I’VE ALWAYS BEEN DRAWN to abandoned buildings. They hold a certain mystery, an unknown story, a metaphor.
When I view this recent photo taken near Foley, I become introspective. Perhaps it’s the ending of 2016 and the beginning of a new year that prompt such thoughts. Or recent events in my community. Or simply me being my creative self.
But I see more than a neglected structure with missing windows, peeling paint, a sagging roof line. I see, too, the solid concrete block construction, the strong glass block windows and that surprise red door.
There’s a metaphor here to life. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the difficulties and challenges that life throws our way. We despair, give up, wonder how we can handle one more thing. We want nothing more than to reclaim our uneventful and normal lives—to replace the broken panes, to cover the peeling paint, to fix the falling roof line.
The task seems impossible until someone steps in, offering words of support and encouragement, pointing to the solid construction.
Then thoughts begin to shift and an inner strength builds. The door to hope cracks open.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I too wonder what happened and why, when I see old abandoned houses. There are so many possibilities.. Also I think why has not the current owner or some “authority” seen to removing it? If there is a dollar to be made it will happen soon, on that you can be sure! Happy New Year Audrey to you and all of family and friends.
If I’m remembering correctly, this building once housed a bar. It’s in the middle of the country. Probably not the best location for a business.
Happy New Year to you and yours also, Jake!
That would then make sense for the windows !
What a beautiful Metaphor Audrey, I love your perspective of this old abandoned building. Did you know I too love old abandoned building. I have stepped into many, so many things go through your mind about it’s condition, it’s previous owners and what’s to become of it. I hope you have a wonderful New Year my friend, blessing to you and Randy!
I remember we share that love along with a love of gravel roads, country churches, barns, photography, family, God… Unlike you, I have not explored abandoned buildings.
Thank you for your New Year wishes. I wish for you, Rick and your family many joyous moments, much love and good health.
I like that way of looking at things. I’m drawn to abandon buildings also, I’ve explored a lot, they have so many different feelings inside.
Thank you, Aaron, and welcome back to the comments section.
I do take a look and think about those past stories too. Like failed dreams. Who once lived here etc. The other day I saw that a old gas station that has been boarded up for some time is being renovated and brought back to life for a mini studio. New life. New dreams. When a door is boarded up, we open a window and start again. Now to find the energy.
How wonderful that the old boarded up gas station is being transformed in to a mini studio.
I like your perspective on abandoned buildings, comparing them to dreams.
My first thoughts after reading are of putting up pretty brick exterior walls to protect oneself from all of the pain and ugliness in society. You can make a building as pretty as you want but the truth still lies within.
Your statement is profound: “You can make a building as pretty as you want but the truth still lies within.”
So so true.
You get it. You understand.
Lovely, Audrey!
And the RED DOOR symbolizes hope, light, and new beginnings!
xxx
From Duluth.
Exactly on the red door.
Many profound statements here in this post and I like the way you look at neglected and abandoned buildings as metaphors for inner thoughts and even inner beauty
Happy New year 2017 and may your rural adventures continue to delight your readers.
Thank you. And Happy New Year to you, too, Sue.
Abandoned buildings always cause me to wonder about the past – neat article! Happy New Year Audrey!
Thank you and Happy 2017 to you also, Cheryl!
An abandoned building – a metaphor: caution (count the cost), hope, dream, but give It a try. Ahead is red door, an open window.
Yes, all of those…
This post really spoke to me… and you know why. What a lovely metaphor, Audrey.
Ah, thank you…