I used to spend hours dreaming of what I hoped the future would hold for me. In recent years, my focus has been so acutely aligned with building that future that I haven’t been afforded the luxury to spend time in those thoughts, musing over what might and what will be. Yesterday, I caught myself experiencing that feeling again just for a moment. And although the feeling was ephemeral, it reminded me of the value that daydreaming can hold. When I realized how special the moment was, I took this snapshot to preserve the memory…
As I have said before, Danville is in a time of transition. The people here are working more closely than ever with one another to revitalize the local economy and Danville is ripe with synergistic opportunity. This photograph, taken with my Fujifilm INSTAX 210, illustrates the beautiful juxtaposition of the remains of Danville’s old economy of tobacco and textiles with the new technology of the Digital Dome Theater at the Danville Science Center and the solar panels above the Community Market. This is also a great spot to enjoy what the city has to offer in terms of scenery and activities such as the Carrington Pavilion, Danville’s Riverwalk Trail, and the various events often hosted at the Community Market.
Fun fact: my friend, Matt Bell, shared with me the original purpose of the Community Market as a train depot with tracks running alongside to the Danville Lumber Company. Things we don’t even consider to be modern luxuries such as shipping pallets were not available in those days and the laborers moving freight between trucks and trains at the depot possessed the work ethic on which this city was built. Understanding the great strides society has made in technology via the understanding of these origins inspires me to do more and push myself to make more happen and galvanize more improvement. I challenge you to find what inspires you and allow that motivation to push you beyond your current perceived limitations. I challenge you to daydream.
Bobby Allen Roach is a photographer in Southern Virginia. He holds a certificate in photography and digital imaging from Danville Community College and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and journalism from Averett University. He is an advocate forArc of Southside and supports their mission to protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bobby also serves on the board of directors for the Gretna Little Theatre.
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