06/09/2026
The Long Way Home
My plan for Sunday was simple: meet my brother at our parents' house. Along the way, I decided to take Supertramp's advice and "take the long way home." That reference probably reveals my age—some of the younger crowd may not recognize the classic '70s rock band.
It was a rainy, dreary morning. Many people might not think about photography on a day like that, but I welcome the opportunity to capture the mood that comes with cloudy skies, wet roads, and falling rain. While I enjoy photographing sunsets and other popular scenes, I find the greatest satisfaction in capturing the moments that often go unnoticed. There's something rewarding about documenting life in its raw, everyday form and arranging ordinary elements into an interesting photograph. To be fair, I fail more often than I succeed, but the challenge is part of the fun.
Partway through the drive, my brother called to let me know he wouldn't be able to make it and suggested we meet the following day instead. Rather than turning around, I decided to continue my journey and photograph whatever caught my attention along the way.
The highlight of the day was meeting the owners of an antique shop in Lewisburg, Tennessee. I was photographing a yard sign—one you'll see in the photos featuring Hot Wheels—when the owners arrived home from church. A woman approached me and asked what I was doing. I explained that I was a photographer who enjoys documenting life and telling stories through images.
To my delight, she invited me into both her Hot Wheels shop and antique showroom. As she gave me a tour, she shared the story of how she and her husband came to Lewisburg and eventually built their business. I was impressed by Linda's knowledge of Hot Wheels cars and the fascinating details she knew about collectible Coca-Cola bottles. She pointed out characteristics I would have never noticed and explained what made them unique.
I also learned that Linda is incredibly creative—a talented painter with an interest in learning additional crafts, including wood burning and welding. Before I left, I told her I would love to return, take more photographs, and perhaps create a portrait of her and her husband. More importantly, I would love the opportunity to tell their story. She seemed interested, and I hope we can reconnect soon.
One of the biggest takeaways from meeting Linda was a reminder of the importance of pursuing the things that bring us joy. Even if life doesn't unfold exactly as we imagined, there's great value in making time for the passions and dreams that give our lives meaning.
In the end, the long way home turned out to be a memorable journey. Thanks for coming along with me—I hope you enjoy the photos.
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