Taking the Back Roads.

My “beeline” home from Virginia on Monday took a circuitous route.  Or at least a bit of an adventurous one.

I was following my GPS even though I “pretty much” knew where my turns would be – but a sign I’d passed before a few times caught my eye and begged me to “GO SEE!” instead.

Cox Chapel, the sign read.  And I turned.

I found myself on a winding narrow country road, not really sure if I was still in Virginia, or had crossed over into North Carolina territory.  Nothing said so.  It looks pretty much the same on either side of the state line, and I kept driving.

The road was so empty that I pulled to a stop right there, putting the van in park, and got out to snap this photo.

I love barns.  I love barns more when they are sporting weathered barn quilts.

I got back in the car and drove some more.

I never did find Cox Chapel!  I must have missed a turn off somewhere, or there was a missing road sign, but I did come across this lonely old abandoned farm house:

It looks like Walton’s Mountain!

There were windows with glass missing, and a plethora of “STUFF” piled on the front porch, as if someone had moved out 50 years ago and left everything.

What is the story of this place?

Barn across the street.

As often happens in rural areas, the road can run right THROUGH a person’s property so I have no way of knowing if this barn belongs to this farm house, or to someone else.

There was no one around.  No cars passed me by.   My van Moby just sat there patiently idling on the road waiting for me to take my photos, hop back in, buckle up and wander on further.

Lovely little white church!

More stopping!

Picture perfect!

I pulled off the road into a gravel area on the shoulder, got out and walked back up to the church, sparkling white against the bluest sky I had ever seen-nary a cloud in sight.

At this point I still don’t know if I am in Virginia or North Carolina!

Shady respite!

Oh Sweet!  Potato Creek Church.

Established 1865.

1865!!

1865 in the south was a tumultuous time.  The Civil War, or “The War of Northern Aggression” had just ended.  President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865.

My mind instantly went to the memory of old photographs from that era, recalling what the women of the period had worn, and then imagining their simpler Southern counterparts.  Mothers who had perhaps lost sons in the war.  Wives who had lost sweethearts, children who had lost fathers, brothers, cousins, uncles and friends.

1865 was the beginning of the rebuilding.  A community likely came together in building a simple chapel and placing their faith in God for a better future ahead, as unknown as it might be.

Across the street.

Potato Creek Cemetery.

There wasn’t time to wander the grassy knoll, but I’d like to go back some day and visit the cemetery.  Who are the people who made this place home?

When I got to a computer, I did some Googling to learn more:

In June 2012, Potato Creek Church, located at 2726 Potato Creek Road in Mouth of Wilson, marked a milestone in its 147 year history: the church now has running water and a bathroom.

Potato Creek Church was built in 1865, and it served the community for many decades. [source]

So!  I WAS still in Virginia.

And this brings me all the way to now.

Bye bye, sweet girl!  I’ll see you FRIDAY!

This is a very quick trip with a combined guild presentation for the Common Threads and Quintessential Quilters of Columbus, Ohio.  I left on a very early flight, catching this beauty through the airport windows while waiting in line for my TSA security check:

BEAUTY in the MORNING!

I’ve always been an early riser, and love a sunrise whenever I am blessed to catch one.  Living in the trees, There is no open sky space to view one on a regular basis.  The best part of an early morning airport departure?  The sunrise.  I’m glad I didn’t miss this one.

Last night’s crowd!

We had a wonderful evening full of hugs and handshakes and I enjoyed reconnecting with ladies I haven’t seen since the last time I was here 3 years ago. 

The show & share was indeed epic!  Just wait until you see it!

We have two back to back Tropical Twist Workshops today and tomorrow with combined guild attendance.  There were enough students to fill the class TWICE at more than 40 per class, so there will be a whole lot of Tropical Twist from the Addicted to Scraps book happening in Ohio.

The weather is perfect, humidity is low, spirits are high and I’m ready to go!

Quiltville Quote of the Day!

Wild and Goosey quilt shared during my presentation last night.

In the words of Deepak Chopra:

Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss. Nothing is as rich. Nothing is more real.

Have a blissful Wednesday, everyone!

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