As I travel rural areas of eastern Kansas, I come across many farms with barns. Some barns are old and dilapidated and some newly constructed. Most have stood for several generations and are still in regular use…these are the ones with the modern quilt design plaques.

I am intrigued by the newer generation of farmers and ranchers who want to spruce up their property with this attractive art form. Whomever started this mini-craze has successfully marketed their product in this region. I wonder if one can find these plaques in other parts of the American landscape.

Not all barns are stained red, but this seems to be the prevailing color. The older barns are mostly faded gray wood. There is something special about these old structures. For me, they conjure up thoughts of a simpler, more physically demanding time…one which dreamily seems to have been more satisfying.