Sparkle Dewdrop Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I took this picture on one of my walks through The Abandoned with my darling Sister a few summers ago.   The sparkle at the bottom of the heart seemed magical to me.   When I found it again just now--the magic of that place still has power.

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

Pretty Hearts -Guest Heart Thursday

Just before the destruction of The Abandoned, we found a plethora of hearts had been added in the Swimming Pool area.  How they were able to get up along that wall is a mystery to me.  It sure made for a pretty picture!

Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

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

Another Rubble Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

Curiously the last time I was in The Abandoned I could still find hearts in the rubble.

Indeed rubble is all that's left of The Abandoned.  Since this picture was taken these chunks are now just pea gravel!  One can find the neatest agates and rocks in those piles.

Happy Guest Heart Thursday and have a good day!

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

Remembering the Artists of The Abandoned

Though The Abandoned is now a pile of rubble, I am still in awe of the incredible art once found there. These are only a few of the pictures I've taken over the years.  A big thank you to the Artists of The Abandoned.

From the walls of the swimming pool.

From one of the back rooms.

From the main auditorium.

 

From the end of the swimming pool itself.

Ice Cube Baby is one of my favorites, found in a back room.

Found along a downstairs hallway.


Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

Microscopic Heart March -Guest Heart Thursday

These beautiful lichen are so tiny, I didn't see the hearts until I was able to see them on my computer!  They are so cute.  One thing which cannot be destroyed are the teeniest things in the world.   No matter that this place is now in rubble and ruin--nature will not be thwarted.

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

Heart Flower -Guest Heart Thursday

I took this picture sometime last summer.  I don't know what kind of flower this was, but isn't it beautiful?  Fall colors accented with summer green.  Perfect for today.

Have a lovely day and Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

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

The Secret Life of Cats -Guest Heart Thursday

Across the street from where The Abandoned once stood, there is a most amazing hazelnut tree which grows over the sidewalk of the house in which we grew up.  I thought it quite appropriate to have caught this lovely sun sparkle heart next to the Ginsue the Cat.

He loves Mom best, and often feels he is the king of the house.

As you can see--he's quite curious...

And mysterious...

And goofy...

After a quick perusal of his kingdom and a scattering of claw...

I guess he'd had enough of the human and her camera and decided to leave his perch in the hazelnut tree.  

Have a lovely day!

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

Heart in Fence Post -Guest Heart Thursday

Can you see the heart here?  This is a part of an old fence post found along the road, which once protected the forests surrounding The Abandoned.  I have not walked there with my Sissy for some time.  I am  not sure what I will see once I do--all that is left of the buildings are huge piles of ground up debris.

I am grateful the beauty of the forest still stands...for now.

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

Reflections -Guest Heart Thursday

All that is left of The Abandoned are giant hills of rubble.  Each day huge metal bins are filled with debris and removed from this once magical place.

This may be one of the last entries I make on this blog, simply because The Abandoned is no longer in existence.  The surrounding forests still hold their magic--but I wonder for how long?

Will the old growth forests be destroyed in the name of progress?  Or sheer ignorance?  The woods is filled with native plants no one sees anymore.   Perhaps my next task will be to document the forest to keep a record of what was once there.  Unfortunately, people are the forest's worst enemy.

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

Fallen Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

So sad to see this amazing place turned into rubble.  I will miss its magic.  Though I wonder if some of that special sense of wonder will still remain.  With the forests of old growth nearby, perhaps it will.

Perhaps the shadow people will roam the halls of all those new homes which will soon sprout like so many mushrooms.

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

Piles of Rubble -Guest Heart Thursday

When I visit the old Home place, I can hear the rock biters crunching and crumbling all that is left of The Abandoned.  I will miss this place -- There is still magic in the forests, but I wonder how long that will last with the huge housing development which will grow here.  Will people be careful of the woods and the intricate delicate beauty to be found there?

It is beautiful to note, if one looks closely, one can still find a heart in The Abandoned.

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

Lonely Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

Sissy and I found this lonely heart placed beneath the window on the second floor of the main building.  This area no longer exists.  The entire complex has been reduced to a field of rubble.

I haven't seen it up close yet.  It is so odd to look over where the buildings once stood and see a clear, clean skyline.  I remember when The Abandoned was built.  I remember the workers pouring the cement walls.  I remember feeling so sad at that time--because they'd made my beloved meadow into a cold giant hillside.  I missed seeing the foxes play and the birds that came there to nest.

Now I am sad to see this magical place compacted into dust.  Strange isn't it?

Soon over 400 homes will be built where this place once stood.  Progress, I suppose.

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

Hanging Hearts -Guest Heart Thursday

The last time I visited my parents' place--located across the street from The Abandoned, I noticed this colorful towel drying in the sunshine.  It brought back memories of helping Mom hang out the wash, when I was a little girl.  There's nothing like the wonderful aroma of air dried laundry.  MMmmmMmmm!

And just perfect for Guest Heart Thursday!

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

A Shadow of Myself

How grateful I am for sunshine.  Last winter held way too many gray days.  The flowers are blooming and summer seems to be on her way.

Have a lovely day, everyone!

Orange Mesh Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I haven't been to The Abandoned since it has been entirely flattened.  This upside down mesh heart is from my last walk there with Sissy.  I admit, it is an odd feeling to look up at the hill and not see the sillhouette of the main building of The Abandoned.

Will the shadow people remain to haunt those who build homes there?  It is a question someone asked me the other day--I didn't have an answer.

Have a great day and Happy Guest Heart Thursday.

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

Ridged Rubble Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

It is amazing how many hearts one can find in a pile of rubble--and they're quite lovely in their own way!  Have a lovely day, everyone and Happy Guest Heart Thursday.


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

Skybridge Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I have not had a chance to walk The Abandoned with Sissy since the last round of demolition, which appears to have flattened whatever was left of the buildings.  Above you see part of the old skybridge.  I was thinking about all the memories Sissy and I share--our walks here, our friendship, the way we laughed over the ghost stories people told.  (There are some true-life, hair-raising stories which are actually true.)  Such great memories from this wonderful magical place.

Happy Birthday, Sissy!  Cheers to all the memories yet to be shared over the years ahead!  I love you, Honey.

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

WARNING: Please do not visit this place unless you have permission. Though the buildings are flattened and the area has nothing to show for what once was--there are survailance cameras in place. I happen to have heard there are pictures on file. The owners are quite determined to identify those who trespass in The Abandoned.

Heart Over The Abandoned -Guest Heart Thursday

I wasn't surprised to see this perfect heart poised over The Abandoned a month or so ago.  When one is with Sissy--hearts just pop out everywhere!

I have a chance to win a small original painting of my own dear Polydactyl Cat by one of my all-time favorite artists.  If you'd like to vote for Toez, visit Sandrine's Gallery.  Have a lovely day, and Happy Guest Heart Thursday! 

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

WARNING: If you visit The Abandoned without permission, you risk getting arrested for trespassing. Please be careful. Since the buildings are gone, some question the presence of surveillance cameras. Don't assume there aren't cameras in place. Individuals who come onto the property without permission, should know the owners are VERY serious about identifying trespassers.

Japanese Rose -Guest Heart Thursday

The camellia bush where this lovely flower blossomed is as tall as a house.  I know this is a camellia, but I love its other name--the Japanese rose.  Last Spring, Dad made me take armfuls of these beautiful flowers home with me.  It is a sweet memory which I hold dear.  I will always love this flower because of Daddy. 

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

WARNING: If you visit The Abandoned without permission, you risk getting arrested for trespassing. Please be careful. Since the buildings have been demolished, some question the presence of surveillance cameras. Don't assume there aren't cameras in place. Individuals who come onto the property without permission, should know the owners are VERY serious about identifying trespassers.

Rubble Hearts -Guest Heart Thursday

On our last walk together through the rubble of The Abandoned, Sissy and I found several hearts, held barely in place by twisted rebar.

There are few walls left standing.  In a year or two, thankfully all of this will be gone.  Brand new homes with manicured lawns will take its place.  All that will be left of The Abandoned will be the memories and photographs of what once was here.  It will be abandoned no more.

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

WARNING: If you visit The Abandoned without permission, you risk getting arrested for trespassing. Please be careful. Since the buildings have been demolished, some question the presence of surveillance cameras.  Don't assume there aren't cameras in place. Individuals who come onto the property without permission, should know the owners are VERY serious about identifying trespassers.