Nothing can be as rewarding as getting lost driving down a country road. You never know what you might encounter: an aging barn, a church whose steeple peaks out of a mountain top, a barred up general store, or an old automobile that has seen better days.

I have often found that if I don't stop and take a picture, the landscape might change the next time I pass through. To me, nothing is worse than seeing a piece of history vanish because of progress or nature. I feel that if I don't take a picture, the place will be erased from time and forgotten. Like all of the stories, family get togethers, and working the land never happened.

Sometimes if I get an image I really like I will research more about the property. I once discovered that my great grandfather was a brick mason and left his initials in a house that I often passed and photographed. Another time I learned that a field was overgrown and when cleared, a long forgotten mansion was left standing.

A lot of these pictures took repeat visits. Often the lighting was not pleasant or I was in too much of a hurry to stop. Some of these places I still drive by daily and still find myself slowing down to appreciate the beauty.

I am collaborating with poet Scott Owens on this project. I feel we both share a connection with tradition and appreciation of our heritage. Scott can often express the same feelings I felt that drew me to capture the image to start with.

I challenge you, the viewer, to take a moment to stop and view your own surroundings. Find your inspiration not only when on vacation or during a special occasion, but in the world hidden just beyond the weeds.

Clayton Joe Young, December 2011