Mabry Mill

I've been getting more acquainted with the new town lately. Friday afternoon we went to Floyd Fitness and before that we went to the school house fabric to get some leather cord. I could have spend hours in there, but I think it's a place that you go to alone or with people who have the same appreciation for fabric and crafts. I imagine Josh felt a lot like I do in an electronics store. Eyes glazed over. He was nice company though and even looked at trim with me. Trim!

Saturday afternoon we went to Mabry Mill which a about 25 minutes from where we live on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Mill was built in 1905 by E.B. Mabry and functioned as a gristmill from 1910 to about 1939. It was restored in the 1950's. Lately, I've been feeling a shift in my perception when it comes to history. As a kid I would go on historical tours and just sort of be there, looking around and touching things.

In history classes you learn about events and dates and are taught to memorize wars and leaders. But, you never really understand context. Its hard to grasp that these were people, living their lives. Now, I can't help but to feel the surreal and transient nature of time and existence when viewing a place or object from another time. Its weird to think that this was a place where people lived and worked. This was the mundane and everyday stuff, making a living.