kentucky joy

This is a story about my experience of Kentucky, a place I had never been.

It is a place of paradox. It is a land of lush beauty.

It is a land that has supplied our nation’s hunger for tobacco and alcohol.

It is a land of tragedy and survival.

These photos reflect a lovely visit in May with friends

and gracious hosts in the rolling hills of central Kentucky.

During our stay, we were gifted with every kind of weather. Each day was a treat.

One night I awoke to the glorious sound of rain on my tin roof.

I was given a cabin with a porch for rocking, sipping morning coffee, listening to the daily bird concert or simply being still and present, to the moment.

Their historic home is situated on 35 acres which includes a grassy knoll, surrounded by forests of deciduous trees. This honey locust was one of several hurt by gale force winds that roared across the land this spring.

I am a big fan of trees. Being in the presence of

one of the few surviving American Chestnuts was awesome.

A black walnut and an oak have put down their roots here as well.

The property is named Cornerstone Acres. Under this arbor of wisteria is a cornerstone from the original Jim Beam Distillery. There are several such cornerstones ‘sprinkled’ around the land.

These two small structures were built with reclaimed barn wood and hand-hewn beams. The former owners and their daughter (whom I met) meticulously recreated the dove-tail joints as well as the mortar according to the old methods of construction.

They now serve as an open fireplace room and a boy-cave for their eight-year-old son.

I am also fascinated by old stone walls. The Kentucky building materials are primarily limestone. Derived from ancient sedimentary layers, the pieces make for even sized stacking as opposed to the rounded quartz boulders of the New England walls.

This region has added their own special touch. The top row of stone is tilted almost vertically forming a concertina-type-wire deterrent and a fine frame for a napping bovine.

Their land also possesses a magic about it. It may be the light, the hospitality, or the surprise touches one comes upon when wandering the acres.

Altogether, it was an experience of the unique qualities of Kentucky as well as friendship, generosity, beauty, a peaceful porch, and so much more.

Thank you, Joy, Jeremy, Archer, and Annie.