“Too many places today are devoid of the uniqueness that lends itself to memory because we have failed as a society to thoughtfully preserve the places that we have inherited and to create new ones that resonate emotionally.” – Richard H. Driehaus

I thought we could get Monday off to a good start by enjoying a few random images from the weekend.

These photographs, although not taken specifically as a set, work together well to give a nice overview of our historic district.

The first three (in the gallery) I caught in the sunshine. Then – as you can see – a storm rolled in from over the rive.

I really love the feel of the air, the rich textures, and the saturated colors in the soaked vegetation after the rain.

Here, around the ancient homes and uneven streets of old Tarboro, there’s a little wildness and overgrowth on many of the properties and the summer rains seem to make it all feel more mysterious.

I love the massive crepe myrtles outside Maggie’s house on Saint John Street. I am in awe of the live oaks on Saint David and around the Calvary churchyard. I wish our “garden” had some of the tall hydrangea you can see on Church Street. And I’m a huge fan of the slightly out of control shrubs and borders that are beginning to hide our neighbor Ginger’s house.

The character here is the rich and weathered patina of age. This is where we make our home, this tangled, overgrown, mostly needs a paint-job, sidewalk tripping-hazard of a historic district. And we love it.

At the same time, we are anxious to see Tarboro’s treasure-trove of period homes well-preserved, so we would love to have some of you share this beautiful experience, invest in restoration and come be our neighbors.

Before the end of the summer I plan to photograph a catalog of all the houses that offer the kind of opportunity we felt called to embrace here on Saint Patrick Street.

So jump in why don’t you? I guarantee you won’t regret it – DEREK