Old houses, I thought, do not belong to people ever, not really, people belong to them.

Gladys Taber

This past week’s sunshine and warmer temperatures have served to offer a taste of spring here in Tarboro. I have no doubt that there is more wintery weather in store, so I thought we could savor this brief interlude of balminess with a few photos to remind us of what is possible.

This is a fairly random set of images taken during a couple of recent walks. Occasionally I just look up and see something that strikes me as interesting – like the gorgeous splash of purple in front of the Owens home just a block up Saint Patrick Street from us.

Or appreciating the curious dignity of the tired old house on the corner of Church and Panola (photo, left). Or the unique aspect of the Mayo house through the children’s playground (see gallery, below). Or noticing how a Main Street home looks behind the bright pink blooms of a “Jane” magnolia.

Or the classic lines of the house next door, at the corner of Saint Patrick and Church, with it’s expansive double-columned front porch (it’s for sale, you could be our neighbor…).

Tarboro’s ancient trees strike me the same way. Standing sentinel to times long past but also bringing that sense of history and of story, of solidness and community along with them into this 21st Century.

Photography is about paying attention

To the extent that I remember to think of it, I will take more photographs as this most beautiful of seasons progresses through March and into April. It is not unusual for me to walk by something lovely and miss it, because – often – I simply fail to pay attention.

(So if you are particularly fond of your house and want me to take its picture, please feel free to let me know!)

Each and every new day is another invitation to celebrate, to open our eyes and to enjoy the world around us. I just happen to live in a location where what is lovely speaks up for itself.

My thinking in this regard is heavily influenced by the following words Paul sent to his friends in Philippi:

From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. – Philippians 4:8

PHOTOS: You can click on the first image then scroll through this short gallery. Enjoy!