[sub]urban [text]ure

Last Drink of 2011?

2011-12-31T16:44:00.001-05:00

I don't think this is quite the way to greet 2012.

Stone Owls

2011-08-20T23:30:00.001-05:00

There's a Fair Over There

2011-08-19T23:48:00.001-05:00

Treehouse | Doylestown, PA

2011-03-29T09:45:00.001-05:00

Milo in the Sunday Morning Sun

2011-02-27T12:46:00.001-05:00

Ornamental Grass in Winter

2011-02-15T13:42:00.003-05:00

Find more artists like XTC at Myspace Music

Fenced

2011-02-10T22:08:00.001-05:00

Crestfallen: Nest in Snow

2011-02-06T13:12:00.001-05:00

What about "Chicken Soup for the Cthulu Soul"?

2011-01-26T16:44:00.001-05:00

No? You don't have that one? Strange, you seem to have quite the "Chicken Soup" collection.

My 80s Music Cred

2011-01-08T18:29:00.001-05:00

Welcome...If You Can Find A Space

2011-01-03T00:46:00.001-05:00

Lone Christmas Bulb

2010-12-17T14:47:00.001-05:00

Phrenology

2010-12-14T20:41:00.001-05:00

Phrenology (from Greek: φρήν, phrēn, "mind"; and λόγος, logos, "knowledge")

Corner Cobweb

2010-12-03T16:29:00.001-05:00

Rear View

2010-12-01T22:30:00.001-05:00

Ear Ache?

2010-11-27T22:24:00.001-05:00

Damage to the ear of the Nittany Lion Shrine at University Park, PA (PSU)

View from Allentown Road this Morning

2010-11-19T17:02:00.001-05:00

The Wisdom House Labyrinth

2010-11-15T21:59:00.001-05:00

Wired Morning

2010-11-05T16:10:00.001-05:00

Morning frost, Chevy truck

2010-11-02T11:06:00.001-05:00

Autumn by the Curb

2010-10-29T21:38:00.001-05:00

Tentative Chapel?

2010-10-24T20:33:00.001-05:00

We Love Banned Books

2010-10-16T21:51:00.001-05:00

The Other Side Of Stop

2010-10-10T22:43:00.001-05:00

Girded Sun 1

2010-10-08T15:58:00.001-05:00

Betsy Ross Bridge | Philadelphia, PA | July 2010

Reclamation

2010-10-07T10:48:00.001-05:00

Wildflowers work to subdue their mechanized nemesis

Fun is Just Over There

2010-10-06T10:33:00.001-05:00

Caged

2010-10-04T21:47:00.001-05:00

View from the 4th level of the parking garage at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel (Reading, PA).

We Sell Banned Books

2010-10-04T15:00:00.001-05:00

Shadows Lengthen

2010-10-01T01:08:00.001-05:00

Backward Glance at the Sun

2010-10-01T01:07:00.001-05:00

Odin's Eye at Sunset

2008-07-11T21:59:00.004-05:00

Pavilion Four

2008-07-06T18:49:00.003-05:00

Pavilion Four at Ralph Stover State Park where the Asatru and Urglaawe
Meetup of Eastern Pennsylvania and NJ held a Midsummer Blot on June 21.

Bottled

2008-07-06T18:35:00.004-05:00

Icy cold goodness on display at the Mast General Store in Boone, NC.

Drain It

2008-01-12T22:59:00.001-05:00

Mystery Gate

2008-01-04T23:14:00.001-05:00

"Miss Saigon" Set: Panoramic

2008-01-04T23:12:00.001-05:00

Time in the Details

2007-09-27T00:24:00.001-05:00

Moult on Tree

2007-09-19T22:14:00.003-05:00

Recalling ancient tribal fires

2007-09-19T22:14:00.001-05:00

Lockdown!

2007-08-22T23:39:00.001-05:00

Out-of-work mannequins await their next gig, or final fate, in New Hope, PA.

My Old Pane

2007-08-17T00:41:00.001-05:00

A window from the old station for the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad. Located in New Hope, PA.

Resting

2007-05-20T20:47:00.001-05:00

Truckus Warblerus

2007-03-01T22:08:00.001-05:00

Illumined

2007-02-23T14:19:00.001-05:00

Top Light

2007-01-21T00:33:00.000-05:00

Monkeying around with the top-lighting for the next show at Montgomery Theater.

All Terrain Wagon

2005-08-12T08:52:00.000-05:00

I had a little red wagon

when I was young

But I never could have
taken mine off road

I wonder how it handles?

Rust In Peace III

2005-07-15T20:48:00.000-05:00

Rust In Peace III, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Another piece from my Visit to Columcile collection.

Feather - Rain - Asphalt

2005-07-15T20:41:00.000-05:00

Feather - Rain - Asphalt, originally uploaded by brainwise.

I spied this sad little feather in the parking lot as I walked to my car one evening.

The Miles Roll By

2005-07-02T20:43:00.000-05:00

The Miles Roll By, originally uploaded by brainwise.

We used AmTrak's AutoTrain to go to Florida. Here is the view from our coach window on the afternoon of June 24, 2005.

Hooked

2005-06-04T18:37:00.000-05:00

Rust In Peace I, originally uploaded by brainwise.

This Old Barn I

2005-06-04T18:34:00.000-05:00

An old barn in serious disrepair (is there any other kind?). This one is on the Columcille property.

Tin Can Cover

2005-05-06T23:26:00.000-05:00

Tin Can Cover, originally uploaded by brainwise.

I think this is the pipe for filling an oil tank. It is either unused, or the original cap is broken, because this tin can seems to have been there for some time now.

Fenced Out

2005-05-06T23:25:00.001-05:00

Fenced Out, originally uploaded by brainwise.

If you have been viewing my photos, you know that I love interesting wood grains. This fence has that. Plus ... this is the only alley on the street that is fenced off. Just what are they hiding back there?

Rooted

2005-05-06T23:25:00.000-05:00

Rooted, originally uploaded by brainwise.

I just like the pattern of these roots.

Bark

2005-02-25T00:44:00.000-05:00

Bark, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Rough bark. Looks like a modern painting ... or a stone formation.

After the Snow #7 | Snow Grass

2005-01-28T01:19:00.000-05:00

After the Snow #7 | Snow Grass, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Blizzard aftermath
Ornamental Grass, Front Yard
January 22, 2005

After the Snow #6 | Snow Roses

2005-01-28T01:18:00.000-05:00

After the Snow #6 | Snow Roses, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Blizzard aftermath
Faerie Rose Bush, Front yard
January 22, 2005

After the Snow #1 | Tabletop

2005-01-28T01:17:00.000-05:00

After the Snow #1 | Tabletop, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Blizzard aftermath
January 22, 2005

This is the top of the picnic table (which is featured in After the Snow #1 and After the Snow #3). The snowy "belly button" was caused by snow falling in and around the hole for an umbrella pole.

Decker's Chapel

2004-12-13T23:36:00.000-05:00

Decker's Chapel, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Built in 1856, Decker's Chapel was built by Monsignor Decker in thanksgiving for recovering from an injury. It is one of the smallest churches in the U.S.

Silent Vigil

2004-12-12T22:34:00.000-05:00

Silent Vigil, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Partial view of a marker at St. Marys Cemetary (St. Marys, PA; 11/2004).

Trough

2004-12-09T14:27:00.000-05:00

Trough, originally uploaded by brainwise.

What alien surface is this?

Waiting to be Handbells

2004-12-08T08:22:00.000-05:00

Waiting to be Handbells originally uploaded by brainwise.

Originally uploaded to my Moblog at buzznet. This group was sitting on a shelf at the factory of Schulmerich Bells in Sellersville, PA. Snapped it with my Palmphone during the factory's open house tour for Winterfest on 12-07-2004.

Descent Into Light

2004-11-19T16:17:00.000-05:00

Descent Into Light, originally uploaded by brainwise.

The morning sun made it look as though we could walk downstairs into pure light ...

Mt. Eden Retreat facility in Washington, NJ. Snapped 11-14-2004

Hearth And Pot |Var. 1

2004-11-19T16:16:00.001-05:00

Hearth And Pot |Var. 1, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Another look at a clay pot in the stone fireplace. Mt. Eden Retreat facility in Washington, NJ. Snapped 11-14-2004

Stone And Clay

2004-11-19T16:16:00.000-05:00

Stone And Clay, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Clay Pots in Stone Fireplace. Mt. Eden Retreat facility in Washington, NJ. Snapped 11-14-2004

Autumn Fall

2004-11-19T16:15:00.000-05:00

Autumn Fall, originally uploaded by brainwise.

It's like a waterfall, only different. Mt. Eden Retreat facility in Washington, NJ. Snapped 11-14-2004

Up

2004-11-19T16:14:00.000-05:00

Up, originally uploaded by brainwise.

A lovely stairway that is part of the courtyard at Mt. Eden Retreat facility in Washington, NJ. Snapped 11-14-2004

SEND

2004-11-11T14:23:00.000-05:00

SEND, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Consider this the "old school" version of the SEND button in your email application. Sellersville Post Office. Snapped 10-27-2004

Don't Fence Me In |Var. 4

2004-11-11T14:22:00.000-05:00

Don't Fence Me In |Var. 4, originally uploaded by brainwise.

More shots of the dilapidated fence on the property on the corner of Blair Mill and Willow Roads, Hatboro, PA. Snapped 10-28-2004, just like the var. 1 and 2.

Barnes & Noble and Wreath

2004-11-09T16:41:00.000-05:00

Barnes & Noble and Wreath, originally uploaded by brainwise.

I personally think it's way too early to be hanging the greens. I mean, Halloween is barely over.

::Sigh:: I guess I'm something of a traditionalist at heart.

Location: Barnes and Noble in North Wales, Route 309.
Snapped: 11-05-2004

Morning Glance

2004-11-09T16:39:00.000-05:00

Morning Glance, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Shot out my window as I began my morning commute down Route 309 on 11-03-2004. I must be around Telford, PA at this point.

Back Glance

2004-11-08T02:10:00.001-05:00

Back Glance, originally uploaded by brainwise.

View from driver's side mirror. Morning commute on the 309 expressway waits for an accident to clear. 11-01-2004

Red

2004-11-08T02:10:00.000-05:00

Red, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Red leaved plant in tangle of weeds. Trader Joe's parking lot, 11-02-2004

Leaf in Hand

2004-11-08T02:09:00.000-05:00

Leaf in Hand, originally uploaded by brainwise.

The flash unexpectedly gave me an image with no discernable background. Snapped 10-31-2004

Reach

2004-11-05T17:17:00.000-05:00

Reach, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Tree at edge of Twining Fitness Club's parking lot, Dresher, PA. Snapped evening of 11-01-2004 using the "night portrait" setting and a small tripod.

Illumine

2004-11-05T17:15:00.000-05:00

Illumine, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Lamp in parking lot of the Founder's Building in Fort Washington commerce park. Snapped early evening of 11-02-2004

AMC 309

2004-11-05T17:14:00.000-05:00

AMC 309, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Sign for AMC Cinema on Route 309 in North Wales. Snapped 11-05-2004

Bucks County Coffee Company in North Wales

2004-11-05T13:36:00.000-05:00

Bucks County Coffee Company in North Wales, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Here is a change of pace from my set of photos featuring Starbucks in re-purposed buildings.

This location of the Bucks County Coffee Company -- a local company that started in Langhorne, PA -- was part of the rebuilt shopping center in North Wales called The Shoppes at English Village. The former shops sat vacant for years and were an eyesore along the Route 309 commute. But now, there is a series of upscale shops and this nice little cafe. This cafe is one of the best coffee shops around. The interior is roomy and comfortable; the staff is excellent; and there are great drinks.

The unfortunate thing is that most folks cannot tell this cafe is even here. All they see from the highway are signs for shops (Banana Republic, et. al.). So, if you are near the intersection of Routes 63 and 309 in North Wales, stop in and give this place a try.

(Photo snapped 10-26-2004)

[Update 11-08-2004 -- Cafe Closed?! It appears that my plea for folks to give this location a try is too late. As of Friday, Nov 5, the cafe has been locked and there are no appliances on the counters or products on the shelves. There is also no official indication as to why it is locked up and what might be happening next. But we can all surmise.]

Starbucks in Doylestown

2004-11-04T18:40:00.000-05:00

Starbucks in Doylestown, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Starbucks in Doylestown, PA. With an unerring sense for prime location, Starbucks snatched this 250-year-old former roadhouse and inn right in the heart of the downtown area. I snapped this pic on 10-31-2004.

This is the fourth Starbucks location that I have photoblogged. I guess I am just fascinated with buildings that have past lives, and this is another good example of Starbucks re-purposing an existing structure instead of tearing up the land with new construction. Still ... is it just me, or does that Starbucks sign look a bit strange in front of such a grand building?

The Alley

2004-11-03T01:44:00.000-05:00

The Alley, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Alley next to the Montgomery Theater in Souderton, PA. Taken after 10PM on 11-02-2004.

Overhead

2004-11-02T16:58:00.000-05:00

Overhead, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Lamp in Target parking lot; Upper Dublin, PA. (Snapped early on Friday morning, 10-29-2004)

Foundation

2004-11-02T16:53:00.000-05:00

Foundation, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Concrete foundation slab. Recycling center in Sellersville, PA. (10-28-2004)

Labyrinth

2004-11-02T16:52:00.000-05:00

Labyrinth, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Painted labyrinth on wood floor. Sanctuary of the Pebble Hill Church, Doylestown, PA. (10-30-2004)

Grace

2004-11-01T16:15:00.000-05:00

Grace, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Border wall. Between McDonalds and English Village Shopping Center. Routes 309 and 63. Snapped 10-26-2004.

"Ah, when to the heart of man
Was it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
of a love or a season?"

(Robert Frost)

White Harvest

2004-11-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

White Harvest, originally uploaded by brainwise.

White squash on white platter. The harvest is over. Winter is coming. 10-31-2004

Hallows Eve Approaches

2004-10-31T22:45:00.000-05:00

Hallows Eve Approaches, originally uploaded by brainwise.

The ancient Celts believed this was the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. I believe it, too.

Streetlamps on Church St. in Sellersville. 10-31-2004.

Waiting

2004-10-30T17:32:00.000-05:00

Waiting, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Leaves and Rain on Park Bench. Doylestown, PA. 10-30-2004.

Don't Fence Me In |Var. 2

2004-10-29T18:14:00.000-05:00

Don't Fence Me In Var. 2, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Another view of the dilapidated fence on the property on the corner of Blair Mill and Willow Roads, Hatboro, PA. Saw it during my lunchbreak run to pay my mortgage. Snapped 10-28-2004.

Don't Fence Me In |Var. 1

2004-10-28T18:19:00.001-05:00

Don't Fence Me In |Var. 1, originally uploaded by brainwise.

A view of the dilapidated fence on the property on the corner of Blair Mill and Willow Roads, Hatboro, PA. Saw it during my lunchbreak run to pay my mortgage. Snapped 10-28-2004.

Support

2004-10-28T18:15:00.000-05:00

Support, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Supporting column. Back entrance, Founder's Building. Fort Washington Commerce Park. Snapped 10-26-2004

I have worked in the Founder's Building since January 2000. So I have passed this column several times a (week)day for a few years now. It certainly looks different to me now.

Lost (Black & White)

2004-10-28T18:11:00.000-05:00

Lost (Black & White), originally uploaded by brainwise.

Just a discarded hat. Outside of McDonalds. English Village Shopping Center, Routes 309 and 63. Snapped 10-26-2004.

Stand

2004-10-28T18:00:00.000-05:00

Stand, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Handrail. English Village Shopping Center, Routes 309 and 63. Snapped 10-26-2004.

...Like a Knot |Var. 2

2004-10-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

...Like a Knot |Var. 2, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Customer's lounge at Krause Toyota featured this lovely, weathered paneling. I was mesmerized ... lost in the grain.

Wood Rail With Bolt |Num 3

2004-10-27T05:46:00.000-05:00

Wood Rail With Bolt - Num 3, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Weathered guiderail. Residential alley. Sellersville, PA. Snapped 10-21-2004.

Speaking of "snapped," the bolt sits just to the side of a large break in the rail; the end just snapped right off. That is why you can see some interior wood in the lower part of the picture. I'm not sure how it happened -- probably neighborhood kids playing on it.

I love the colors in the wood here, and the contrast between it and the bolt.

US Mail

2004-10-25T15:58:00.000-05:00

US Mail, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Old mailbox hidden in vine-covered concrete wall. Butler Pike in the Ambler, PA area.

Another Junction

2004-10-25T15:53:00.000-05:00

Another Junction, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Where the street's guiderail meets the concrete of the old bridge on Main Street. Sellersville, PA. (Snapped 10-21-2004).

Junction

2004-10-25T15:52:00.000-05:00

Junction, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Guiderail on pedestrian walk. Old metal and concrete bridge, Sellersville PA, Main Street.

Snapped 10-21-2004.

Starbucks in Montgomeryville

2004-10-25T15:51:00.000-05:00

Starbucks in Montgomeryville, originally uploaded by brainwise.

Here is the Starbucks on Route 309, just North of the Montgomeryville Mall. This building has had several past lives: it was a Burger King (or some other fast food joint), an Einstein's Bagels, and it even sat vacant for a while before its rebirth as Starbucks.

This is a daily stop on my morning commute. The staff here is friendly, but not as talkative as, say, the Dresher crew. Of course, these Starbuckers really have their work cut out for them with both walk-up and drive-thru (window) customers. I am still amazed that they can memorize the drink orders of all their regulars -- including me!

Fire Door

2004-10-21T23:56:00.000-05:00

Fire Door, originally uploaded by brainwise.

This is the fire door -- and emergency exit -- at the Village Players theater in Hatboro, PA. (Taken 10-20-2004)