All Aboard Hamlet

Going back from now to Fourth of Julys gone by...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:15:00 +0000

Flag above the old Hamlet Bank Building on Main Street -- taken July 2009

Yes that date, is indeed 2011 which makes it easy to see that I've allowed this blog to hang in the balance for more than a few months. In fact, it's now a total of a disgraceful 8 months. Much of my hiatus still ties to the eye injury I mentioned in my last Seaboard Festival focused entry. In fact, only in the past month or so have I been able to see well enough through my view finder eye to begin taking photos again. And photos, of course, are a big part of this blog. True, I have enough never been posted anywhere photos in my stash I could have continued. At last count it was about 30,000. But, mind you, I take progressive shots (one after another, after another, after another, etc.) as part of the process I believe God inspired me to utilize to help rewire my brain from the effects of Epilepsy and a period of cluster seizures in early 2006 which did a number on the language region of my brain. Which means part of the equation I use in blogging couldn't be done as it needs to be in order to go on my personal rewiring project without actually doing more harm. It's a slippery slope fine line thing. I haven't been fond of neglecting my rewiring project, but life happen sometimes, and I made choices not to trigger more damage. So, regrets in what may appear as letting this blog go, I don't have.

In a way, it's like the knee bone is connected the shin bone sort of thing in that photo taking and blogging go hand in hand for me. Both serve a purpose and have been instrumental in helping me regain much of my vocabulary that was lost, and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing... again. Articulation has improved greatly, although, there are moments of stumbling and not knowing what or where my brain is going on a retrieval word focused mission. Or, how that will play out orally or off the tips of my fingers. Although, this blog isn't about my personal challenge and struggles in those aresa, it very much ties to ways God has used my passion (and my mother's) for Hamlet's future. It has been a factor in my healing and rehab process. It's much like my work in canine rescue and my hands on tender loving care with my very own special needs rescues. Together they have given me reasons to get up every day. And to face the day along with the unique 24/7 challenges and push on and through while focusing my attention and at times drive, elsewhere. But, enough about that!

There have been some other things to hinder my writing here, but as much as I believe in stating the un-saids at times. Particularly to those we care most about, there are times the un-saids are the only kind and gracious route to take. Just know without going into detail or specifics that my time spent away wasn't wasted and that Hamlet benefited from some of it in one way or another.

So, what actually prompted this blog entry, like out of the blue? Well, the red, white and blue when you really get down to it. And thinking about our glorious nation and a little town that believes it can...

I spent all day yesterday going through Hamlet Fun Day - Fireworks photos that my husband, Steve, has taken over the past three years - 2009, 2010 & 2011. I first concentrated on viewing and processing photos from 2010 that I had not yet taken the time to finish digging through. Reasons explained above. Then, last night I took on 2011's. There were over 500 in all from 2010 and 2011. Thankfully, I got on a fun roll and processed close to two hundred for album sharing. Some of the shots from 2010 I still find very interesting and continue to captivate me. They appear to provoke the same in others, as well, because the comments we've received have been beyond favorable. One even from a dear friend whose an archival/vintage photo expert with ties to Ken Burns, of all people.

Just below is one of the most special from 2010, I think I'm drawn to it because it truly reminds me of days gone by, and simpler times, as well as old Polaroid Land Camera photos that my dad used to take. I am pulled toward the beam of light moving right about 2/3 of the way from a brilliant fireworks blast (not showing) above the in the photo and is strikes down directly aligned with an old telephone pole. As if it were pulled there for some reason, if only to capture my eye! Then, the old pole to the far right, as I've mentioned before in this blog, it's another that reminds me of cross Jesus was crucified on around Hamlet. The smoke makes it all dreamy and almost magically mystifying. And those are only a few things that jump out at me when I look at this photo. People have made jokes at the way I look at and describe photos, but again that's part of the rewiring process for me. I look as closely as possible to discern every detail I can see, and the ones I can't see, also. Each photo has a multiple stories... the one in view... the one that belongs to the one behind the camera... and at times the subject has quite a story, too!

In some ways it reminds me of back in the day of drive-in movies, where all vehicles were pointed in the direction of the big movie screen to watch a new release, or a favorite again and again. It was such fun, inexpensive, simple and casual entertainment to do with folks we enjoyed being around at its *very* best. Much different than these days where everyone is attached to one or multiple techy devices doing their own thing for entertainment while together. Some actually texting each other, rather than talking. Or, communicating with folks off in the yonder, and Lord only knows where that is. Anyway, there is always lots of chatter and movement going on until the show begins. Then, all eyes are focused and glued looking in one direction.

Hamlet's fireworks show is no different. The vehicles you see above are filled with adults of varying ages, teens, kids, babies and in some cases dogs. They have snacks and drinks on hand to make the occasion even more fulfilling. Or, would that be filling? Some folks (and even dogs) are wearing red, white and blue to mark our nation's birthday. The vehicles you see above are filled with smiles, laughter, and gleeful cheering in between hushed moments of expectation and anticipation as they relish in their front row seats. Ooooooohs and ahhhhhhhs are echoing all over! I could go on and on about what these photos represent. But, it's the softness which gives room to my imagination, vs. a shot of a gorgeous work of fireworks art dangling in the air... I prefer the shots with telltale signs of joy filled people where I can envision the colors not reflected...

Yet, I certainly can give some metaphorical meaning for choosing the circle framed display of fireworks shot above, I'll spare you for now, and possibly forever.   And get on to the point of this blog entry that's come out of the red, white and blue...

For the past three years my husband and I have been a part Hamlet's Family Fun Day festivities. The first year, we simply took photos and sat with the hatch raised on the rear of our SUV facing the once a year evening show. It was our first time ever taking pics of fireworks, and believe me, we were amazed that some actually came out. In fact, surprisingly most did. We didn't mingle, but certainly enjoyed people watching. While Steve took photos of fireworks, I took candid shots of people.   It was our first time watching the fireworks in Hamlet ever together. And, also our first time watching Hamlet celebrate the Fourth from the area in front of the Hamlet Historic Depot. For me, it provoked memories of the last time I celebrated Independence Day in Hamlet during a visit to my cousin's when I was a girl who'd just turned 16. I loved how the town seemed to gather together to mark our nation's birthday with old fashioned hometown-ish fireworks. Growing up in Virginia Beach, I was used to watching the reflection of large fireworks displays over water, but in Hamlet, I see the reflection in the joy on people's faces. Flash forward 40 years, and honest to goodness, the feelings I experienced four years ago were identical. I guess there are some things in life that don't change the way they affect us regardless of our age. Or, where we've been, or what we've done. The very essence of those things are embraced for a lifetime, embedded in our minds, memories, and hearts. Moments of renewal comes to us in the form of adding to the memories as times moves ahead marked by more special 'never ever forget' times. One memory connects to another, to another. With me they mesh together, but I prefer to keep each in tact as I lived it, otherwise, some of the specialness wears off.

Both the second and third years we were blessed to be able to be a part of the very small volunteer staff manning the Hamlet Historic Depot and the Tornado Building. Both years we had the honor and privilege of working with Mr. Riley Lee Watson. In our opinion, he's Hamlet's most valuable living artifact whose family represents over 200 years of dedicated service to the railroad. As a railroad grandkid and niece, I admire that more than I can even begin to express. It's hallowed common ground. And Riley is always a pleasure and dear to work with any time, but on Fourth of July, it is something that we all have looked forward to doing together. Similar to a family.

This year, however, we aren't going to be a part of things in Hamlet. Hence, the reason I dug through all of our photos related to Hamlet Fourth of July - Family Fun Day Celebrations to put together the album I was unable to create last year, just in the nick of time for this year. In my mind, it was unfinished business, that sorely needed to be done. So, even though we won't be amongst the crowd and mingling a bit with our friends along Main Street, or spending special time with Riley, these photos to us capture the very spirit of the festivities. And even though we won't be there tomorrow night, we will indeed be there in spirit and in our memories, This flash slide show doesn't last very long, in fact for me it moves much too quickly to see all of the detail. But, I've had to set it to auto because the feature when used in blogger can be a bit buggy. And posting 59 photos in blogger would be a bear to do. There are 59 photos in all with the first being the photo which appears at the top of this entry. It's a from a series of several hundred "looking up" perspective shots I did along Hamlet Main Street to capture the amazing roof top and facade architecture which remains to this day from the early 1900s.

Rather than post multiple photos of fireworks hanging in the air, this album was been created not to show off the captivating fireworks, but a community united together to celebrate the birth of our nation. The majority of the shots included of the fireworks show a row of cars actually parked on CSX property. Similar to my husband's shot above.   Like that one, it is one of many favorite spots where local folks congregate around the Hamlet Historic Depot area of Hamlet. Cheers can be heard far and wide from the crowd over the loud pop as each pyrotechnic round is shot high into the sky and bursts into a brilliant lightening bug like huge display of various shapes and sizes. Wide eyed grins and smiles appear on all faces in attendance. Then, a silent hush comes over the crowd in anticipation of the next pop! It's a day where Americans can easily focus on the common ground we share with each other. The common ground called freedom gifted to each us through the love of country, work and steadfast sacrifice of our founding fathers, military and public servants and their families.

It's a day we recognize that God has truly blessed America and blessed each of us for allowing us to be born as, or to become Americans.   Fourth of July aka Family Fun Day in Hamlet is a day celebrated like many small towns across the nation, where people come together in harmony to remember the freedoms we enjoy have come through battles, blood shed, including the ultimate sacrifice(s), and prices paid by countless patriots for well over two centuries now. Personally, I've seen huge fireworks displays, but small town America captures the essence of this all important holiday in an indescribable way... It's not about amazing firework displays -- it's about folks coming together for one day, enjoying our freedoms together -- how our nation was birthed -- how we got 'here' and forgetting about everything else. On July 5th, we can get back to the business of what tomorrow holds...

Happy Independence Day ~ 2012 ~ to all my friends and loved ones in Hamlet! And with this blog entry, this blogging endeavor comes to a close. I'm not totally ready to say goodbye to Hamlet quite yet, not until we move away forever. But, I am ready to close a 3 plus year chapter in my life.

My thoughts, prayers and hopes for Hamlet's best will continue. To those who mentioned this blog to me and have sent me notes and emails, there aren't enough words to thank you. It's because you that I write this final entry...

God Bless...

Jeanne

A small town American festival ala Hamlet, NC... The Seaboard Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:08:00 +0000

Seaboard Festival - October 29, 2011

First off, I'm blowing off the dust from this blog and in doing so, I'm going to knock the cobwebs off of Project Rewire, too by cross posting. True, that's something, I don't often do. Yet, it is fitting in this case. Since I've had a few readers of both blogs contact me wondering what I've been up to this will take care of both spots simultaneously.

Without getting overly verbose, suffice it say, due to a fairly serious eye injury which occurred on June 4, 2011, I had to step away from photo taking and blogging for a bit. Make that an extended bit. Which means my "Project Rewire" rehabbing/therapy efforts took an extended hiatus, too!

On my end, it's been yet another thing to push through daily since the cornea in my viewfinder eye found itself dead center in the way of a wayward tomato stake. Long story short, I was as close as a person could get to a corneal implant without having to get one. That close means the healing has been slow going. But, steady and progressing on schedule. Thank God! What a blessing! It's not been pleasant. And it has been challenging and painful at times. Still is. But, the what ifs are much much worse and has helped me keep it all in perspective. I've tried off and on to take photos during my view finder eye's healing process. However, it honestly hurt like the dickens, and taxed my other eye which has been in an uncomfortable perpetual state of strain since the injury. Consequently, I've been forced to take it S-L-O-W. Not push it. In fact, I even had a new Canon point 'n shoot camera arrive a few days before the injury, that still sits untried out. Hopefully, it won't for much longer.

Anyway, what better day to test the waters again, so to speak; pull out my trusty "Brownie" as a dear friend of mine calls it, than Hamlet's Annual Seaboard Festival. I'm still having issues focusing as clearly as I could before, but I found I could actually see through the viewfinder again. Which is HUGE!

For vendors, locals and visitors along Main Street, Hamlet, and for those of us who had to work during the festival all know, the day began windy, damp, drizzly, and chilly. It would have been the perfect Saturday to hide under the covers since we've yet again gone from Indian Summer like weather in the Sandhills of NC, to oh baby, it is brrrrr-isk outside! Fortunately, the sun finally broke through early afternoon, yet the chill of the wind continued throughout the day.

My husband and I, along with other Board Members and Volunteers of the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum were lucky in that we got to work inside our beautiful main museum building, which is the former Seaboard Airline Passenger Station, built in 1900, mind you. Or, our Tornado Building. Home to the full scale 1892 reproduction of the 1839 Tornado Steam Engine.

The heat wasn't on in either building, but compared to outside our digs and gigs couldn't be beaten. All in all, although our visitor numbers were off from last year (understandably) we had a steady stream of guests to welcome and greet throughout the day. Not one complaint was heard by anyone. And we met some of the nicest folks who had returned to Hamlet for Hamlet High School's 50+ year reunion. I'll never tell how many years! But, for folks 75 years old, they didn't look a day over 50! ;-)

I worked from 9:00 a.m. until after 5:00 p.m. with only a short break late in afternoon, so I decided to try my viewfinder eye inside upstairs to see if I could capture a few decent shots through a couple our very dense glass windows. They're in an area upstairs called "Newton's Nook", even though "no relation", the view from those two windows are the best in the house for a bird's eye view of the happenings up and down Main Street, Hamlet, NC.

I was surprised to capture a few decent shots with no reflection and only slight aberrations, that appear as if a soft focus effect has gone a little haywire. But, not enough to trash the photos over, thankfully. Meaning, definitely okay enough to post here and share with a few others as a remembrance of the day. Anyway, everyone who really knows me, knows that I don't claim to be a photographer, or even an amateur photographer. Ironically, too, the aberrations reflect sort of how I see out of that eye now if you up the blur factor just a tadsome. I'm just a gal who takes pictures to help rewire her brain and I'm *all* about seeing beauty in the imperfections anyway. Plus, I blog for rehab reasons anyway, why not add my endeavors to take decent photos again to it. And folks in this case that means, I was literally blind in that eye for several weeks and now... I can see! If I continue to be unable to focus like I used to, well, I shall figure out a way to work that problem out.

Just a few simple shots to share of a small town American festival ala Hamlet, NC and mark my return to my "Brownie" and my blogs...

By the way, the Hayden Construction sign is in front of what was once the Historic Landmark Stinson Building, which is being given new life as the Hamlet Visitor's Center and as another annex to the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum Complex. Obviously, Hayden Construction was given the contract to rehabilitate the old landmark. It will be home to exhibits featuring Hamlet artifacts and memorabilia. So, stay tuned here on All Aboard Hamlet.

Hamlet - Train Town premieres tonight, June 7th, 2011, on UNC-TV's North Carolina Weekend...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:48:00 +0000

Isn't that just the grandest news ever?

Although I let the cat out of the bag via my entry I titled Who Wants to Know the Secret? here on All Aboard Hamlet, since I knew there was a press release in the works, I elected to keep the rest of the details secret. And as I stated in my last blog entry, I'm not one to steal anyone's thunder, as I'm very fond of my own. Consequently, I've been sitting on my hands for days waiting to share the rest of the big news here. Now that the story made the front page in Kelli Easterling's article appearing in yesterday's edition of the Richmond County Daily Journal and I've set a 24 hour "come as you are whenever" Facebook Online Viewing Party in motion, finally feel it's the right time to share the details here, too!

North Carolina Weekend's segment entitled Hamlet - Train Town will premiere tonight, Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. on UNC-TV with an encore presentation tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. It gets even better. Regardless of where you're located, Hamlet - Train Town will be available to watch from your computer, or any internet ready device with flash capabilities via the link below:

North Carolina Weekend Online Viewing

As far as when it will hit the online viewing link, I'm not sure as yet. But, when I know, you can trust that I'll update here and via the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum Facebook Page, too.

I can't even begin to convey how excited I am for Hamlet over this incredible opportunity. Nor, how thankful I am that others from across the state and beyond its borders will get to see some of the reasons Hamlet captured my heart as a little four year old girl. And why 54 years later, my heart is still very much tied to it.

Also, I can't express what joy this has brought my 91 year old mom. She's one of the reasons I write this blog, as I've shared in the dedication. Her dream for years has been for Hamlet to return to its glory days, and this is yet another sign that it's very much on its way.

My personal hope and dream is that Hamlet - Train Town will be a stepping stone to other film opportunities both documentaries and feature films. It's more than a post card perfect venue and setting. What could make a more gorgeous or fitting backdrop to a movie set in heydays of passenger train travel? I also hope and pray that this four minute segment will land Hamlet on the map as a tourist destination for individuals, groups, and the tourist industry in and of itself. For train enthusiasts, railfans, history buffs and for those who love small town America, Hamlet is a must see... must do... must visit... must experience kinda place.

Fans of Hamlet, and those with heartstring ties to it, like me, please help spread the news about UNC-TV's North Carolina Weekend's Hamlet - Train Town and the wonderful opportunities if can offer. For such a show to take an interest in Hamlet, is a God send. My desire is for it to be such a huge success, that Our State will want to film Hamlet next! And your feed back and comments here and on Facebook can help make that happen.

Isn't it time for Hamlet to reemerge from the fog of its years of economic down turn and become one of the number one tourist venues in NC? I think it is. What about you?

Yet, even in the fog, there is breathtaking beauty depending upon your perspective or view of life and what it has to offer.

Please note: The aerials appearing in my blog entries, such as the two in this entry, and along the side panel were all taken by me. There's been some suggestions that they perhaps were taken from a bridge that doesn't exist which gave me quite a chuckle. Most were shot between an altitude of 350 feet to 600 feet above Hamlet.

Another secret revealed... one of my photos is appearing on a new Oprah Winfrey Network show!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:52:00 +0000

Small Town America ~ Main Street Hamlet, NC style!

I can *finally* let the cat out of the bag about my pretty little photo above. It's part of the open for a brand spanking new reality show just now premiering on the Oprah Winfrey Network called Carson Nation. The premise of the show is that Carson Kressley travels around the USA to give make overs to very deserving individuals. Talk about a heart warming and wonderful thing!

Anyway... my pretty little photo was discovered on this very blog by a designer with the Farmer-Brown Production Company in Los Angeles sometime back in February of this year. They wrote to me on Valentine's Day to see if I was interested in allowing them to use it for a new show which would soon be appearing on the OWN. The subject line in their email simply said, "Beautiful photo". This immediately caused me to scratch my head and wonder which photo? Which blog? Was it here on All Aboard Hamlet? Or, on my home blog, Project Rewire, as both contain a volume of what I call my therapeutic photography? Being such a shutterbug, I actually had to ask for a link to the photo. As soon as I saw it, it was easy to understand why they thought it would "look perfect representing the type of small town America that Carson visits".

As one who believes in promoting Hamlet any way I can, it's not an opportunity I would turn down. So, of course, I said, "yes, absolutely"! How could I not agree? I also made sure to run it by Hamlet City Manager, Marchell Adams-David, to see if she would be on board with the idea of a glimpse of Main Street Hamlet appearing on the OWN. And she had no hesitation, nor reservation whatsoever. Admittedly, I was a wee bit concerned about the scaffolding appearing in the image beside the Lackey Building. Scaffolding that was ironically used during the historic building's extensive exterior restoration aka make over to bring it back to its original beauty of yesteryear. In fact, it was actually the shot I took to mark the ending of the project as I'd followed the progress from start to finish. Even though I knew it could be easily edited out, it was nice to know the photo appealed to them in spite of it. As I've had people with critical eyes point the scaffolding out to me, as if I wasn't aware it was there. No, it was not a faux pas. I'm very deliberate about what I shoot. It's all part of the way I use photography as a rehab tool. Always. And evidently, as well as thankfully, not everyone is looking for the perfect photo edited picture.

This whole thing is kind of ironic and amazing to me all at the same time, when thinking about Hamlet. Since it's been going through a very needed and much deserved make over of its own. It's not done yet, but it's getting there, slowly, but surely. The fact that a designer out in LA stumbled across my blog and discovered just how perfectly my pretty little Main Street Hamlet photo represents small town America is nothing short of a miracle to me. Other than post my blogs entries on Facebook and email them to a handful of locals, I don't really promote it. So, the happenstance has made the experience especially remarkable to me. Add the fact that someone with a keen eye at the Farmer-Brown Production Company saw, what I see when I look down Main Street Hamlet from the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum brings me much joy. Yet, it doesn't surprise me. I've always felt that sometimes those of us from the outside can see more clearly than those of us on the inside from the potential to the beauty... to the beauty in the imperfections. The latter of which is a constant theme in this blog.

To say this whole experience has put a big smile on face is an understatement. I'm beaming not because my photo was discovered, but because Main Street Hamlet will be seen every single time that show airs! And maybe, just maybe others will see what I see and appreciate, too!

And just fyi... I gave them the rights to use the photo for free. So before the rumor mill even gets a chance to begin no one needs to be thinking I made anything off of this. It's a sowing good seeds thing for me. As I commented a few times recently to people who believe I should be doing something they think I should be doing," hey, thanks, but I free lance for free at the things I want and enjoy doing...". Things I believe God puts in my heart. Most of which involve heartstring ties for me, or I believe will make a difference. And by doing so, cool stuff like this happens out of the blue!

As for Mr. Carson Kressley, some of you may recognize him. He's an Emmy award winner, celebrity stylist, fashion designer, show host and author. His dream is to make over the world! And with Oprah behind him, his dreams very well may come true! He's man who puts feet to his dreams and he's proven it over and over again!

Here's the sneak preview of show that aired on June 25th!

Where in the USA Carson Nation Goes First!

Since this ties to Project Rewire and in a way my own make over process since picking up a camera to help rewire my brain a few years ago, I'll be cross posting this news there, too!

Lastly, about my other little secret, which I shared on June 1st in my entry entitled "Who Wants to Know the Secret?" since I'm not one to steal someone else's thunder, all I can say is stay tuned. The North Carolina Weekend spot will be airing soon. In fact, much sooner, than later. Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming press release to be written by Kelli Easterling in the Richmond County Daily Journal.

Who wants to know the secret?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Who wants to know the secret I mentioned in last Wednesday's blog entry, Spring is almost over, yet summer is already here... and I've got a secret !!! Hopefully, whomever reads the question will answer "I do! I do!"

The long and short of it is that UNC-TV (Public Broadcast TV) will be in Hamlet very very soon filming a piece for their acclaimed show, North Carolina Weekend. A little slice of small town America, Hamlet style! The end product will be a wonderful vehicle to bridge the gap between Hamlet's rich, historical, and all important railroad past with its now and the future its working towards for generations to come. On film, North Carolina Weekend will be anointing Hamlet as a a town that makes a great visitors' destination! Isn't that awesome?

And now, North Carolina Weekend will be producing a show featuring Hamlet's railroad history coming directly to your tube for your very own viewing pleasure sometime over the coming months.

"This exciting program takes viewers on a journey beyond black and white pictures and boring text descriptions and into the colorful sites and sounds of the story - giving them a firsthand look at what North Carolina has to offer."

Isn't that grand?

Hamlet locals and residents of Richmond County, and those of who may not live nearby, but have heart string ties to Hamlet, isn't that something to be proud of?

I hope your replies to my questions above were a resounding, "I should say so, Jeanne!"

As one who enjoys enthusiasm and anticipation of good things to come for Hamlet, my hopes are that this good news will spread like wildfire around town and Richmond County. And that it will also echo with momentum outside the county borders over and over again.

Are you now wondering to yourself how the heck did this happen to happen?

Well, a cutting edge advertising/marketing services firm by the name of Walker-Marketing, Inc. was contracted by the Richmond County Tourism & Development Authority to promote Richmond County, NC as a tourist venue and/or destination for visitors. How lucky for us that the Walker-Marketing, Inc. team member managing the contract and project is a fellow by the name of Jeffrey Cheatham.

Jeff is a real go gitter and dove head on into this project earlier this year full of enthusiasm. He has been doing a bang up job representing and promoting Richmond County to various media outlets. Outlets that can truly make a difference in getting Richmond County on the map to bring those outside of the borders inside. As well as for those who travel through, or around on their way to the beach, or to pick up I-95 to stop awhile to investigate firsthand what it has to offer.

A key piece to the package, of course, is none other than the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum, once known as the Seaboard Airline Passenger Depot aka Seaboard Airline Railroad Station aka Seaboard Station, etc. etc. during the days of yesterday. Trust me, the name is practically a religious debate for Hamlet locals. But, the affection locals have for it is what matters most.

Jeff's efforts on behalf of Hamlet have been especially appealing to me, since I'm all about promoting Hamlet and along with it, of course, as member of the Board of Directors, a volunteer, the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum is on the top of my list. Even more so, as a granddaughter and niece of "Seaboard" men. Just as I'm always hoping to get others on board, or better said, all aboard the Hamlet promotion train.

One example of Jeff's promotional efforts on Hamlet's behalf...

He wrote an article which recently appeared in The Quarterly Newsletter of The Railway & Locomotive Historical Society featuring the Tornado. He covered its history and included the 1892 replica on display in the Tornado Building which is part of the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum complex, owned by the City of Hamlet. For those of you who may not be familiar with the newsletter, it's an esteemed historical railroad focused publication.

More cool articles will be hitting the printing presses of national magazines focusing on Hamlet's current and historical railroad significance in the near future. So, once again I say stay tuned.

But, this is all about his latest efforts on Hamlet's behalf, the secret which I've already shared.

Are you wondering why I included the 1915 circa photo of the Seaboard Airline Station above, back in its heydays?

Well, when Jeff came across that very photo of Hamlet's one of kind Victorian jewel in her years of glory. Needless to say, her unmatched beauty captivated him as it has countless others. She literally has the power to stop an onlooker in the their tracks and she did it again with Jeff. As she appears today, does she not have that same power?

Through Jeff's and Walker-Marketing, Inc.'s efforts, she'll be spot lighted in the North Carolina Weekend program featuring Hamlet's rich railroad history. Along with her, her new role as the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum will be featured and partnered on screen with the National Railroad Museum & Hall of Fame. As will several special interviewees. For the HHD&M, as mentioned in my previous blog entry, both Riley Lee Watson and Sam Ballard, Jr. For the NRM&HoF, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Williams. For the City of Hamlet, Mayor, Jeff Smart.

As for my role in all of this. I had the distinct pleasure of giving both Jeff Cheatham and Emily Tucker, President of the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce a tour of the HHD&M back on March 21st. It was chance thing, on very very short notice. I tend to believe it was a God thing. At the time my heart leaped because I knew what Jeff's position was, and his reasons for visiting Richmond County. In fact, I'd researched him. I'd already prayed that my path would cross his so I could promote the HHD&M to him and share with him a bit about Hamlet's rich railroad history. Since I know there's nothing better than a living breathing example of Hamlet's railroad roots, nor is there any "living" artifact more captivating than that of Mr. Riley Lee Watson, I asked him to join us for the impromptu tour. Riley is not only a HHD&M volunteer, he is the embodiment of 250 years of a family devoted to the railroad. He's one of a number of the living railroad treasures "of" Hamlet.

Jeff spent all of his time with us wide-eyed and captivated while listening intently and viewing every single thing we asked him to! He and Emily both enjoyed their tour. Riley and I did, too. Together we worked our magic in hopes of charming Jeff and Emily into promoting the HHD&M and its significance to preserving Hamlet's history, while being an attractive tourism asset to both Hamlet's and Richmond County's economic future.

The rest is history and a partial answer to many prayers on my end.

On the ground my role has been to help coordinate a good part of the shoot in Hamlet and to educate Jeff on the lay of the land persé. Or, perhaps better said, I've acted as a wrangler, In Jeff's words. Whatever it is, I'm thrilled and overjoyed to be a little part of it. As far working with Jeff, in all of of our communications back and forth it's been evident that he takes his work extremely seriously, and that he's been utterly taken by the Little Town That Can, called Hamlet and her story.

The yesteryears I remember as a small child and teen fondly during the 50s and 60s are very much alive still within me and are very much a driving force behind this blog and everything I do with thoughts of Hamlet's future. It was always my favorite destination! So, I'm going close with a copy and paste of my dedication at the bottom of All Aboard Hamlet, just to remind my readers (who don't say much on this blog, but do in person and in notes behind the scenes, but admittedly I hope will one day!) why I created All Aboard Hamlet in the first place.

Dedicated to my mother's dream of Hamlet returning to its glory days. A dream she's held onto in honor of her parents; her siblings and her memories of it as a little four year girl dining with her daddy at the Seaboard Hotel in 1925. A dream and memory she's quite obviously passed on to me. This blog is also dedicated to we "Monroe" grandkids & greats and great greats. Also, to the visionaries who always have Hamlet's best interest at heart and aren't afraid to dream. Nor, put feet to those dreams to make them happen. In doing so, you inspire others, just as you have me.

Special thank you to Walker-Marketing, Inc. and Jeff Cheatham for helping to make my mom's dream come true and for allowing me to be a little part of it.

Spring is almost over, yet Summer is already here... and I've got a secret !!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 May 2011 19:20:00 +0000

Well, I've almost missed Spring without blogging anything about it here. Now, Summer is almost upon us, yet it already feels as if it has arrived. Right now, it's 105° on my deck in the shade. I'd planned to go down to take some photos of Main Street Park this afternoon, but have adjusted those plans to go possibly early evening when it's a little cooler. Instead, I'll use this piece of carved out time to play a little catch up on All Aboard Hamlet. If you notice the ice and snow pics on the right hand panel, I was going to switch them out today, but they're such contrast to the early Summer heat we're experiencing in Richmond County today, I'll believe I'll leave them in place for a few more days.

First off, my apologies for taking a Spring hiatus...

If it appeared as if I've abandoned this place, nothing could be further from the truth. Since March 4th, much of my time has been devoted to an animal advocacy stance for justice that kept me busy networking on the internet for most of my waking hours until very recently. Justice hasn't been achieved as yet, but awareness most definitely has; some of which through a new blog I created that's devoted to the cause for justice. We're at a place where it's questionable as to whether it will ever be achieved. But, we will never forget and will never give up in our efforts to secure it. I don't want to go into the details about the case here, but only sharing so you'll know a bit of what I've been up to, and how passionate I am about things that mean something to me. Time was very much of the essence, so it trumped other things I much would have preferred to do. Also, I have hard time switching gears from gut wrenching, to blogging "up stuff". It just didn't feel right, either, to take time out to search for beauty in the imperfections in my less than amateur photography endeavors. That being said, between my husband, Steve and I we did manage to capture some cool shots of some interesting "stuff" for train buffs that's timeless, which most definitely will eventually make its way here.

It's important to me when I have heartstring ties to anything to try to make a difference and give whatever it is as much of my focus as possible. It's very similar to my feelings about Hamlet as a town and community and my very reasons for creating this blog. My heartstring ties are what drive me to promote Hamlet and want the best for it. To see it as it will be one day as a wonderful historical tourist venue for the full gamut of train or railroad enthusiasts. From train lovers and watchers aka railfans, to those who have a passion for train and railroad history and model trains alike. To those who are serious history buffs, or have an affection for museums, and old timey Victorian era architecture. And for anyone in between, Hamlet will be a fun taste of small town America and southern hospitality for all. Locals, transplants and tourists; kids and adults, included.

Obviously, Hamlet, The Little Town that Can and certain venues in Hamlet are rarely off my mind. One of those venues, of course, is the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum. Even though I've been tied up with a fight for justice elsewhere, I've also been busy working behind the scenes on a couple of HHD&M related projects. And boy, do I have a secret! One I will not divulge today, but expect to very soon! The only hint I'll give you is that it involves two of my favorite Hamlet locals...

Mr. Riley Lee Watson

Mr. Sam Ballard

Besides these two gentlemen full of railroad stories, all I will share further is that they will soon be in a spotlight, along two or three others and Hamlet's rich railroad history. That's it and no more... except to say it gives me much joy to be a behind the scenes part of it... so stay tuned!

So much in life comes down to connections... says the dot connector...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:22:00 +0000

          A train framed view of the North track from the diamond @ Hamlet Crossing

Note: My goal for this blog is not to share often about my struggles with Epilepsy. However, it's important that I infuse some of my story into it at times in a effort to bring much needed awareness to Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders. And the need to find a cure. This blog entry is a cross post of my Project Rewire entry. All of the photos I've shared were taken in Hamlet.

From our brains, meaning our neuro wiring, as I tend to call it; throughout our bodies, to our business and personal lives, to our techy devices, so much in life comes down to connections. There is such a gamut of definitions for the word. But, as real people with real lives living in this new world of social networking totally driven by our connections, relationships, and hi tech stuff, they should be something most of us can find some common ground in our understanding of the multiple meanings and uses. As a dot connector from way back when, I see connections in practically everything.

Visual sights such as power lines strung over a network of towers placed in sequence resembling gigantic angels, toy soldiers, and robots are mesmerizing to me. Not only do the structures themselves amaze me, but the fact that their network of connectedness delivers electricity into our daily lives. I'm not only drawn to, but enjoy photographing the towering figures as I shared back on April 8, 2009 in a blog entry, entitled Angel Power. Just about every piece of that blog entry, I still believe, with the exception of the mention of a group in the first paragraph.

So, a side track update is now required, in case you click in...

Last year I was of a peace at all costs mindset. I'd had had it with strife and conflict brought to me by others, regardless of the avenue. Although life is most certainly a blessing, and God is in control, we are human beings trying to live together in harmony on this planet. It can be difficult to stay upbeat, positive and joyful, even when we have no problem whatsoever in counting our joys. It's a sign of the times that our challenges these days aren't getting any easier. There are things we can change and things that we literally have no control over. In an effort to be more focused on the positives in my life, I made choices to eliminate some things, activities, and even a few people that crossed my path(s) last year. So much in life also comes down to our choices. Why choose to rub shoulders with people who bring you down? Or, who are on individual power trips in a volunteer group, which undermine any chance of friendly cohesive teamwork?

Well, due to that very chosen mindset, my hubby and I decided to separate ourselves from that group. Without going any deeper into the specifics and details relating all of our reasons "why", bottom line there was too much conflict and too too many "us against them" type of attitudes. Since we were new to the group and not a part of either side of those "us" or "them" folks. Nor, could we tell them apart, it was better for us to part ways. Needless to say, it took the joy out what could have become a super fun hobby for us. And work we would have happily given to the group. Instead, it became a shake the dust off our feet experience. It's not a decision we look back upon and regret one iota. Connections were made, perhaps too fast, quickly became no fun at all and, sadly, not worth our time. Perhaps that sounds snobby, but not really. Time is truly precious, and since my condition unfortunately does play a role in everything we do, we try to make what we do worthwhile for ourselves. As well as benefit others when it comes to our outside "volunteer" commitments. We also had no vested reason to hang in to see if things would ever change. We gave it several months. It worsened. So, why bother? It wasn't a lesson that needed to be learned. But, more or less, a reminder to be cautious of connections that are over laden with valleys in the midst of an appealing interest peak and a desire to be a part of something worthwhile.

Now, back on topic and on to another twist regarding connections. Although I have it in my genes to love trains, and consider myself a railfan, another reason they captivate me is that they are very much an image in my mind of what connections, signals and networking is all about. Metaphorically, I can go all over the place about connections, signals and networking, but for the purposes of this entry, I'm tying the train connection to me, of course. My brain; my life living with "E".

I see the misfires in my left mid-temporal lobe as malfunctioning switches which takes my signals (neurotransmitters) off track from their original destination. I see the long six week seizure event I experienced beginning the end of December, 2005 through the second week of February, 2006 as a major derailment. One that created a domino effect giving ground to cluster seizures, that to this day, I've not recovered from. That I also believe set the stage for the non-stop 24/7 neuro sensations and pressure I feel in my head and then, random neuropathic driven sensations throughout my body. In essense, my signals are still screwed up. Even though I'm coping better, and God and Project Rewire have helped my speech and writing to improve, my quality of life is still no where near, I'd like it to be. Admittedly, I desperately want the uncomfortable sensations to subside. And I so very much want some of my freedoms returned to me. So, life will be easier on my husband, and easier for me. I'd say normal, but I've learned normal is not a state of being. Even though each of us has a different "normal" and many of us desire a better normal, we learn to cope and appreciate with what we have.

Normal is a fluid thing, and can change in the blink of an eye. The you you know is here one moment, and poof, that you can become history. To look at me, you probably can't see it, but much of the old me isn't there. The "E" still has its grip on it and another me has emerged. A me, I'm reluctantly trying to learn to live with. I'm asked often "how do you feel? You look healthy!" when we encounter folks that know a little about how things changed for my husband and I. For which I often reply, "Thank you, I'm better, but the 24/7 neuro sensations are still very much there." For which the next question usually is, "So, when are you going back to your doctor?"

I typically reply with some version of the following... "As an atypical case with hypersensitive and idiosyncratic reactions to medications I can't face becoming a guinea pig on a merry-go-around again right now. All of the diagnostics I was put through didn't get me anywhere. Inpatient or outpatient. I failed five medications, which means they either made things worse, or my body couldn't handle the side effects. I gave the medical profession three years of my life to get me somewhere, and got nowhere. I invested two years at Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, which made too many mistakes for me to continue with them. If the Lord puts the right Epileptologist across my path. One willing to look at me with fresh eyes and have experience with those whose bodies react uniquely to medications. I'll try again."

That's a mouthful isn't it? You may wonder why I share all of that... Well, to be brutally honest, I'm not looking for empathy, pity, nor attention. In fact, I detest talking about, and even blogging about it. But, they are both ways to help cause awareness by adding my face to those living in the United States (and elsewhere) with Epilepsy and Seizure disorders. The only way I know to do it is to share information about myself and how Epilepsy has impacted my life when someone asks how I am and is sincere about it. Otherwise, the asker is likely to get the vanilla "I'm fine", robotic response we all give.

So, how do I cope with my day-to-day existence? Because most days it doesn't feel like really living. Through my connections. The connections I have with my husband, my family, my rescue animal kids, my personal interests and friendships. Each moment my mind is focused elsewhere involving one or a combination of those connections, is a moment of welcomed distraction. Whether that means sitting at the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum watching trains. Or, taking a walk down Main Street in Hamlet. Or, running errands with my husband around Rockingham, or in Raleigh, or Charlotte, for the day. Or, looking through a camera view finder for a unique view of something that speaks differently to me, than it may to you. Or, doing some hands on with my volunteer interests. Or, being the center of attention for some snuggly rescue Springers. Those are some of the moments I live for these days.

And those are the moments that get me through to the next...

One of which has been on my mind quite a bit the last few days. As it has been the past month or so, since there's been a very recent major cleanup by CSX around the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum and Hamlet Crossing.

Last fall, my husband and I were watching trains there, which is known for the diamond where the North & South tracks intersect with the East & West tracks in Hamlet, NC. The Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum also faces this area. It had become such an eyesore, which was making me sad. I'd even hit a place where I was reluctant to take photos once everything began turning brown. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't find the beauty in the imperfections when I looked across the area. Aside from the trains, of course.

Finding beauty in the imperfections is something I'm always trying to find an example of whenever I take photos around Hamlet. Well, this particular day, I decided to stand at the diamond and shoot photos of the area while a train was heading west. Using the railcars as a frame, I snapped photos of the tracks heading north into the CSX yard and the beautiful sky in between the railcars. Here are just a few of those shots.

The images above reflect positive connections, in my humble opinion. The ones we need to keep us on track, together and strong. A steady track to follow, like iron rails. Ties that bind us together, like railcars attached to each other. All that the Lord gives us, such as the blue sky mingled with clouds framed uniquely by our lives and the way we view things. Signals, to guide us. And for support, sturdy ground to build our lives upon.

Lastly, we all need someone bigger than us to guide us. As a christian, that's the Lord and is reflected upon the cross. The old poles in the photo below, always remind me of the cross Jesus gave his life for us on. Then, there are times life throws us a curve ball and we find ourselves needing someone to help pull us along the tracks of life when we can no longer take to or go travel by ourselves. For me, that's my husband. He's the second engine. It's a tough job at times because he has a life, too. Fortunately, his driving force, is the Lord, too. The lead engine...

As I shared in the note at the beginning of this entry, normally, I don't cross post between Project Rewire and All Aboard Hamlet, but for the next few posts, I will be. Saturday, March 26th is Purple Day to support Epilepsy worldwide. I believe it's important that we start in our own backyards, which is my reason for cross sharing this entry and the upcoming entries. In essence, my blogs are my backyard. Both, in their own ways, reflect my story. And of course, the obvious connection is that I author both blogs.

If you, or a loved one or friend has Epilepsy please consider wearing purple on March 26th to help bring much needed awareness to the disease and the need to find a cure. Both, Roxy, my rescue ESRA Sprocker (English Springer Spaniel + Cocker Spaniel) who has Epilepsy and and I will be wearing purple on the 26th. My people connections, please think about joining us and if you are owned by a dog, why not add a purple ribbon to his or her collar for the day for Roxy and her canine friends with Epilepsy. Thanks!

The Little Town that Can...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:01:00 +0000

There are banners on the lamp posts up and down Main Street among other streets in Hamlet that state quite simply, "The Little Town That Can". These banners follow the Season's Greetings banners that ended 2010, and signal that 2011 is here and ready to be conquered, not endured. I'd so like to add an explanation point at the end of that line because I LOVE a can do attitude from people, communities, small towns and even from my little special needs rescue dogs and kitties. I also believe it's very fitting that these banners are displayed on lamp posts designed to light our paths during the evening and our darkest hours. It's difficult to walk a path of any type without light, or a can do confident sure footed attitude. The two totally go hand 'n hand in my humble opinion.

There are times, though, when one's attitude or the ability to walk that path to a destination depends on other peoples' assistance, focus and attitude and/or cooperation and enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is a fluid thing, and it can wane at times by the shear lack of another's cooperation and enthusiasm. Waning enthusiasm is an un-fun condition, quite honestly, I've been in lately, and I don't care for it one little bit.

Anyone who really knows me, knows that I'm a very enthusiastic person pretty much by nature. Probably even more so since Epilepsy became a part of my life, although, I do have to temper my enthusiasm with wisdom, unfortunately, when the occasion calls for it. Which translates to the fact that there is a very realistic side to me, too!

I'm also the type of person who can easily see the big picture and the little details that either make or break the picture. Or, can derail a project or hamper a goal. I have no problem keeping the prize in mind, nor the steps to make it happen, but when those steps are stumbled by others, it's not fun. If it's something truly worthwhile, keeping the vision isn't hard, but the getting there sometimes create challenges someone bigger than me must move. As much as it distresses me to admit that, it's true. In fact, I've been chastised for having too much enthusiasm at times and not buying into a negative frame of mind. And criticized for allowing a project to languish, much to my dismay. But, you know what, I'm not taking blame where it's not due, and I'm not planning to change my positive attitude. The world doesn't revolve around me, thankfully. However, I have discovered that in dealing with certain things regarding Hamlet, the luster of my enthusiasm can in fact lose some of it's sheen. Again, it just reinforces my thoughts about right timing. Everything in life comes down to the right timing. God is either in it, or He's not. I want the version where He is, and there are times that means a dose of reality has to be digested that can stifle the shear fun out of a project, or goal... for awhile.

So, those are a few reasons it just overjoyed me to see "The Little Town That Can" banners flapping in the wind, behind trees and power lines. And out in the open on their own with their all important message. A powerful, but simple message highlighted and beaming out as sun rays broke through to shine upon them amidst a darkening sky overhead filling up with storm clouds. It was such an apropos reminder for me, personally. A reminder I needed -- one that boosted my spirits.

In Hamlet, to me the banners signify a reflection of the visionaries who are working to make positive things happen on behalf of Hamlet. As well as to move Hamlet forward in putting it on the map as a railfan/train enthusiast/history loving tourist venue, in order to improve the economy for the residents who make Hamlet their home. To make it a warm welcoming place for all -- residents, and visitors alike.

There are all kinds of signs per sé along Main Street that progress is happening. Merchants have jumped on the band wagon in making their locales more appealing and in line with the way Hamlet appeared in its heyday. The city is getting into the act by painting new handicap parking spaces and preparing for Spring's arrival. In a future entry, I'll be sharing some photos of various store fronts and other signage (and signs) along Main Street that reflect some recent hands on loving care and attention. But right now, I'm going to keep this post on topic and simple by sharing a few photos I snapped recently of the banners.

During the daylight hours the message "The Little Town That Can" beams out admist a blend of sunshine, storm clouds and blue skies.

Everything depends on perspective. At least I think so. In this shot the physical perspective (or angle) tricks ones eye into thinking that the lamp post and message "The Little Town That Can" is above Main Street's skyline, with the Lackey Building being the marker point. In actuality, of course it isn't, and anyone viewing this photo will know that, but I'm surely hoping the prevailing attitude is one that reflects the message the banners displays. The example above is a little hard to read, so it's a case where one must look a little deeper and a little closer. Not at the banner, but in one's mind to hold on to the positive message that's been reflected above in other photos (or, in this entry, or while visiting Main Street).

I'll be closing with this one because this one means a great deal to me. Why? Because it's in front of the Stinson Building aka "the white" building which sits directly west of the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum. Soon it will become the home of Hamlet's new Visitor's Center and will be another annex to "our" museum. I say "our" because I'm on the board of the directors for the museum and am also a volunteer as many of you know. It's one of my forever heart string ties to Hamlet, which ties back to the reason for this blog. The Stinson Building rehabilitation is yet another project that the esteemed historical preservation architect, David E. Gall, AIA will be guiding. For Hamlet and everyone else, that's a GOOD GOOD thing!!

That's it for now...

Black and white and shades of gray...revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:08:00 +0000

Note to new visitors: If this is your very first time reading All Aboard Hamlet, you may want to scroll down one entry, before reading this one, so it will make more sense to you. Please also consider taking a few moments when convenient to scroll through the whole blog to the very beginning. It's a relatively new blogging endeavor for me, and there aren't many posts, so it won't be overly time consuming for you to familiarize yourself. Doing so will help give you a better feel for All Aboard Hamlet and me, too. To scroll down, simply click here. It take you back to this entry, but you'll be free to scroll to any entry between here and the beginning. Thanks!

Picking up from the "to be continued" notation at the end of my last blog entry...

As one of my friends and fellow blogger Chip "Rocket Man" Allen, commented on my previous entry, "winter or when the skies are overcast, just beg for monochrome". Well, I wholeheartedly agree. However, I've shared the shots in previous entry, and the one below, in black and white and shades of gray for a couple of different reasons.

The first is because in thinking about people, human nature, community and our abilities to love, despise or live in a state of ambivalence, as with so many things in life, it comes down to the choices we make. We can look at and focus on what's black and white. Meaning what happens to be right in front of our faces. What we look at, but not necessary see. The obvious, and/or what we think (or assume) we know about someone. And, sadly, quite often, that's it. We go no further.

In communities, those of shades gray can bring people together with the same or similar passions and goals, to make things happen. Even in the midst of differing opinions with shared passions and goals people can come to a place of working together in harmony, rather than against each other. In fact, those differing opinions can actually translate to a better version of the bigger picture. Goals and projects can be completed so much more efficiently and expediently when such harmony exists. However, when it doesn't, attitudes and negativity rules. Passions can become but a flicker. Or, at worst, dashed altogether. While common goals go unmet and projects unfinished. Or, finished "in spite of", so some of the joy of achievement is lost.

Am I pointing fingers at Hamlet? No, not really. Unfortunately, this happens everyday, everywhere, in our homes, in our churches, in our businesses, all across the USA. But, I do believe smaller localities feel it because so many people know each other. Or, know of each other. Or, think they know each other. And so much is at stake. I bring it up here because the name for this blog is All Aboard Hamlet for a reason.

I've mused about the blacks and whites and shades of gray for days and days now. So much so, I could probably write about it for hours and hours. I shall spare you, though!

What it boils down to is that it's the black and white "things" of this world that can simply either bring us together, or separate us. Yet, beneath the surface view, within the various shades of gray is where "the stuff" that can form true bonds can be discovered and forged. Rather than resentments and animosities fostered. It's the area where our differences can be overtaken by positives and mutual understandings. Even when the understanding happens to be to agree to disagree. The shades of gray are home to the common ground(s) where life long relationships can be created, or a single moment of perfect understanding between people can be found. And yes, within the shades of gray are the places where adversity can melt away into diversity. It's where the stark contrasts aren't seen as negatives, but compliment each other as positives. It all depends on the way we choose to see things.

How does this translate to photography? Or, vice versa? Or, maybe better said, it's how did Jeanne get into this groove? Well, I've always been a people person and an observer of people as far back as I can remember. Then, even more so after spending eleven years in my former career interviewing countless people from all walks of life for my old employer. But, in *this* case, I believe God reminded me of things I already knew using a few of my photos. It's just amazing how that happens.

For some it may be an easy jump to get, for others, a leap...

In looking at black and white photography, immediately you're aware that there is more to the picture. Of course, your mind registers the most obvious... it's missing color, but is it really missing anything else? Or, does it actually give you more of the picture? Do the blacks and whites and shades of gray pull you into the photograph deeper than a color version would? Does it capture your imagination? Without the grays sewing the photograph together, could you even see the black and white portions clearly?

Or, does a color photograph give you a clearer picture?

With me a black and white scenic photo can pull me in more than color version does because it actually captures more of my interest. The same holds truth with most black and photos and me regardless of the subject matter. My eyes stop at the surface with color photos, so I've learned to take time to discover and see each detail, way beyond just looking at the photo. During the process in my mind, I'm describing each detail to myself. (This is just one of the little things I do to help rewire my brain from the effects of misfires and seizures.) With black and white, I automatically see the depth and beyond. That's just me, though. Also, the photos I chose to share are a variety of "vanilla" shots. Nothing super striking, however, I did find the black and white versions of the ancient trees were a bit Sleepy Hollow-ish and a little scary.

No, truly this isn't a lesson on interpreting black and white vs. color photography. But, my choice to share a few of my shots of the recent ice and snow in Main Street Park in black and white and shades of gray, surely got my mind to thinking. And I believe God seized opportunity to open my eyes a little wider. What about yours?

Now, for the second reason I chose to share my shots in black and white and shades of gray. Trust, me this is super short! I was playing with my camera settings in an attempt to deal with the reflections and brightness of the sunlight that morning against the ice and snow in some of the photos I snapped. Unfortunately, I wasn't thrilled with the results at all. Honestly, I felt like kicking myself, because who knows when Main Street Park will be so beautifully draped in ice and snow again. However, once I added a simple black and white effect, I found those particular photos more to my liking. Normally, I'm not really into effects much at all, but this time, the effects caused me to reflect deeper and much further than a simple photograph would normally take me. In the color counterparts, I couldn't get past what I was looking at to see what God had for me in the black and whites with shades of gray. What an effect!

Me thinks Mr. Thoreau certainly knew what he was talking about...

"The question is not what you look at, but what you see." ~ Henry David Thoreau

Black and white and shades of gray...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:50:00 +0000

Well, it's been about seven weeks since my last blog entry here on All Aboard Hamlet. True, that's a long time to go without an entry, however, for the purposes of this blog, I'm striving not to duplicate content that one can read in the Daily Journal. Reporter, Hollie Nivens has been doing a nice job keeping up with all of the happenings and news in Hamlet. Also, there are several avenues available for locals and once locals, and interested parties to read about main stream happenings in Hamlet, as well as view photos, too, such as OURHAMLET.org.

In a way these seven weeks have blown by in a flash. From the Christmas Tree Lighting in Main Street Park, to Hamlet's Christmas parade, to Hamlet's Old Fashioned Christmas festivities up and down Hamlet Avenue and Main Street on the evenings of December 10th & 11th, to the actual Christmas and New Year's holidays, it's been a busy time for the community of Hamlet. It's been a busy time for me, and I suspect the same is true of you! Add the gorgeous day late white Christmas, followed by Hamlet born author, Jody Meacham's Through the Heart of the South book signing event at the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum the evening of December 27th, the days have just clicked on by! And, between then and now, a great deal has been happening in my family. The most difficult has been the recent loss of my last living uncle back home in Virginia, which has hit all of my family with heart string ties to Hamlet very hard. I have such fond memories of him. In fact, several trips I made to Hamlet as a little kid was with he, my aunt and my cousin. My next post on Project Rewire will be about him, so as I've been writing this in my mind, I'm also thinking a about him, too. He enjoyed hearing and reading what was happening in Hamlet. He loved trains and railroad stories like all of us do in my family. He also read my entries here, so, admittedly, it hurts a little for me to be here. I liken it to walking into a room and someone's special chair now sits empty.

Anyway... add another snowy weather event partnered up with ice this past week, time, thankfully, seemed to stop for a couple of days. Personally, it was a very welcome inclement weather situation as it gave me time to play hooky from life during special walks through the icy forest nearby my home with my husband on Monday and Tuesday. We couldn't wait to get outside to experience the beautiful winter wonderland first hand. It also gave me some blank spots in my days to catch up on other stuff, too. So, I'm finally at the place where I can focus on my blogs again.

Here, on All Aboard Hamlet, I have several upcoming posts planned already. Lately, I've been devoting a lot of thought to "community" in respects to shared common ground and possible bonds that could be fostered as a result of that shared ground. I've been appreciating the changes I see happening on Main Street Hamlet, and even new Hamlet focused Pages on Facebook. And it may sound silly, but I've pondering black and white and shades of gray. How so? Well, in photography and how I see the things that make you and I, you and I. How the shades of gray are the areas where our common bonds can be found. I'll elaborate in my next post...

But, for right now, I want you to take a walk with me through Main Street Park in black and white and shades of gray. Once the roads in our neighborhood became passable last week, my husband and I headed to the Depot. I already knew I'd missed taking the photos I would have so loved to take of the Depot itself, but I had an inkling Main Street Park would make up for it. It truly did. It was like being the midst of an ice castle with the sky for a ceiling and fencing, instead of walls.

(To me, black and white photography isn't necessarily without true color. It's all about one's imagination and in viewing color photos vs. black and white, with color the eye sees the image first, where in black and white, your heart does. The emotion that can be provoked, or illustrated in black and white and the all important shades of gray can pale a color version of the same shot if you see them side by side. Black and white shots are poetic stills, where colored shots vividly portray their subjects. It may just be me, but I believe black and white shots are more timeless. They certainly capture a part of me, color doesn't. What about you? As you view the shots below, think about it...)

We had the most lovely walk through Main Street Park amidst the snow and ice. It was so icy, my husband had to keep a tight grip on me to keep me from falling. I almost wiped out several times, but fortunately, either my husband, or I caught myself. We saw one man fall three times. Poor guy. He was there with the love of his life, and we were thrilled he didn't take her down, too. To say it was beautiful, is an understatement. It was just breathtaking the way the ice covered and molded to everything. It shimmered and glistened in the sunlight so perfectly, I could have cared less if the trees ever leafed out again. The sky was a gorgeous blue, but the reflection off the snow mingled with the brilliant morning sunlight made it so incredibly bright, there were times I couldn't see through my camera's view finder. There were times, I couldn't see at all. Yep, I was blinded by the light! We could hear the sounds of the ice cracking as we walked, well, stomped to maintain our balance. We could hear the birds, and a brisk whooshing of the wind through the trees and stark areas. It was refreshing, exhilarating, and the icy air felt so clean. Like a blast of healthy!

The ancient trees were magnificent. I found myself wondering how many ice and snow storms they'd weathered and how many people they've enjoyed seeing stroll by them. And how many trains either carrying passengers on a journey, or goods to keep our nation's stock piles of whatever filled go by them. And how much of Hamlet's history they've witnessed, but are keeping to themselves like secrets. What about the younger specimen trees planted around the park? What are they learning about people as they listen in and observe them as they stand silently?

Although I always find Main Street Park wonderful, it's the views from within it in all directions that always seem to be the most intriguing and appealing to me.

To be continued...

Hurrying up Old Man Winter in the header...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:04:00 +0000

Or, I could as easily title this entry the hidden meaning, behind the header...

I've been toying with the idea of creating a festive holiday spirited header with various images I've taken over the past couple of years in the Hamlet area. But, I've thought better about it. The holidays for me, even though I never ever forget the reason for the season, meaning celebrating Christ's, our savior's birth, admittedly, are an up and down time for me. I miss my loved ones. Those in heaven, and in various places across the country. I always miss them, but over the holidays, the missing is jacked up quite a few notches.

It's an up and down time for many people I know. And right now, several of my family members and friends are going through various challenges. On my end, my mother remains in extremely fragile health. Thank the Lord, the key word in the previous sentence is "remains". She's still here on earth, yet, she's been on a steady decline since we lost my dad in 2006. The past two weeks have been extra difficult for her. Fortunately, she's a praying and faith believing woman. She's in God's hands. Both my husband and I know this, however, we can't help but wring our hands over her condition.

Why am I sharing such personal stuff on this blog? Well, it's important for my readers locally to get to know me. In time, I'll share more and some readers may very well realize they crossed paths with me in the past.

What does this have to do with my blog header change? You'll see. Yet, you may have to connect the dots. It's only the temperatures I don't care for at all during the winters months. Winter can be harsh, but there's a special softness to it, too -- if you're in tune to it. I like snow and as much as I complain about being cold throughout the winter months. Unless we're buried in a blizzard, snow makes me very... very... very... happy. I also adore winter skies. Gray fluffy clouds mingled with pastel hues never fail to make me smile. Winter sunrises and sunsets are practically everyday treats to anticipate, savor and enjoy. In spite of the shivers, and teeth chattering moments, I find it all can be strikingly beautiful in contrast to the other seasons depending on my perspective.

The images in the header are reflected below...

On a cold day a train with flat bed open rusty rail cars traveling the east track heading out of Hamlet was a special sight late last fall. Against a pinky lavender sky with a special heart warming glow below the coolness, can be magical ingredients. Don't you agree?

A rail road signal sign with the silhouetted image of a favorite tree during the a late winter to fall dusk was as refreshing a spring day. The signal was a sign for me to stop and take in the beauty of the moment. Does that make sense to you? If it doesn't, the trick is to stop for a moment to breath in such moments silently. The Word says... "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

The Hamlet Historic Depot & Hamlet Crossing during even a scant snow was a beautiful sight for sore eyes. How about to about you? I was actually surprised to find no one there to take pictures of the snow at the Depot that day besides my husband I. Ours were the first foot prints in the snow, though. What fun it was!

So, what better way to portray the coming winter months on this blog than to create a superimposed collage of the three photos above. Three wonderful chilly to icy, but heartwarming memories. And you know what? The drear of winter is actually easier on my eyes, than bright and dappling sunlight happens to be. Yes, even for a beach girl like me. It's why I gravitate toward dawn and dusk skies. This is a fact I didn't realize until writing this entry. Geez, the surprising tidbits we can learn about ourselves sometimes. :)

Just fyi... soon, I'll be taking the Facebook component to All Aboard Hamlet live. That will be a way of bringing the blog to more locals, in an effort to help you to get to know me within the community better.

Also, I'll be adding static links to Hamlet businesses and/or websites and entities with heart string ties to Hamlet. If you're interested in being linked up, do let me know!

Lastly, did you happen to catch the hidden meaning behind the new header? If not, you'll find it above in italics. I'll let you in on a little secret. The message in italics isn't just for me, it's for many of you, whether you sense it right away, or not. Several of you have suffered a variety of hurts recently. Hurts you've shared with me, personally. Hurts you'll take into the holiday season with you. It's during those times to help the coping process, consider stepping back from your life for a moment. Yes, while you're living it. God knows what you're going through. Just as He knows what's going with me.

I've had issues with being able to read the Bible, or any book since Epilepsy entered my life. There's just a crazy disconnect, which is one reason I write in my blogs, and elsewhere, to help those areas in my brain work as they were designed to again. But, I can hang on to scriptures. My mantra, as I've mentioned in this blog and Project Rewire, is push past and through, push past and through. In order to do that, it requires not action on my part, but stillness. Think about it. It may be the same for you.

Autumn vividly signals transitions & changes both nature & manmade...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:04:00 +0000

;

Autumn signals many changes. We've already turned the clocks back from "fast time" as my grandmother Holland used to call it, even though she never turned her clocks back. She said she'd had enough of that during WWII, and she stuck to it!

In Hamlet Autumn means the Seaboard Festival for townspeople and for visitors from all around. It also means the colors of the season's change can be seen up and down the old side streets vividly and in places like Main Street Park.

Toward the end of Autumn after the Seaboard Festival, there's a little bit of a lull while shades of yellow, orange, gold and red appear on the trees and leaves begin to delicately fall, before they're either raked, bagged and taken away. Or, returned to the earth as Mother Nature's natural mulching material. Once the color peak becomes a thing of the past, and more leaves are on the ground, than on trees, Hamlet begins preparing for the upcoming Holidays.

The transition doesn't really happen overnight if you're frequently in the area, but if you aren't it surely may seem like it. Even old timer trees get into the act in prepping for the holidays by allowing Mistletoe to adorn their upper limbs. They want to make sure everyone gets kissed during the Christmas season.

Up above, banners that line the streets signaling events, holidays and season changes are in the midst of transition, too, to reflect greetings for the season. And giant soon to be lighted snowflakes sit on the ground waiting for a quick boost up from city workers. They'll softly light up the streets for the holidays with a certain type of warmth and old timey charm one can only find in small town America cities, like in Richmond County, NC.

I believe of all of the seasons, as Autumn begins to roll in the changes it brings to the naked eye are more obvious, than Winter, Spring or Summer. As the leaves begin to fall, and breezes kick it up a few notches, we know what's ahead for us. Yet, we're stuck kind of in between Summer, Autumn and Winter with the way the temps swing to and fro in the Sandhills. Often, there are 40 degree differences from dawn until dusk. That's like three seasons in a single day. Some trees stand leafless, while others either hold tight to the few leaves they have left, or their foliage as long as they can with merely a flag pole in between them.

They know it's going to turn cold, just like we do. The difference, they undress for it, while we bundle up. Now, ponder that one for a few! For warm weather lovin' people like me, we actually begin to brace ourselves for the icy temps and the dreary weather. For me it means some extra pain in my head and throughout my body, but whatever. It's part of my life now. I don't like it, but it's the way it is, that's why I do everything I can to distract myself every waking moment of every day. At the first sign of cool temps, I begin layering my attire, even inside my home. My homemade iced lattés become steaming hot yummy concoctions to warm myself inside out, inside my home. Pots of delicious hot tea made from my husband's and my favorite loose teas become must haves, frequently. I begin switching from showers to hot baths to warm my forever cold feet and hands when nothing else will. As leaves begin to fall, they begin showing up inside my home with the help of my four rescue Springers (and my husband). So, with Autumn I find I must tap into my hope reservoir and remind myself that it will get warm again even though the deciduous trees are preparing to hibernate by dropping their leaves. I keep in mind that we're just in transition and remember how easy it is to find beauty in the imperfections. During the colder weather that means skies filled with a variety of clouds, and sundogs are apt to pop out at random during icy feeling late afternoons. I find myself actually looking forward to taking pictures of my favorite sleeping trees, as I affectionately call my tree friends. I find myself hoping and anticipating lavender, pink and red sky sunrises, and sunsets on cold days, that are so refreshing and renewing to my spirit that they have the ability to warm my heart and soul. Sky views that only come along with winter. I begin praying for a few pretty snows, too. Nothing significant, just enough to blanket the ground with fun white stuff for kids and critters young and old to enjoy. And, I know that no matter how cold or icky it gets, a splendor of fresh flower blossoms and delightful fragrances are ahead as Spring rolls in and becomes Summer.

During Autumn I have some special places in Richmond County that call me each year. One of these places is very nearby me. So close, I can actually walk to it. Two are in Rockingham -- the Historic area, and Hinson Lake. One big favorite, I just featured in my other blog, Project Rewire. To see an amazing yellowish gold sight, considering clicking "here" to take a quick peek. The fourth, of course, is Main Street - Hamlet and the Depot area. The colors aren't as vibrant as in years past, in my opinion, and when I look back through photos, but nonetheless, they're still pretty to me.

In strolling around the area, I still see beauty in the imperfections all around, however, it does hurt just a pinch to see how the frost turned the Kudzu lace upon my old telephone crosses into a vine. It reminds me of the thorns Christ wore on Calvary, even though there are no thorns. Again, I keep the image of Spring in mind when the green returns to prove God's plan for the cycle of the seasons was the perfect way to go!

Man made transition is so apparent up and down Main Street. The rehabilitation of several buildings has now taken place and it's so good for the hearts of those who live in, or have heart ties to Hamlet, like me. The changes have taken what were practically eyesores, to literally stunning joys to behold. Particularly, when you can see the contrast right before you, as I can via photos I've taken over the past couple of years.

When I began this blog, I shared some photos of the Lackey Building, but there's many more in my stash. I also held back pictures of Main Street Central because it was in the transition process. Plus, the photos showed a building of yesteryear, sadly fallen into disrepair. The aerial above, doesn't show it all, thankfully, but it shows enough to give you an idea of the way it was before it was given a new life by Nancy Rivers.

Even though, I've not talked with her personally, nor do I know her, she obviously saw that it was high time for a change. That the old anchor building on the corner, needed some badly TLC hands on care to bring it back to it's attractiveness of decades long since passed.

Talk about another amazing transition! The work Nancy has done, is nothing short of a miracle! It's gone from being a place a person couldn't get by fast enough, to quite welcoming.

I mean really, what could look more comfy and welcoming than seeing this entry way along Main Street Hamlet?

I've yet to get a chance to see the interior, but I've stood and just to admire it a couple of times now. In fact, day before yesterday I had to take package to the Post Office for mailing. As I often do, I went to the Hamlet Post Office. Yes, it's a nostalgia thing. I get to walk up the steps and through the doors like I did as a little girl with my granddaddy to retrieve mail from Box 128. I took this little trip on my own since my husband was working. These days, I don't get behind the wheel of a car very often. So, it's a big treat to go off on my own even for simple errands. Of course, I had my handy dandy point 'n shoot camera with me, because I'd planned on taking a few shots of Main Street Central while in Hamlet. Standing there soaking in Nancy's handiwork from the Happy Holidays way she has the porch decorated, to the paint scheme, truly was the cherry on the top of my day.

I looked at the building closely and the hard work that's so easy to see from the outside and appreciated it for several minutes. To say it's night and day, is an understatement. It's like a breath of fresh air on that corner now, compared to what always struck me, and others, as sadness and despair for too many years. I hope to go back soon during the Christmas season to take a collection of photos with my Nikon, and perhaps, get a peek inside the place.

Now for a few comments about this blog from the blogger...

Obviously, it's been almost a month since my last entry. It's not that I haven't had thoughts, words and photos to share. It's not that I haven't been compelled to share. More or less, it's been a matter of holding myself back to give some further thought to this place -- my hopes for it, blended with reality. And, to be honest, to give my Aunt Jane, the subject of my last entry, which was an open letter to her, some time to get set up with a new internet provider. I didn't want that special post to get covered up by other entries, so she could easily discover it on her own as she rehabs from the stroke.

And... to be totally honest, I wanted to see if anyone would take me up on my offer to share photos from the Hamlet's Seaboard Festival. But, no one approached me. Has that bothered me? Maybe a pinch, but it's not that I didn't expect it. And, I'm not throwing off on anyone. People need to get to know me, to trust me, and the vehicle for that is partially through this blog. The non response from locals helped me to see that this particular blogging endeavor will be pretty much "my" thing, rather than a community driven blog as I'd hoped. Not my original intentions, but changing directions "now" in my thought processes is an easy transition. Down the road would set me up for possible disappointment. Hopefully, in time people within the community will embrace All Aboard Hamlet, and climb on board by taking time to read and comment here and there. Hopefully, in time people will get to know me and share their stories with me. And, in time allow me to share there stories on All Aboard Hamlet, if they are uncomfortable sharing them themselves. I don't claim to be a photographer, nor a writer, but I do enjoy sharing stories and memories. I believe it's important for future generations in Hamlet and elsewhere to hear about "then" for several reasons. One, so we can appreciate the contributions made in getting to "now". Two, so "now" as compared to "then" will become crystal clear. Three, so we can understand how change and transition, although difficult at times, is necessary to bring about a better future.

I could go on and on with this train of thought, cementing it in various examples, but Autumn itself, illustrates it much better than my humble attempts via words ever could. And what's one of the best things ever that Autumn has to offer? Well, Thanksgiving, of course! This year I'm especially grateful for having an opportunity to make a little bit of a difference at The Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum. My husband and I both enjoy our volunteer gig there, and working with my partner, Dave on the website project has just been great. I enjoy cyber networking to promote The Depot and all that comes with it, and Hamlet as town with a bright future. I'm also especially grateful for some special new bonds I've made this past year with some of the town folk and the encouragement they've given to me. As I walk up and down Main Street Hamlet, I'm thankful for all of the efforts a collective group of people in giving a good part of the street a much needed face lift. The strides that have been made are both heart warming, touching and amazing. Thank you from a person with heart string ties to Hamlet.

My best wishes to all for a blessed 2010 Thanksgiving!

Hamlet has some terrific events to enjoy locally ahead. The ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree in Hamlet's Main Street Park this coming Monday, November 29th at 5:30 p.m. tops my list of my "Hamlet" must dos. How about yours?

To see this lovely tree in it's glory, you must see it

at night once it's lighted for the Christmas Season!

Hello to my dear, Aunt Jane...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:27:00 +0000

An open letter of sorts, to my Aunt Jane, one of the special twins, the last two babies amongst my mother's 7 siblings.

Such memories I have of you, Aunt Jane...

I can't tell you all I want to share, because if I did, this entry would not have an ending. So, instead of getting overly lengthy, like I most often do, I'm going to do my very best to keep it fashionably long enough not be to unsightly short sighted. I'd say sweet, too, but since you are the epitome of sweetness, I fear my words would pale in comparison to what you exude naturally. Nonetheless, my thoughts as I write this will be sincere and heartfelt, as if you were sitting here, right with me.

I'm going to be sharing a few aerial photos I shot very early one morning this past July when Steve and I were treated to a a wonderful ground fog while flying in our hot pink powered parachute. We made a beeline to Hamlet that morning. Needless to say, it's our favorite air venue around here. The fog was glorious and provided some stunning natural effects to our flight. And, consequently to my photos, too. The air was fresh. The winds were perfect and Hamlet very much was still nestled in from the night before. The pictures will give you and other readers a perspective of the little town that mainly only the birds in residence get to enjoy. Note, on photos without captions you can click them to make them larger. The ones with captions won't enlarge, but I'm hoping the captions will serve as markers.

The fog didn't mask the beauty or charm of the little southern railroad "hamlet" as the sun beamed through it, but added to it. Just like the challenges we women have faced in our family, the fogs that have rolled in to try to overtake us, didn't. Although they have indeed left their mark. And will again, our hearts remain in tact, just like Hamlet's has. With each of we "Monroe girls", it's apparent we have southern roots intermingling with our individual life experiences that are very much demonstrated in our personalities and reflected in our drive to put one foot in front of the other. As well, as in our thoughts and/or opinions about what is appropriate, and what is not.

In essence, our foundation is still very much alive and well in the very cores of each of us. This is regardless of the obstacles we've chosen to push through and past. Rather than allow them to win over. Again, similar to Hamlet.

Flying west toward what was once the Monroe's...

So, thank you, dear Aunt Jane, so very very much for calling to tell me that you'd read "this" blog. Of course, it inspired me to write to you here so readers will have a better understanding of my heartstring ties to Hamlet. What a surprise it was to hear you on the other end of Steve's cell phone last Friday. You have no idea how encouraging it was for me to hear your praise. And to hear your praises again as echoed through a phone call from my mother. To know you'll be following what's shared here, really touched me, too. In doing so, you're on the other end, which meshes with my goal to be connected to all of my family members. Know now, as I write and take photos to share here, you'll be on my mind and in my heart. I'll not only be whetting my appetite for capturing images which reflect a desire to illustrate how beauty can been seen in the imperfections, but I'll look for special glimpses of true beauty to share with you in mind, too. If you wonder why, it's because you are a reflection of true beauty, inside out.

A 1/2' below the Tinman water tower is where one
of the "sisters" called home before it burned...

You are also most assuredly a representative of the strength that lies within "we" Monroe girls. A reference I made in my first post, just a week or so ago. Without going into deep detail, I want my readers to know that you're recovering from stroke and haven't gotten the use of one of your hands back. Nor, do you have full use of your "good" hand. Yet, you have made miraculous strides over the months. There's that amazing inner strength. But, that's something all of "we Monroe" girls share in common. Personally, I can relate to your journey, as I've been on my own for several years now. Yet, that story for the most part will be kept to the confines of Project Rewire. What I'll share here is that in and of itself Project Rewire is my personal rehab tool, a tool I believe God inspired me to start two years ago to help me rewire my brain, literally. So, to me, it's more than just a blog. It's very much part of my journey on a road to healing. It's a cyber keepsake of strides made and not made. Much like you've been doing with your MacBook, progress has been made. Even though sometimes it clashes with reality, do keep it up. (Don't ever worry about not replying to emails or making written comments. Dialing a phone is much easier and more personal, too.)

The memorial bricks are to the right of the top of the righthand "V"
where you see the white building...

Aunt Jane, that same strength that lies within you, is inside of me, most assuredly and I feel it every single day. When things changed with me and I truly began to find my core self again on the tracks that run alongside the Hamlet Depot... the very tracks Granddaddy and Uncle Homer used to meet Mom and I on... I'd already visited the bricks laid in their honor by you and "the sisters". Those simple memorial bricks were much like little stepping stones to me as I found my way to the tracks as dusk was about fall that day and memories from our family reunions came flooding back. It was as if a wellspring rose up inside me that Autumn almost eve of day in 2008. The "Monroe" girl quickly began working her way to the surface at the pace of a fast moving train down the tracks.

Whenever we saw the towers we knew the family was near. This
day they were awash in the bright July a.m. sunlight...

I want you to know, every single time I'm at the Hamlet Depot or walking along Main Street, or looking at the two Hamlet water towers, or go past the now vacant lot where your sister/my aunt here used to live, I think of you and all of "the sisters" and the female offspring in our family. My Grandmother Holland would have said we have "constitution". We surely do.

Not only did I receive positive feedback from you, Aunt Jane, about this blog, but I did from some other sources over the course of the weekend. One was a gentleman who sought me out on Saturday at the Depot where I was greeting Seaboard Festival guests to the museum. He shared with me that his wife began having seizures a fews ago, but fortunately, she's been living seizure free thanks to Keppra. An AED medication I failed, unfortunately. Another was a beautiful lady who shared with me that she has actually been reading Project Rewire and mentioned my post about my dad. I almost fell over because that's my "Father's Day" tribute to him. She'd actually read that far back. She also asked me for both Mom's and Grandmother's names. That's when I decided to include Grandmother's vintage photo within this entry. I'd already decided to share a poem here I'd written several years ago, that I've shared on Project Rewire, previously. The words strung together pretty much sum up the females in our family. The picture of Grandmother and the poem go hand in hand in my opinion and in and odd way tie to my feelings for Hamlet. The way I see it in my spirit and from vintage photos I've glanced, and my view of it for the future. Aunt Jane, you and your sisters are all over the poem, too...

Others reading this may wonder what does any of this entry have to do with All Aboard Hamlet? In a nutshell, my grandparents, an uncle and an aunt chose to make Hamlet their home. With that came family reunions and visits from as far away as Seattle and Texas where my Aunt Jane lives. Our roots may not be "seeded" in Hamlet, but as a family with roots all over the U.S. we all have heartstring ties to it. My parents eventually relocated to the Richmond County area after my dad retired. Eventually, I made my way to the area, too.

Aunt Jane, thanks again for the call! We love you! Just so you know ahead of time, I'll be closing this entry with the photo of Grandmother I sent to you a few Christmases ago.

~ The Beauty Beyond the Looking Glass ~

What lies beyond her looking glass

does truly a beauty make

'Tis not the mere beauty of her face

but a warmth inside her soul it takes

What lies behind her eyes that dream

so genuinely a beauty reveal

'Tis not the color, size, nor shape

but a reflection of true compassion she feels

What lies beneath her surface shows

the gifts each beauty knows

'Tis not the tiara or gossamer gown she wears

but her humor and intuition she shares

What lies inside her heart does tell

the secrets a beauty understands so well

'Tis not what she keeps to herself each day

but the hope and charity she gives away

What lies within her vibrant spirit glows

the enchanting charms of her inner beauty

'Tis not the jewels in her bracelet, ring or lavaliere

but the blessings of grace and trust she bestows

By
Jeanne Holland Newton

Fannie Channell Monroe

(Your mother, my grandmother -- no one knew years later she'd marry a Seaboard Airlines Railroad man & sleep with a gun under her pillow!)

A handful of "then" shots of the Lackey Building; a remnant of a once saloon...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:16:00 +0000

turned into a pharmacy...

The Lackey Building has been begging for attention. It now knows that its steadfast patience is paying off. Soon, it will be totally restored with improvements to make it better than ever. An investment that will benefit the owner and the community. One of several which will indeed bring vitality and pride back to the close knit southern town. What could be sweeter?

Some of the pics strike me as poignant for some reason. I guess its the romantic in me thinking of days gone by before my time, when truly things were much much simpler. It could also be because I'm such a pie lover! Ha! 'Cause I sure would have loved to have a slice of homemade pie from way back when. How about you? And yes, for those of you who've caught on to it, I saw much beauty even in the areas that needed some serious hands on loving care. All kinds of beauty. But, to say I'm loving the new and improved version taking it back to its aesthetic glory of yesterday, is an understatement.

Rather than sharing photos individually, I'm embedding a very quick slide show. My original plans were to post an accompanying slide collection of "now" shots, too. But, my hopes are for someone or someone(s) visiting the upcoming Seaboard Festival might just be inclined to snap a few pics to share here. If not, be sure to look up at the fine detail work that's been done to re-create and restore missing pieces. If you're anything like me, you'll find it all too too amazing!

Note re. the period chalkboard like signage. It was created for the movie Billy Bathgate, which was filmed in Hamlet and released in 1991.

Meet my friends, the charcoal wall and its buddy, the weed...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:17:00 +0000

Picking up from my October 25, 2010 entry...
Below will be a few more illustrations of how I see beauty in the imperfections from Main Street Park. For those of you who aren't local and may not know about Hamlet Crossing, it's the physical "X" railroad North, South, East & West crossroads directly in front of the HHD&M (Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum).

Depending on the weather conditions -- blue skies to cloud cover. Or, whether we have a front moving in or out. Or, the time of day such as dawn, dusk, and in between, to long past midnight (if the Amtrak arrives late on its way to Florida) my glimpses of beauty aren't set in stone. They are ever changing. However, I do have some favorites that once they captured my attention, I was hooked. And since, they've gone on to become captivating to me. Meaning, I take photos of those things often. I'm using the word "things" very loosely here. There are certain trees that I take photos of seasonally and whenever Steve and I go down to the HHD&M simply to sit outside and watch and wait for trains to come by. There's also a particular RR Crossing sign I'm quite fond of and the natural lighting effects upon it can change it from being washed in pastels to reflecting the sun right in my eyes. Also, the Hamlet Crossing Equipment Building reflective abilities and position intrigue me. Of course, my fave of all is my heart building, none other than the Depot itself. And along with the Depot, the tracks running in each direction. But, one thing that's probably the most unique and may seem curious to others that I could call a fave is the outer wall of the old falling down charcoal building behind the Tornado Building. Or, perhaps better described as the Main Street Park perspective of what's left of that old building. To me, it makes for a great back drop, or canvas. Plus, I respect that it once had a life and gave people jobs. It had visitors. It maybe even had friends. I study that building and look at how the lighting of the day plays upon it. I study that building and look closely at the foliage, shrubs, and plants growing along its base. I look at the tangle of vines on the south end of it, and the weeds growing on top of it. Call me odd, but I actually like those weeds and am thankful they are out of reach for grounds maintenance care takers to remove them.

During the summer months there is a marvelous vine with vibrant orange flowers which attracts butterflies and dragonflies like crazy. One afternoon the dragonfly population was so busy I hopped around like frog trying to snap as many photos as I could of them. But, there is a lone weed standing sentry on top of the wall since I first began visiting Main Street Park frequently. Seriously, God only knows how longs its been there. It's there in fair weather and bad weather. Except for it's top, it's roots are unmovable. Boy, can't a lesson be learned from the weed right there?

I've watched my friend, the weed, bend to and fro in the wind. I don't know, maybe it's roots are holding that wall together? Ya think? It's only a guess, because, much of the rest of that building, contrary to the buildings along Main Street, didn't hold tight. Possibly, because it's been out of sight and out of mind for so so very long. I've also wondered if its counterparts, meaning the other building nearby, have made it feel jealous, and sad because it's not getting much attention by its owner. I hope it knows how fond I am of it, in spite of its condition.

This weed is very hardy.
It's growing in brick and mortar at the very top of a relic of a 15' wall.

This weed is strong and resilient. It asks for nothing at all from man to live, not just exist,

because God is its creator and caretaker.

This weed is stubborn. Blue skies, clouds, rain, sleet, hail or snow. Temps from 110+ degrees with varying heat indexes to temps so cold the ground lays frozen. Yet, it steadfastly survives. Which is stronger? The weed, or the wall?

God made weeds virtually to be thorns in our sides and tough to be done with forever. This one figured that out and lives single. It's chosen to live high enough out of reach to keep itself safe. It's solitary, yet not alone, Main Street Park and all it encompasses gives it company.

As I've mentioned before and will again and again, much in life comes down to perspective. How you look at things, literally, and how you focus your attention. A few example of perspective will follow that I snapped this past Monday and Tuesday. Only one is an exception -- an aerial I took a year ago last summer above the building. You'll notice that I've cropped my weed friend to show it off. I bet, to look at it, you would never suspect it sits atop a wall of a caved in building.

Not quite in its entirety & the Autumn is definitely leaving its mark upon the foilage and little tree. Shadows were cast by lots of moving clouds yesterday, yet, there is a bright ray of sun beaming through and down on the grasses and Liriope -- that means something to me, sort of a like a ray of hope.

I have a thing for the fan. I've watched it spin again and again. A very welcome sight on a hot as Hades day, as it signals a welcomed breeze.

This south end of the wall or corner is very hard to see due to the overgrowth of fuscia colored blooms, various greens, and yellows. Some of the yellow is actually that bright Monday sun.

I believe nature's cosmetic touches to the old building (that could be easily seen as an eyesore) actually help the remnant feel better about itself. Any architect will tell you a building has a heart, a soul and a personality. This one is no different. It's just neglected and partially in pieces.

Blooms deserve to be appreciated whereever they grow,
even if they're hiding something easily considered unsightly.

Now, this is what the wall is hiding all of us from,
amazing how appealing the wall suddenly becomes?

I didn't know exactly what was hiding until my husband and I first flew about 300' above the area on July 25, 2009. I was already a fan of the wall, but from that point on, my appreciation of it and affection for it grew. However, cropped with what remains of the building chopped out, it almost looks like a cool abstract painting to me. How about to you?

To me, the building is happier with its caved in roof. It can breath again. It can hear all of the sounds in Main Street Park from the trains to the birds singing. It can see dawn to dusk and the heavens above. It can watch Hamlet's annual Fourth of July fireworks and the Christmas tree lighting. It's no longer closed from the inside in darkness, nor shut in. And one day, it will have a life again. Possibly, not as it once did. It could be something new will be put upon it's foundation, since that is truly the part that has stood the test time. Or, it could mean something brand new is built from scratch, or the park is expanded where it once stood. Regardless, just so you all know, as politely as I can say it, the City of Hamlet is not responsible for its condition.

At the moment, my friends, the charcoal wall and its buddy, the weed are anxiously anticipating one of its favorite events, the 27th Annual Seaboard Festival in less than 3 days! Meet, too! How about you?

Next up will be some "thens" or "befores" of the Lackey Building, so anyone attending the festivities on Saturday can have a fresh memory of just how far the building has come, as the hands of time have been turned back. Tip... just remember to look up!

Lastly, a comment about my photos. This is something I've repeated again and again on Project Rewire (which I'll be picking up again very soon). I don't add effects to my pictures. On several of the shots above there appears to be no sky. That's a brightness issue due to the sun. I could add a sky, but then it wouldn't be exactly real. Make sense? Hope so!

As the righthand side panel states...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:08:00 +0000

"I see beauty in the imperfections for without the contrast against perfection, how would we ever recognize unblemished beauty when we see it?

Take time to look up into the heavens and in between the sky and the tree tops and roof tops. There are blessings to be seen and captured. I take comfort in watching the clouds during the day and the starry night skies. Something I can always share with my loved ones far away, is the sky. My view may be a bit different, but whenever I look up, I know that a heavenly sight is above them, too.

Metaphorically, it's important to look up in spite of whatever life throws at us. Much in life comes down to attitude and perspective."

A view looking west up from 2 Main Street, Hamlet - October 24, 2010 - 4:35 p.m.

At the moment, I'm going to focus on perspective. Not how you view things, but how *I* do so you can get to know me. And secondly, because I don't know how *you* view things, yet. Plus, views are better shared in first person as they create the foundation for common ground to be discovered and maintained. We are all different, so what captures my attention, may not be anywhere near what captures yours. Like most photogs, when I take pictures, often I'm selfishly into focusing in on what appeals to me -- what my eyes see and/or what catches my fancy. I like snagging details others may not see immediately. Or, happen too quickly to be noticed. I like taking rapid progressive shots of movement, but detest being hampered by programed burst shot settings. So, I don't use them. I like taking still shots and waiting for nature to cooperate with me is no biggie.

I have a handful of favorite subjects. Of course, it goes without saying that one is Main Street, Hamlet and along with it, its evolution to rebirth. As well as the landmarks and surrounding areas close in proximity. From the Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum to Main Street Park and Tornado Building to points North, South, East or West. This could mean the tracks, or the trains traveling along the tracks, or Hamlet Crossing, itself.

I don't at all claim to be a photographer by any stretch of the imagination. I don't even consider it to be a hobby. Yet, it is an extension of me. I don't care at all for the confines of composition. I actually enjoy having a skewed rebellious perspective. Meaning what I see as beauty some may just shake their heads and wonder "is she crazy?". And to be perfectly honest, my brain the way it works now -- or doesn't work now, has a difficult time hanging on to camera settings and such, so I don't even try to any longer. In a nutshell, I just have at it! Having said all that though, I enjoy taking pictures and sharing them. Snapping photos is a very personal and actually comforting activity for me, because whenever I'm looking through a viewfinder, I feel better than my usual normal. It's like laughter, it's quite good medicine and has literally helped re-hab and rewire areas in my brain that needed some tweaking to make connections work more cohesively. Hopefully, as the community embraces this blog and partners with me, we'll get to see what captures *your* attention. Whether it be in photos, or in other avenues, my hope is for it to be viewed as a comfortable safe haven to share. In the meantime, the blogging is up to me.

So, back to my take on "perspective" using late yesterday afternoon as a prime example. I'll start off using an interesting photographic object lesson on the visual merits of Kudzu. Tell me what you see. In this case do you see it as the invasive "vine that ate the South"? Or, do you see it's cosmetic attributes similar to that of a green vegetative snow like I do?

Kudzu covered trees, weeds, fencing is akin to snow effects,
but just lasts much much longer.

Something to ponder? Yes, no... maybe so? It's part of what I pondered once the Kudzu captured my eye and caught my fancy, yet again. Admittedly, I went seeking various contrasts and examples of seeing "beauty in the imperfections". So, when we arrived late yesterday afternoon at the HHD&M around 4:30 p.m. instead of our usual popping our heads in to say "hi" thing, Steve and I along with our most recent rescue Springer, tiny Roxy, meandered around the surrounding area. I wanted see what touches Autumn was making to the area. I had my little flying point 'n shoot camera with me, as I often do, and the conditions couldn't have been more perfect for snapping photos. The sky was a vivid gorgeous Carolina blue. The clouds were just a glorious mixture of white fluffies with light dove gray to dark almost steel gray hues. The Autumn sun was beaming brilliantly creating diagonal rays across the southern sky and brightly reflecting off of Main Streets' old timey rooftop "skyline". It dappled through the trees as it danced upon various weeds and expansive Kudzu growth giving them a nice dose of vibrant natural highlights. Nearly blinding at times when not tempered with the sky blues, and earthly yellows and greens.

One of my most favorite subjects for Summer and Autumn are the old "T" telephone/power poles that run behind the backside of Hamlet. I hadn't spent any time this past Summer enjoying them, so they were a welcome sight. To me, the Kudzu adds a lovely lush lacy trim to the cross like structures which never fail to remind me of Calvary. They are also subtle reminders to me of hope and faith -- that Hamlet is anything but God forsaken.

The dying leaves act as a natural intricate frame
surrounding the Kudzu cross in its entirety.

The Kudzu cross looks small here,
yet it's not quite overshadowed, by its friend the big tree.

The Kudzu cross has an important job in stringing we people together upon its lines.

To me, the poles look much less intrusive against the beauty of the sky blanketed and laced in Kudzu cover.

Next time you catch glimpse of one a Kudzu covered pole,

you may see it with new eyes. Or, maybe not...

In closing...

Steve and Roxy did a lot sitting and waiting, while I did a lot of wandering and snapping. Every few minutes, or so, I'd take a break and sit on a bench beside them. The benches up and down Main Street, and in front of the HHD&M are placed conveniently and were very much appreciated by we three. Give them a try some time as you ponder "seeing beauty in the imperfections".

Needless to say, I had a lovely time, looking up, looking over, looking through, looking in between, looking up close and, of course, beyond, too. How do you know when you've looked beyond? It's when you see things that would normally be considered unattractive, or down right ugly. However, with the right lighting, the right angle, the right perspective, or framing, their beauty strikes you out of the blue, and perfection can be seen.

I have a few more examples of yesterday, which I'll be sharing very soon, so you're invited to stay tuned.

Happy 83rd Birthday, Mr. Riley Lee Watson!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:34:00 +0000

God bless you this, day, Riley and every day! If you only knew how many lives you've touched over your lifetime in the place you call home, known as Hamlet. If you only knew how many smiles you've given to others. Or, how many hearts you've warmed with your stories. Personally, I don't believe I can count that high. But, suffice it to say, more than enough to populate the town of Hamlet, and then some. The only person I can truly speak for is myself and when we met at Hamlet Crossing almost two years ago now, you told me that you were afraid you'd break my camera, as you pointed your finger at it. To which I replied, "that will never happen, but one thing has definitely happened, and that's that you've changed my life..." and boy did you! When Steve and I first saw you saunter out to the equipment buildings perched almost on top of Hamlet Crossing, my heart literally leaped because I knew you were a for real "trainman" as my husband, cousin and I call fondly call them. I'd not caught a live one yet, and there you were! My very first. You were my dad and my grandfather both rolled into one. Both, needless to say, I sorely miss. You were fully attired in your railroad outfit with a Seaboard Airline's cap atop your scarred and balding head! The scar, of course, traces back to one of your personal stories of life on the railroad. I'd share it, but only you can share your stories, like the one and only you do! I walked up to you very deliberately and you looked a tiny bit suspicious until I made mention of the Seaboard Airline Railroad merger with Atlantic Coastline in '67. Your eyes began to twinkle then because that was your tip off that I had not just railroad roots, but "Seaboard" roots.

Easily and immediately we realized that we had a common bond which covered some tracks of time built upon a love for Seaboard Airline Railroad, and of course, upon trains. At that point, you went into the very first story you ever shared with me. It wasn't about the railroad, but about the first time you met your beautiful bride, Willie Mae, and how you'd walk from about where were standing to the area nearby the water tower east of Hamlet. What a walk you made frequently to court your lady love.

Before we parted company I told you to consider yourself "adopted" and you appeared to be pleased by the notion of it. Within a few days we'd meet your better half and she not only greeted us warmly, but accepted we strangers, like she'd known us all of our lives. We spent what should have been only a few short minutes in your cozy living room looking at pictures she wanted to share with us. It was such an honor to be received so comfortably. Little did any of us know that we'd never have the opportunity to tell her goodbye before she went to be with the Lord. Now, it's all very poignant in my memory banks and I only can imagine what it's like for you and your family. And speaking of your family, both of your children have been very kind and very warm to my family and I.

On both sides we've had some life circumstances which have been challenging, but you, dear sir, much more than I. You face each day without uttering a complaint. You put one foot in front of the other and live to love those closest to you. You continue to put smiles on faces. You continue to warm hearts with your stories. You continue to be an inspiration, Riley, just by being you!

May you be blessed in your coming year with unexpected joys and delights from above. And may you continue to reap the benefits from all of the good you've sown over your lifetime and continue to sow in Hamlet and all points beyond.

Here's a little reminder slideshow of the day I met you... (Note that there are 49 photos in this embedded slideshow & sometimes Picasa lags a little, please bear through it.)

Now, to get you on Facebook and the net! I know just the person and her name begins with "L".

The story behind this blog...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:18:00 +0000

Anyone who walks or drives down Main Street Hamlet, North Carolina, most assuredly can see it, and certainly, with or without rose colored glasses. A new improved City of Hamlet is obviously emerging. Scaffolding can now be seen up and down Main Street as a few buildings are getting a long awaited face lift to renew them to their youthful appearance of a century plus 9 years ago, or thereabouts.

On the historic Lackey Building, craftsmen are delicately casting missing pieces of ornate trim work, as if they were highly skilled and talented plastic surgeons. Their handiwork is filling in spots top to bottom which were lost to decay over a century long and very slow process. Amazing brand new parts have been recreated and cast in fiberglass, rather than in mortar or concrete. Which I've been assured by one of the experts on the job will way out last the originals. The old facade is being renewed with touches like new eyebrows being placed again atop windows which had been hidden forever to re-dress them up as they deserve. And filigree-like missing trimmings are being crafted and painted in a lovely gold finish to live side by side perfectly filling in the gaps to their original counterparts. They fit so perfectly, it appears as if they were painstakingly handwritten in calligraphy.

Painting is also ongoing to take the buildings back to rich period-ish color schemes. Honestly, I literally teared up with excitement and joy when I first saw the work being done on the old Lackey Building. I'd visualized it being renewed for some time now, and have watched the progress over the past five months. But, to see it coming alive again, really touched me. Plus, what I visualized paled in comparison to the real thing. The only glimpse I'd ever seen of it in the beauty of its heyday up to that point was in black and white photos from long ago. And my childhood memories aren't much different than the way it looked a few short weeks ago. That building has always captivated me and I've taken many pictures of it during the course of the past couple of years.

To some residents and passerbys, it may appear that the renovation of Hamlet began a year ago last summer when the new planters, and their partners "the benches" were installed. But, evidence of the rehabilitation and preservation of Main Street Hamlet was first seen back in 2001 when a temporary railroad station was put up by the City of Hamlet and Amtrak to take care of passengers during the prep and move across the tracks and restoration of the town's beloved "1900" Queen Anne Victorian train station. At that time the visionaries saw the badly needed station restoration as the catalyst to spur economic development which would one day put Hamlet back on the map. As is always with true visionaries, the future was vividly seen years earlier, but such an endeavor takes time, patience and intricate planning. Finally, metaphorically the stars aligned and a plan of action was put into place with very deliberate steps taken to make it happen. Baby steps turned into major strides. The very first glimpse of this phase in my mind began when those new planters and benches popped up along Main Street a year ago this past summer. It was at that very time I actually came up with the idea for this blog, its name, and grabbed it on Blogger. It's been sitting waiting silently for me to give it life, as I've been observing both the subtle and more obvious steps to transform Hamlet. And to be boldly honest, waiting for the right dose of inspiration. Well, that happened very recently when a delightful kindred spirit graciously crossed paths with me. Up until then, it's been a period of watching, and waiting with oodles of anticipation. Then, the Lackey Building's facade restoration progress further signaled that it's the right time to birth this blog.

Now, the above is only part of the story behind what has compelled me to author such a blog about Hamlet. There are elements that make Hamlet's renovation very personal to me, which I shall share now...

Since I was a small child, Hamlet, North Carolina has been a meaningful place to me and more than just a special town. It holds a piece of my heart where fond memories live of loved ones gathering from all across the country at my grandparents home. Back then, it was almost magical. It holds memories of riding trains from the Seaboard Airline Railroad Station in Portsmouth, Virginia to Hamlet, North Carolina. My mother and I were always greeted by my granddaddy and uncle along the tracks with flashlights in hand to swoop us both off the train during the wee dark hours of the morning after midnight. The passenger car we traveled in was known as the "Tidewater" car and was always the last car, so it never quite made it into the train station area. We'd see my uncle's car with headlights brightly beaming first and in a matter of a couple of minutes, off we were whisked to their home. Needless to say, it's been quite sad to lose a good part of our family here and also to see Hamlet's steady decline over several decades considering the memories and stories it has collectively held for my family.

A few years ago after Epilepsy struck me, I was at a place where I'd lost parts of myself. At that time to help re-tap into the core of "me", I set out to reconnect with the generation of cousins that exists within the generations of cousins/kids my mom's siblings had. With eight children in her family, the stair step ages covers over fifteen years. I was the only girl of six kids born into a bit of baby boom of "boyness". A period of about three years in the early 1950s. The me I was, was gone and it was tough adjusting to the new me and finding my way. I realized early on that I could no longer rely on my past accomplishments to boost my confidence, or gauge myself by my former capabilities, skills, or talents without suffering the consequences of feeling defeated. I had to figure out whom I was now. And certainly, I couldn't gauge myself based on a number of neurologists' opinions, diagnostics and failed treatments. It wasn't "as if" my life had changed drastically overnight -- it indeed did. A great deal of my independence and freedom, went away along with it. The essence and spirit which makes "me" me needed some reminders of its roots. And the experience of reconnecting with my cousins (who are really more like the brothers I never had) gave me some of those key reminders. As always, my goal "then" when Epilepsy struck me and "now" as I'm still adjusting to it, is to never allow it to totally overtake me. This is a thread on Project Rewire I come back to again and again, but here more or less will be the evidence, that it hasn't overtaken me. There are times, admittedly, I must give into it, but good things can come of it. Monday and Tuesday of this week were such days, but to help me push past and through, they became the right days to finally work towards bringing this blog out of hiding.

Since Epilepsy struck I've depended on the Lord to direct me in unique ways to help rehab myself, and give me a purpose again. One thing I did a little over two years ago now was to begin blogging to help restore some pesky word retrieval and vocabulary issues. There is no need to go through all of that "here". It's on Project Rewire, but a part I've never shared there, I'll share here because it's part of my Hamlet ties story.

So, back to the upside of brain mis-fires and reconnecting with my cousins, most definitely, the reconnecting has been a blessing to me. There is one in particular where we share some like interests, and passions. Heck, if there were a twin version of cousins, we'd possibly be an example of it, sans the oil mixing with water boy cousin vs. girl cousin thing. Around the time I began Project Rewire, I'd reconnected with him and within a a few months, I found myself reconnected with Hamlet, too. For many years I'd been too busy with my career and responsibilities to find time to do anything interesting locally, such as walk down Main Street Hamlet like I used to do with my granddaddy. Or, even visit the newly restored Hamlet Depot. The closest I'd gotten to it was trips to the old Hamlet Post Office, where I'd climb the worn steps, remembering the days I'd go with he or my uncle to pick up mail from their P.O. Box "128", which the Monroes had for what seemed like forever. (Isn't if funny how short for "forever" truly is sometimes?) Then, one day out of blue I decided it was time to snap some photos of the Depot and surrounding area to show my cousin how things had changed since we were little kids and his last visit here in 1982.

Dusk was falling, but a light turned on inside me.

He had to put up with my photos, because in comparison to the shots he takes, as a more perfection oriented photographer, mine probably made his eyes sore. However, the stories I began sharing captivated him to the point he actually said I should consider recording them one day. Now, that was a compliment and an idea of epic proportions was birthed. It put a dream into our hearts, and him on to a new career path.

Anyway, it was a gorgeous Autumn afternoon for my husband, Steve's and my first visit there. Much like it's been the past few days. As I walked around the Depot building snapping photos, I was instantly enthralled and transported back in time by it. I was also very much smitten by Main Street Park, as well as Main Street Hamlet. But two simple things, brought me back to myself in a way I hadn't experienced since who knows when.

First, there's an area beside the Depot where "memory" bricks have been placed in tribute to various individuals and loved ones. Many of which were railroad people; my granddaddy and uncle Monroe, included.

Just seeing their names hit me like a ton of bricks and reminded me of my railroad roots. But, what hit me like a lightening bolt was standing on the railroad tracks not too far from where the two used to meet the train my mom and I journeyed upon from the Seaboard railroad Portsmouth, Virginia to attend our family reunions. It was as if both had scooped me up like they once had to remind me of the strength that resides in my mom's side of the family. All of we women are very strong individuals. That strength along with the strength that comes from my dad's side, in joining my strength, and the strength the Lord gives me, gave me even more reason to push past and through.

It's been a journey of a different type since then, and I've learned some hard lessons along the way. Yet, I continue to remain smitten with Hamlet which is obvious to those who know me around here. And the same can be said of my husband, Steve. When I reconnected my heart to the Depot and to Hamlet, it inspired a fondness for both within him, too. He loves train watching now, as much as I do. So, it's become another special thing we share in common.

Now, as a Depot Historic Depot volunteer and one of its newest board members, I'm filled with enthusiasm. I'm not at all about what "can't be done", but about "what can be done" and I see a wonderful future for the HHD&M as a key attraction to bring more and more visitors and tourists to Main Street Hamlet.

As on my Project Rewire blogging endeavor of late, I've had to go backwards to catch up to now, more than a time or tow. That's partially because I actually have more of a life now than I have had in a very long time. Well, the same will hold true to a certain degree in All Aboard Hamlet, too. There will be a key difference. Some of this blog will reflect how the hands of time are aesthetically being turned back as historic preservation efforts and projects to restore the City of Hamlet to its original beauty of yesteryear are being completed. And, as a community oriented blog, my hope and prayers are that others within will freely contribute their stories and memories of their heartstring ties to Hamlet. Those that live here, or elsewhere. I also know without a doubt, I'm not the only one challenged by an illness, or disease, but persevering to be triumphant with ties to Hamlet. Such stories will always be welcome here, too. On another note, I'm very open to sharing this blog to promote the talents of locals who may not have a web site, blog, or other "net" avenue to show case their various "art" mediums. In addition, if a fun event is happening in Hamlet, why not call "all aboard" here?

Seaboard Festival 2009 - A Community Working & Having Fun Together

I've deliberately kept the format very simple to read and to encourage contributors. Please feel free to email me at the address indicated on my profile should you have questions or have something you would like to contribute here. I can also very easily be found on Facebook under "Jeanne Holland Newton" and at our brand new Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum Facebook group.

Thanks to all for being first readers of All Aboard Hamlet. Hope you make it a habit. Please do consider following and sharing to make this a successful community blog.

Next entry will spot light the birthday of a very special Hamlet Historic Depot & Museum volunteer.

And note, this blog is very much a work in progress. I may be tweaking the color scheme and settings, as well as adding content and images to the right side panel in the coming days.