The Abandoned: White Heart in The Abandoned

Thursday, October 7, 2010

White Heart in The Abandoned - Guest Heart Thursday

Walking the giant parking lot near The Abandoned, where thousands of people once parked their cars, one can find some interesting grasses and flowers. This gorgeous white flowering is one. I was enchanted when I realized it was in the shape of a heart! Just perfect for Guest Heart Thursday!

For more wonderful heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

WARNING: Anyone wishing to visit The Abandoned, must have permission from the owners.

4 comments:

boromax said...: Terrific photo. Love the delicate white flowers in the shape of a heart suspended before a field of green. Wondrous. Good eye!; October 7, 2010 at 2:28 PM
Clytie said...: Beautiful, sissie! I do believe it is yarrow, though i would have to see the leaves to know for sure. What I DO know is ... it really is a PERFECT HEART! Thank you for finding it and sharing it on Guest Heart Thursday.; October 7, 2010 at 3:09 PM
Dani said...: very delightful.

Hugs,
Dani; October 7, 2010 at 5:18 PM
Diane AZ said...: Adorable! Looks like a tiny heart-shaped bouquet floating over the grass. :); October 8, 2010 at 4:47 AM

The Abandoned

Years ago, I dedicated this blog to The Abandoned, a huge complex of abandoned buildings in rural Oregon.

Surrounded by wetlands and old growth timber, The Callahan Center was built in the 1970's by the State of Oregon as a rehabilitation center for people recovering from injuries on the job.

In 1992, the property was bought by a mega church. However, the Living Enrichment Center closed in 2004, amidst financial scandal and the property was abandoned.

The buildings stood empty for many years. Over that span the property was vandalized and looted. Yet the beauty of its rare architecture shone through the shambles of abuse and disrepair.

In the summer of 2013, the complex was completely demolished. We were all sad to see the buildings go, but because of trespassers and vandals, it was necessary to take them down.

The area where The Abandoned once stood is filled with $500,000 mushroom houses (homes built so fast they pop up like mushrooms) built on postage stamp lots. There are sidewalks and tall lamps where I once watched the foxes of the field leaping above the grass, hunting rodents.

The surrounding woodlands still survive. It is my prayer the wetlands and forests with their pristine creeks, native trees and flowers, as well as the wildlife which shelter there, will be protected.