Daily Archives: May 21, 2013

A few years ago I did the second America From 500 Feet II with Mark Kettenhofen.  We made a list of interesting things in the history of America.  One such story was the Mail Pouch Tobacco Barns.  Now I’m not a smoker or a chewer, the story of how a handful of painters, painted thousands of  barns across America, is amazing!  Teams of two painters were went out in pairs with a model T truck, and they crisscrossed the country talking farmers into letting them paint the Mail Pouch message on their barns.  They got a whopping $10.dollars a year for the privilege!    In interviews before the last painter died, he said they could usually paint two barns a day, did you get that, two per day!

 

I’m not saying people don’t work hard today, but two barns a day??!!!  The story was intriguing because of just how committed these men were to a job that paid so little.  It is also a story about a time when people had big dreams and worked hard to see them come true. I believe we need a lot of things in America today, dreams and drive to make them come true are two of those things.  A dependence on God and a belief that He loves us is another.  A strong country, or family, or individual, is the sum of many parts, but the most important part is a determined path to build a life around something more than happenstance.  God, principle, integrity, and honor!  If you’re starting your own list, this would be a good start!!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

Leaving Mount Rainier the other day, I saw a bunch of metal sculptures off the side of the road. We stopped to check it out, and spend a good half hour enjoying he incredible work of Dan Klennert!  He has hundreds of metal sculptures and it was thoroughly enjoyable looking at them and making some photographs.  We had such a good time we have decided to take our group there for a short shooting session.  It never ceases to amaze me how talented some people are, hope you enjoy these images and Dan’s art!

 

I’m anxious to share this great place with our friends!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim