Monthly Archives: February 2013
Star-shaped holes
The book Exploring the Big Bend Country (by Peter Koch and June Cooper Price) describes the cemetery in the border town of Lajitas as a “poor man’s cemetery.” The authors go on to state:
“The graves in the Lajitas cemetery are mostly simple mounds covered with a layer of heavy rocks. Here and there a wooden cross is held in place – almost – with blocks of heavy limestone.”
At this particular grave, the sun had baked the white stars completely out of what was left of the flag as it flutters itself into nothingness above the grave of one of the poor men of the border.
Lajitas, Texas
photographed 1.20.2013
Terlingua cross: back and front
The back of a long-armed cross in another shot from the Terlingua cemetery.
And, because I think you want to know what the other side looks like:
This might be a good time to mention that, in addition to looking in alleys for things to photograph, I also like to walk behind things, too. Many times, I like the backs better.
Terlingua, Texas
photographed 1.20.2013
Bookstore reflections (Marfa)
The low winter sun slants through the window at the Marfa Book Company, casting a shadow on the concrete floor.
Two things of note about the Marfa Book Company:
1. They have one of the best sections of architectural books I have ever seen.
2. And, once, when I was trying to find a copy of a book called The Ruins of Detroit, I ended up ordering it from Germany. Then, on my very next visit to Marfa, there it was, on a table waiting for someone like me to come along. Only, by then, I didn’t need it.
Marfa, Texas
photographed 1.18.2013
Orange doors: Marfa
I saw these fantastic doors along West Lincoln Street, just west of Highland Avenue. In deference to regular readers of my blog, I am posting the black and white version first: I don’t want to startle anyone.
But I just couldn’t resist the color version. Check out that orange!
Marfa, Texas
photographed 1.18.2013
Things may not be as they appear
Look! An old building! It’s been abandoned right here on the border for years. I bet it can tell you some tales – banditos crossing the river (in both directions!), shootouts, bad guys, good guys, love gained, love betrayed. Etc.
Only: it’s part of a movie set. It was built in 1985 for a movie called “Uphill all the Way” which starred Roy Clark, Mel Tillis, and Burl Ives. (The information sign indicated this movie was a “border-western comedy.” Whatever that means.) Since then, it’s been used for several other movies and music videos. Including this one by country music superstars Brooks and Dunn*, which you might want to watch it with the sound off, as it’s pretty twangy.
near Lajitas, Texas
photographed 1.20.2013
* I am pretty sure I am somehow legally obligated to include the words “county music superstars” with any reference to Brooks and Dunn. Better safe than sorry, I say.
One Day | One Image 