The prettiest place I've ever lived is still Michigan. I usually get to go back in summer, but the past two years I had reason to go back in fall and early winter. Yep, Michigan is the prettiest place I've ever lived. But my daily drive to work is definitely beautiful. In those 25-ish miles I travel through a state park, big open farmland, a couple small towns, some lovely rock formations, and a historic Missouri city.
I love the gingerbread-with-icing look these rocks take on in winter. I was experimenting with black and white on this particular day. The day before went from rain to sleet followed by snow, which flocked the branches like thick white velvet.
Driving home that afternoon was interesting. I kept pointing the camera randomly and didn't know what I had until I got home. I got really lucky and only had to delete a few. Most were surprisingly in focus and well centered. I liked the black and white effect very well. Considering the color of the sky and the snow that day, there wasn't much difference between color and black and white anyway.
And it lent the whole project an antique feel. This house reminded me of the house in A Christmas Story. It doesn't quite so much in color or when it's not covered in snow.
This one reminded me of my Great-Aunt Darlene's house back in Allegan. I don't know why. It looks nothing like it. But there is one just down the street that has a semi-circular set of concrete steps like she had. Of course, I didn't get a picture of that house. But I really, really like this one. And I always have loved Aunt Darlene's house. Maybe that's the connection.
Yeah, I love my daily drive. :)
