The Abandoned: Valentine

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Heart from another time

This place no longer exists... And in some way, this photo represents the lost love of my life... It is my third Valentine's Day without my Beloved.

For some reason it hits me a bit harder today. I am realizing he really truly isn't coming back. Though I KNOW I will see him again, I know it won't be in this world.

So sweet love to you, my Beloved, my heart. You are deeply missed.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

A Spider's Valentine - Guest Heart Thursday

We were walking along the grizzled roads of The Abandoned when Clytie spotted this amazing spiderweb heart. Sweet Sissy--she let me take the picture--can you see this Spider's Valentine?

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

WARNING: If you intend to visit The Abandoned, be sure to get permission from the owners first. If you do not have permission, you may be arrested and prosecuted for trespassing.

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.