you’ll ever see. You’ll be driving along, looking for a place to park and pray, and the sky will just come alive…spilling pink and orange light across the prairie. I highly recommend it if you’re in the area. It’s a beautiful way to watch life go on.
Happy weekend, friend-
Layla
PS- Curious about that lobster-colored tower? Here’s another photo I found of it online:
I removed the name of our street from that sign, but if you live in the area you probably know where to find it. 😉
You. Are. Amazing!! Thanks for being so REAL! I just love you!
This post makes me happy down to my toes! Thank you Layla, for pushing through. I know it’s hard – real hard, sometimes. But you and Jesus got this!!
I would love to see the floor plan of that lobster colored beauty! I love it.
I agree with Linda. I wanna see the floor plan! I loved listening to you read aloud as I read the post.
Layla, you write so beautifully! I think that book of photos should also contain the beautiful words you put together. I am also loving listening to your posts!
Thank you!
I love this Layla! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos! I also enjoyed listening to you read to me! Your insta stories are always one of daily my favs, so being able to listen you over here too is a great feature!
I love listening to you read the post!!! So relaxing and feels kinda nostalgic for some reason!
I love photos and snapshots…my fam is always saying…oh here’s mom she’s gonna want a picture of this! It’s my way of keeping the memories that I never ever want to forget! We have been taking teens on Mexico Missions Trips for 30
years (Tacy was with me when she was a teenager)
We have a special time in the evening called ‘snapshots’ everyone goes around and shares their favorite moment of the day…like a little photo snapshot…I love hearing what everyone would have wanted to capture in a picture!
Thank you for the beauty you are sharing both from your lens and from your soul.
Yes! I see the face in the tree!
I love your photos, and you are right:- you should put together a lovely coffee table book of your photos!
That tower house makes me feel like it could fall down! I suspect the pillars may not be load bearing and that is putting people off living in it. However, i would live there for the views, and write my book.
Gorgeous pics.
Oh, no worries about those pillars, Maria! We have *very* strict building standards here in this ‘hood and I am positive that tower is up to code! 🙂
This post just made smile from ear to ear. I love that you take the time to share these moments with us and see the beauty in everything despite all that you are dealing with. Gods got you in the palm of his hand for sure. It’s beautiful that you trust that!
Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful Layla……….thank you, hearing your voice with your words adds so much………another dimension. I recently followed you on Instagram and have so enjoyed getting to see your stories and see your sweet personality. …I’m so sorry for your current trial and battle with anxiety……will be praying for your victory. For the first time in my life I am experiencing a bit of that too……….seems to be a result of losing our precious first-born son 2 yrs ago to cancer…….such a hard hard journey. He was only 47…….He left a legacy of love and strong faith…….I haven’t really blogged since……….just trying to find my way I guess………but your transparency has helped me feel less alone and I love seeing you with your boy Stevenson…….raising boys is just the best……….we raised three of them. Thank you again. Linda
Linda, I’m so sorry for you loss. I have a 40 year old with a recently diagnosed with a serious heart defect. It’s terrifying to think of losing him. It sounds like you have wonderful memories to help with healing. I hope you’re able to get back to your blog. I’ll say a prayer for you family.
Beautiful photos and words Layla ❤️ You have a gift!
I LOVED this Layla!!!
Layla, I loved your pictures and prose. You’re a gifted, creative, brave soul.
Enjoyed this so much, you made the pictures jump right off the page! Thank you!
Hey Layla,
I found you from a random decor collaboration, but instantly fell in love. You are so beyond talented and I love your decor inspirations!
When your anxiety posts started coming up it was a surprise but I was very appreciative that you were willing to share..
I’ve been feeling the exact same way you have. Every building i go into, i hesitate. I don’t do crowds. I struggle with church cause of paranoia. The list goes on and on and on. My kids going to school scares me.. the list goes on…
My anxiety started after i had attended the route 91 harvest festival in Las Vegas. The tragedy that took place there, ruined me… in the moment… and months/years to follow. It’s jard. My poor kiddos watch me struggle, my hubby watches (and carries me) through the struggles.. but I completely understand what you’re dealing with. I really just wanted to tell you, you’re not alone. And thank you for posting and sharing your anxiety struggles 🙂
You have such a beautiful spirit, Layla. Thank you for showing us the little things that we often pass right by without noticing as we rush about in our busy lives. You are helping us to see Gods beauty in the everyday, little stuff. He is using you in great ways! I look forward to reading your posts… a book, yes please!
Beautiful! This post was the happy, calming tone I needed to start my Saturday. Xoxo
I love the way you write. So honest and kind. I know we would be good friends if we lived close by. I shared your Instagram page with my mom the other day, as she has the same type of anxiety that you do. She was so thankful to hear from someone who could relate!! God is awesome how he brings people together through social media.
Hearing you read your post is inspirational to me. Thank you for your daily kindnesses. It means so much in each of our lives.
Layla, you definitely have a special gift. Thanks for sharing it with others like me who are so ungifted!you are such an inspiration and joy to follow.
I love the salmon house!! Old homes are what I love. The wood floors and the beauty of the wood.
Me too! But that one was built in 2005 or 6! 🙂