Spontaneous Arcadia

          We didn’t decide to become explorers. You might even say it came naturally. Or, one could argue that it happened as a result of moving away only to rediscover the places we once took for granted. But explorers we are. My husband and I, that is. 

         We don’t make a big deal about it- no cargo pants or vests. We sometimes just pick a place that looks interesting from the highway, and then go and look around. And often we take pictures. But we always take an interest.

          One day, we took one such spontaneous trip to Pop’s in Arcadia, Oklahoma, with our whimsical Sardina and Diana cameras. The sun was drifting downward behind the sloping neighborhood houses and vast pastures we’d left behind on Route 66 when we stopped off at the famous Round Barn. Unfortunately it was closed, but we decided to take pictures, anyway. 

          Afterwards we meandered around and goofed off a great deal until making our way back to Pop’s and having a nice, diner-style dinner and sipping our exotic sodas. The sun continued to set as our part of the world cooled down with a gentle breeze and music played cheerfully from the outdoor speakers.

         Multi-colored pop bottles dazzled and glowed in the dimming light as the clouds shifted nearer in horizontal layers of pinks and blues and purples. As the rest of the world became cloaked in the night sky’s habitual darkness, Pop’s and its retro-style gas station was illuminated by the fluorescent lights above and the towering soda pop rings that loomed over, reminiscent of some Fourth of July glow sticks.  

          It was just an evening out, really. You could even call it a date. But I happen to love viewing the world- even it’s most unappreciated corners- with fresh eyes and an open mind. And something about that evening, like so many others, was...well, magical.

          I've had the privilege to discover so many enchanting scenes throughout my home state, Oklahoma. Which is probably why my love for Oklahoma played such an important role throughout the writing of my soon-to-be-released novel, Wolves and Men. But where ever you are, I hope you're rediscovering YOUR countrysides, small towns, nooks and crannies, along with their own unique charms. 

*** Photos courtesy of my one-and-only, Micah Wittman.

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Have you taken any spontaneous trips lately? 

Are there any corners of the world you’ve taken an interest in?

Have you ever used a Holga, Diana, or Sardina camera?