Tag: Tracks

Pride in Workmanship…

by on Jan.18, 2011, under Community, Photography

You know? There is alot of awesome architecture around Austin, Texas and what I guess you would call the “I-35 Corridor. But take a closer look at the photograph below.

© copyright 2009, Robert D. Barrett

When I saw this all I could say was “Really?”… I wonder what happened. Either the shorter people called in sick or maybe a shift in the earth’s crust?

I understand there is a fine line to what can be considered ‘artistic license’ – is that what that is?

Can you imagine running down this fire escape with a railing like that?

© copyright 2010, Robert D. Barrett

And I wonder if the guys were a little tired one day laying brick what these windows may look like?

© copyright 2010, Robert D. Barrett

And lastley I don’t think the train would last very long if these tracks were laid out like that railing, right?

© Copyright 2010, Robert D. Barrett

Take pride in what you do. Be the best you can be. Take the time, ALL of the time, to do it right the first time. Just something I saw that made me think.

Peace, Love, and Straight Lines,

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Blue Rails…

by on Jan.14, 2010, under Photography

Living in and around the city these days I don’t see alot of trains. I don’t know what it is about railroad tracks that conjurs up emotions of travel, mystery about where they go, and alot I cannot really explain. I remember stories of the homeless, and hobos that ride the rails – are they extinct? Are there any hobos left that ride the rails from town to town?

 Blue Rail © 2010, Robert Barrett

I look at train tracks and think of hobos and travel. If there are any hobos left I envy them their freedom. Bills? Work? Stress? The IRS and just living paycheck to paycheck. I don’t know. Just one of those things.

I look at train tracks and watch them stretch out all the way to where the sky almost touches them. The shiny top of the rails worn smooth as chrome reflecting almost like a mirror. Yet I don’t see the beast that rolls on them very often.

Shiny Blue Rails © 2010 Robert Barrett

Yet, when I do happen to see a train it almost inspires excitement. How long? How many cars? And to watch the cars go by and see the grafitti from around the nation plastered on the side of the railroad cars announcing “We’re Here!”. It’s awesome. I hope they never wash or paint the railroad cars because I think it’s an art form unto itself.

Down The Track, © 2010 Robert Barrett

I didn’t see alot of graffiti today. Alot of newer looking cars. It was almost awesome to stand next to a fast moving train while it rolls by oblivious to your existance. The noise from the wheels on the tracks and the wind generated by the fast moving cars. The power. Unstoppable.

I had a good time wandering around shooting pictures and just plain thinking. Mostly about when things were a little less complicated. Wishing it were just as simple as hopping a train and finding adventure somewhere else. But alas, I have to get work now. I do love my job and cannot complain. But trains take me back to a simpler time.

Peace, Love, and Blue Rails,

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