I like this photo for several reasons, particularly because it was shot at one of my favorite spots in Nevada, and because it reminds me of my friend Rick and the hard work he has done to restore the historic Belmont Inn in an old mining boomtown in Central Nevada.

 

Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I sent this photo to my friend, and he said it reminded him of the grout work he needs to do.

To me, it’s a reminder of the beauty we can find in everyday things in everyday places.

That beauty wouldn’t be around without the work of people over the past 150 years who have maintained the inn and, particularly, my friend.  He has done an incredible job restoring the Belmont Inn. He has taken great pains to try to preserve the heritage of the building and the town, spending what I’d imagine is a small fortune in the process.

It’s an act of love: He loves the history and the area. He has done extensive research and has developed incredible knowledge, trying to match the decor, furniture and fixtures to the mid- to late-19th century.  He sees his preservation work as being part of a legacy that will keep the history and the building around for another generation to see.

All told, it has been a tremendous and impressive piece of work, as he has put his time, money and effort into trying to preserve the heritage of the building and the town.

I see a work of art in what he has done, but if I ever get back to Belmont, I’ll be happy to help with the grout work.