Don't You Love Old Barns?

I remember going to visit my grandparents in Cache County and passing a big old barn with a sign painted on its side.  I was always fascinated with that old barn.  It made me wonder what types of tales it could tell me. 

 Last spring I took a two week road trip with my sister back to Kentucky, and we passed many cool old barns.  Most of the ones I took pictures of were called “quilt barns”.  Now, I had never heard of the term “quilt” barns but my sister is an avid quilter.  She has a long-arm quilting machine and lives and breathes quilting.  Needless to say, I get to talk about quilting a lot when we’re together.  I’m not complaining because I love spending time with her, and she gets to listen to me talk about writing, so in the long run, I think we’re even.

 I remember spending time with my mother as a young girl and helping her hand quilt the beautiful quilts she made.  Now, I hate making quilts, but I definitely do appreciate all the hard work that goes into them.  So, when we were traveling and came across some cool old barns with quilts painted on them, I couldn’t resist taking a few pictures.  As I thought about the barns, I got to thinking that they remind me of the life we live and the lives of those who have passed on.  They are so rich in history.  Wouldn’t you just love to hear about their history?

 Here’s a beautiful old barn. 

 

Notice how pleasing it is to look at.  It’s painted and well kept up.  It’s obvious the owner loves his barn and is proud of what he has.  Wouldn’t you just love to go inside and see what treasurers are housed in it?  Keeping this barn looking so meticulous definitely would require a lot of work, and that is my first thought:  You have to work hard to succeed.  It doesn’t matter if you want to write a book, sew a beautiful quilt, look nice, keep your house and yard up, or become the CEO of a company.  Everything takes a lot of hard work to obtain it.

 

This second barn is big and sturdy and well made.  Even though it’s not fancy, it looks trustworthy.  That’s my second point:  Be trustworthy.  Whether it’s in your dealings with others, writing a book, borrowing money, or just in your everyday life as you work and play, you have to be trustworthy.  Make your word your bond.  Let everyone know they can trust you, depend on what you say, and rely on you when you say something.

 

This third barn is definitely old, but it has character.  It’s one of a kind.  My third point is:  it doesn’t matter how old you are or how young you are, build your character.  Let each day help you become the person you want to be.  You are unique.  Enjoy your differences.  Everything you do helps you become a unique person with character that makes you that much more interesting.

 

One thing they all have in common is they are great to look at and each one is different from the other.  They bring joy to anyone who passes by with their bright colored quilts painted on them.  So my last point is:  Be happy.  Bring joy to others and to yourself. 

 

I hope you enjoyed seeing a few of my quilt barn pictures.  If anyone has pictures of interesting old barns they’d like to share, I’d love to see them.   

For more about me, visit my website at http://KRBailey.com

Have a great day!

Happy Valentines Day

The heart can see what's invisible to the eye.
                  ---unknown

Valentines Day is traditionally the day for love.  When I saw the above thought, I realized how appropro it is right now.  Everyday I see couples and wonder what one sees in the other--a hunky guy with an ordinary woman; a tall woman with a short guy.  You know what I'm saying?  I think the thought above says it all.  It reinforces that beauty is only skin deep or beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Aren't you glad?  We need all types of people to make the world go round, and isn't it great that it doesn't matter who you are, what you look like, what your background is--there is someone out there who will love you and appreciate your inner beauty.

As you celebrate Valentines Day, take time to let those you care about know you love them.  Let your family members know you care.  Tell your wife, husband, or significant other that they're special.  Give your kids and grandkids hugs.  Recognize your neighbors and let them know you appreciate them.  Find time to help a sick person.  I think everyone loves to be acknowledged.  Don't be stingy with your hugs, and most importantly, don't forget yourself.  Appreciate you for what you are.  Love knowing you are a special person.

I wish you all a very loving Valentines Day.  May you find love and peace.  May your day be full of happiness.

Find out more about K. R. Bailey at http://KRBailey.com