Monthly Archives: September 2013
Some things that make me stop
An asphalt parking lot, being overtaken by weeds? A painted-over front door? A sign painted right on the concrete block wall? Ghostly evidence of previous signage? Wispy clouds? A goofy awning?
Yes, all of those things are connected. And all of them will make me stop and take a picture. Or a dozen.
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
photographed 5.4.2013
Whoa, men!
Santa Rosa, New Mexico, was on our family’s usual vacation route from Lubbock to the mountains; I went through Santa Rosa twice per summer for my entire childhood.
From one of those trips, I have a clear memory of my dad, standing with me in front of the restroom doors at a gas station, telling me I should read “women” as “Whoa, men!” There’s every possibility that it was in Santa Rosa, and it could have been at this exact station.
But that aside, I like how this place sort of feels like it’s probably the very last spot you’ll see indoor plumbing forever. Like beyond this very space is a vast and untamed emptiness. That’s not right, of course, because the Interstate’s right there, and before you know it you’re in Albuquerque or Amarillo. But still, that’s how it feels. To me.
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
photographed 5.4.2013
The day I was amused by signage
I know these two signs represented different businesses. I do.
But that certainly didn’t stop me from pondering the possibility of offering a drive-through option at the Christian Believers place.
And that made me think about how often I seem to be in line at the drive-up teller, just wanting to deposit one check and holding an already-filled-out deposit slip, stuck behind someone who is apparently filling out a lengthy loan application in the front seat of their car while I’m stuck behind them, unable to leave because there’s a car behind me.
Which led me back around to this scene: I’d probably be in line to turn in my homework (Sample essay question: What it your favorite Commandment, and why?) and get stuck behind someone who was there for their counseling session.
Which led me to take this picture, and walk on down the street, looking for more shots.
All of which has led you to think it must be really confusing inside my head. And that, of course, is an accurate assumption on your part.
Clovis, New Mexico
photographed 5.25.13
No chair. Anywhere.
Sure, the sky’s nice and black. And the shadows of the stairs make an interesting pattern on the wall. And the foreground is nice and gravelly. And the one door’s got an arched top, but the other one doesn’t. And it looks like remnants of graffiti next to the lower door. And that concrete-block lean-to has sort of an interesting texture.
But the bench? What’s with that? Don’t these people know they are supposed to put chairs out for me to photograph? Seriously. Sometimes I just don’t know….
Colorado City, Texas
photographed 3.13.2013
Let’s assume there is a vacancy
I like to think of myself as a keen observer of my surroundings, always noticing what’s going on, who is around me, subtle changes from a year ago (or an hour ago). The kind of person who would make an excellent witness should the need arise. Yep. That’s me. A Very Observant Person.
Which is why I feel quite well-qualified to say that I do not believe folks looking for lodging in Marfa will have any luck at the Stardust Motel. Since that fence blocks access. Oh, and because there’s not a building there any more.
near Marfa, Texas
photographed 8.16.2013
One Day | One Image 