Small Town, USA

All across America there are thousands of small towns that look empty to our eyes. We are used to our generic "big box" stores where we can find anything our heart desires. We do not have to make several stops; to the grocery, hardware store, or clothing store. Instead we can do one stop shopping now. The "big box" stores have moved in and the result is that the small "mom and pop" businesses are out. We are losing flavor. We are losing variety. We are losing our Small Town, USA. So I found myself taking in the remnants of what was left in this particular Small Town and found so much to appreciate. Support the small businesses of your community. They are us and they are in danger of becoming extinct.

A couple of brightly colored signs advertising children's art classes and supplies pops out encouraging the arts.

purchase information for this photo

STP Wagon

A child's bright yellow antique wagon stands out in contrast to the drab surroundings along the small town sidewalk.

purchase information for this photo

Coca Cola Sign

Delicious and refreshing antique Coca Cola sign has developed a patina of age, but is still relevant in our time.

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Childhood Dreams

The young boy intently gazing into the fountain's pool sparks a question in my mind. What dreams does he have as he peers into the sparkling blue green water? I do not know his name, or his parents who were standing protectively nearby. He just happened to find his way into my viewfinder on a perfect Seattle day.

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Seven Things You May Not Know About Me

I have been "tagged" by Beholden to Nature to share seven things you may not know about me. So here we go.

1) For the last ten years I have lived in an off-the-grid home. We have our own solar power system, a deep rock well (literally) with water that tastes like snow, and no utilities except propane for hot water and back up heating. Our main heating is with wood from our 40 acres of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir trees. We are official forest stewards through the Colorado State Forest Division and manage our thinning of the forest with moderation and care. Contradictory to popular impressions of this lifestyle, we do not lack any modern conveniences nor do we use kerosene lamps.

2) I actually grew up in Ohio. But my love for the West goes way back!






















3) My photo of our golden retriever, Champ, was featured in the Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope.

4) I lived in a van by choice for three months with my husband and three year old daughter in the summer of 1980. We traveled over 3,000 miles.

5) From 2000 to 2007 my husband, Ric, and I collaborated on the first blog to ever appear on DenverPost.com. We called it "The Colorado Journal" and it documented our daily life living off-the-grid.

6) I am a voracious reader. I love award winning literature, pulpy genre fiction, and nonfiction equally depending on my mood.

7) The best friend I ever had was a dog. My forever girl, Keota.