Contemplating.

Contemplating.
Wayzata, Minnesota

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Thematic Photographic - In rough shape

"By seeking and blundering we learn." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe



Carmi, at Written Inc. blog has offered, "In rough shape" as our Thematic Photographic theme for the week. 




The old Oak Treasures didn't look the same
 
As I stepped out of my car,
there to meet me
growing up through the cracks
were wildflowers after wildflowers.



Sadly, sometimes
All good things come to an end.
 
Yet, beauty still lurks in this abandoned state.
 
 
This was once a family owned, landmark furniture store in Farmington, Minnesota.   Not long before the bitter end the owners transformed much of the outside area into a wildlife education center, along with a unique gift shop and restaurant.
 
 
 
They had pulsating dreams.





Always a lure, was their array of finely crafted wooden designs and country furniture along with other accessories.   Everything was displayed within a sprawling timber building years before the big real estate boom.
 




Hammer and nails anyone?




 

"There is a destiny that shapes our ends rough,
 hew them as we will."  - Frank Harris
 
 

Not every corner of this charming old treasure trove needs repair.
Just a bit over grown in places.



Their welcoming sign was proud to announce what they had in store.

 
 
Where, oh where, are all the delightful things now?
 
 
Note: Thematic Photographic posts is a weekly posting, but anyone can join, and at any time post, and never feel obligated to post every week.  I know some themes have caught the attention of some of my followers..... so yes, please drop in any time!  The more the merrier!

For more Thematic Photographic posts go here
 

 

22 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

oh, what a lovely place! i hope someone finds its treasure and brings it back to full life!

ariverflowsby said...

its this sad economy....

Max Sartin said...

That's a beautiful building, even in it's state of disrepair. If their furniture was as nice as the building, I'd bet they had some good stuff.

Alexia said...

That's so sad, but really interesting at the same time. I enjoy taking pictures of old buildings, but as it's midwinter I'll be dusting off some of my old shots for this theme, rather than going out looking for new old shots ;)

Great quotes as usual, Karen - I particularly liked that version of the Hamlet one!
xo

Cloudia said...

You have a nice eye for the abandoned and amazing!


ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° > <3

darlin said...

I would LOVE to buy this place and fix it up, I have visions dancing in my head with possibilities of how to fix it up. It's my dream home in need of tons of TLC and that I have!

I may venture over to Carmi's site, it's been a while... mind you I want to catch up to reading the blogs I follow, that's also been a while.

Have a wonderful day Karen, cheers.

Bob Scotney said...

What a shame that it has deteriorated so much. It deserves to be restored but then it wouldn't have appeared in your excellent post that needs no nails to hold it together.

Gilly said...

So sad to see such a beautiful place dying like that. Death of dreams as well as death of a place.

But nature is taking over, and will make it beautiful again.

Great photos and interesting angles and shots.

Unknown said...

That store looks just like the house of our dreams!

21 Wits said...

Jerry- That's exactly what my hubby says! You should see the inside, and the fireplaces! But, imagine the cost for heat, in Minnesota!

Unknown said...

Fireplace inserts practically turn regular fireplaces into wood stoves, which sure cuts down on the amount of heat escaping out of the chimney, my dear Karen, and log homes can be insulated as well as more conventional homes. Of course, we still don't want you-all to get it out of pure jealousy. SO THERE!

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

What a beautiful building!

It does seem a shame that people aren't living in it.
~

sage said...

With a little work, it looks as if it could be a wonderful place for some business.

Anonymous said...

I like the first photo, the weed like flowers growing through the cracks. Even when times are bad there is something blossoming.

Laurie Kolp said...

We have a place like that called The Sawmill. The building even looks similar. I sure do hope they don't go out of business!

Leovi said...

Very poetic, a house inhabited by plants!

Lyn said...

You find beauty and life in unexpected places..I'm so grateful!!

Tempest Nightingale LeTrope said...

Too bad when good places like this are driven out of business while the demon mega-stores thrive. :-(
Thank you for stopping by Undead in the Netherworld and commenting on Teammate Dolly's post. We appreciate the visit!

Other Mary said...

It's sad to see this outward evidence of someone's abandoned dreams.

JJ said...

I hate to see cabins like that in bad shape. A little love and someone can have a treasure.

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

Karen, it makes me sad to see such a nice home going to pieces. It should not happen; still the wild flowers growing at the entrance are like, no not yet, it's not the end yet, it's like a welcome back; who knows?
Karen it is a beautiful theme you have chosen, a bit sad but despite its misfortune at the moment, full of hope.

Anonymous said...

Excellent thematic photography ~ so well done ~ thanks ^_^

A Book You might know or enjoy 'Finding the Picture'
(a workshop in a book)