Things to See

California Dreamin’

by Cindy on August 29, 2013

The end of summer is upon us (say it isn’t so!). I was faced with this unfortunate realization today when I was out shopping: pumpkin-themed kid’s shirts were on the racks, and I actually spotted a man buying fall decorations – a scarecrow. I believe summer deserves a proper send-off, so I spent some time editing pictures from our recent travels. It was a full summer, and I have a heap of memories from the East Coast to the West Coast.

We went to California – and in a way it was like going home. I have lived in CA 3 different times in my life. Our first home as newlyweds was while my husband was attending Naval Postgraduate School. It was great to go back and show the kids around – our old house, favorite restaurants (and they still make the Snickerbar pie at Rosine’s!), favorite spots. We got to introduce them to a few “old” friends, and it felt like we never left. I even got the chance to meet my longtime Beading Sister of the West, Carol, and her sweet daughter. We’ve been friends for several years now, keeping in touch by writing. She doesn’t have a blog, but her designs are featured frequently in jewelry magazines. I appreciate the opportunities like this, when the world seems like a smaller, more personal place.

I hope you enjoy the pictures – maybe they’ll bring back some memories for you too if you’ve ever been to San Francisco, Monterey, or Carmel. And if you’ve never been there, maybe you’ll be convinced that you’ll have to go one day too! I know we never wanted to leave.

Oh how I wanna go back! ….just one more trip to Japantown for that freshly made mochi!

Til next time –

– Cindy xoxo

Cindy Wimmer is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining vintage elements with modern wire design. She is the co-founder of artBLISS, hosting jewelry and mixed media workshops in the DC area. Her wire jewelry design book, The Missing Link, will be released in the Fall of 2013.

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The Pennsylvania Star Barn {Aged Beauty}

by Cindy on April 13, 2013

A few of my favorite things came together in this week’s Focus on Life challenge – photography and the past. It is Week 15, and this week’s photo prompt is “Aged Beauty”.

We were heading down PA Rt. 283 just outside of Harrisburg on a recent antiquing trip when I saw it. This had to be one of the most incredible sites I had ever seen, just glancing out of my window at miles of farmland. Just 40 feet or so from the road, there stood a very old barn – the Star Barn. I immediately told my husband to pull over! Luckily the next exit came right up, and we were off to find this vision in chippy white. Now you have to understand that I am helplessly drawn to old barns, buildings, and houses – especially intriqued by the mystery when they are actually abandoned.

I couldn’t believe that I was free to walk around the grounds – any camera-toting person’s dream. There are some of you that understand this, and others that must think I’m crazy.

I came to learn that this property originally belonged to John Motter, a banker and gentleman farmer. He hired Daniel Reichert to build the barn in 1872, just 7 years after the end of the Civil War. The Gothic Revival barn is well-known for the 5-pointed stars, which served as ventilators, on all sides. The “complex” consists of several outbuildings – the corn crib/ carriage house, pig barn, and chicken coop.

The Star Barn, known quite possibly as the most recognized barn in America, fell into neglect over the years. It was no longer being used as a farm by 1986. As land developments encroached upon the farm, the barn and its 3.6 acres were purchased in 2000 by Preservation Pennsylvania. It was then listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2007, the barn was purchased for $100,000 by Robert S. Barr, a local entrepreneur and president of the non-profit group, Agrarian Country. Plans were in place for the barn to be dismantled (a 7-month process) and moved to a new location. It was to become the centerpiece of Agrarian County’s agricultural education and a hands-on exhibition center. The barn remains in its original location as of today however, and plans to develop the agricultural showcase have been delayed by several years now. Barr has said that the project has been put on hold due to the downturn in the economy, and the inability to secure adequate funding. I do hope this beloved barn and outbuildings will be maintained for many years to come.

Painted clapboard siding, a cupola with octagonal spire

The 3-story structure was built on a limestone foundation. The grain silo was later constructed in the 1920s.

The carriage house

The rest of the family was waiting patiently in the car (okay, I’ll admit my kids didn’t quite get my attraction to an old barn). What a magical time I had though,walking around the property at sunset. If it hadn’t gotten too dark to continue taking pictures, who knows how long I would have continued to walk around exploring….