Slow Down, Discover Something

Recently, I changed my mode of local transportation from driving to biking. My motivation for this change was four-fold: 1) I got a bike... for free; 2) why pay for gas? 3) the weather is amazing right now 4) I need to work out more. 

Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Marion, Indiana

What I did not realize was how different the world looks when you are on a bike compared to how it looks from the driver's seat of a '98 Buick Regal. Today, on my way home from my little jaunt to city hall, I traveled down a road that I use on a very regular basis. But this time I saw something that I had never seen before: An abandoned Coca-Cola Bottling Plant. Abandoned buildings are not a rarity around here, but for some reason this building captivated me. What is the story of this building? When and why did this plant shut down? This building inspired me to look more intentionally at all of the buildings around me on my bike home. I realized that this regular road that I had traversed thousands of times was full of a remarkably beautiful group of structures, many in terrible condition and barely still standing, but still beautiful. I have never realized how cool architecture can be!

Later this summer, my best friend and I are taking a 6000 mile road trip across the country. I am eager to see the history and structure of this country. We are going to St. Louis, Kansas City, Fort Collins, The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Rapid City, Minneapolis, Green Bay & Appleton, and Chicago. What will we see? I have no clue! But rest assured we will be taking our time to stop and smell the proverbial roses. This trip is not about the destination(s), but it really is about the journey. 

Have you stopped to take account of everything around you? Or are you so focused on your destination that the journey is all a blur? (woah... that's a little too philosophical for a Friday.) 

Do you have any suggestions of places we need to see? Let me know in the comments!