First, a few things.

Today marks my 9th anniversary as a photo blogger. I started on a whim, and am happy to say that at the end of that first year, I had a total of five (Yes! Five!) followers. I’ve been tempted to delete that first effort, but my friend over at Burnt Embers told me it was “historical” and I ought to leave it up. Or, maybe he said “hysterical.” (He speaks Canadian and I speak Texan, so there’s a bit of a language barrier.) But any rate, it’s still there, and I am embarrassed to say that I thought those photos were very good.

Back then, I couldn’t have even imagined that I’d end up with a lot more than five followers, or that I’d make friends through a blog, or that I’d take photography workshops, or that I’d get stuff in shows, or that photography would become a passion. But all those things happened.

Which brings me to the next thing.

As a member of the Texas Photographic Society, I am eligible to participate in their members’ print exchange program. This year, the print that I sent in was sent along to Bill Wright, a well-known photographer in Abilene, Texas. Bill and his wife Alice have generously established the Alice and Bill Wright Photography Collection at the Grace Museum in Abilene. The Collection includes work by Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson as well as a wide selection of contemporary photographers – check out the link, and you’ll see names your recognize.

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from the museum’s chief curator that Bill had donated my print – Last Week’s Roses – to the museum’s permanent collection. I was overcome at the news – never in my wildest imaginings could I have thought up this honor!

Thanks to all of you who’ve joined me on this photographic path – you’ve helped me become the photographer I am today with your support, comments, friendship, and inspiration.

Lubbock, Texas
photographed 7.28.2017

Ok. Enough of that. On to today’s photo.

Of course I took advantage of a chance to take a quick trip out to Far West Texas this past fall. Fall’s a glorious time in that part of the state. (So is winter. And summer. And spring.) While I was there, I had a little bit of lunch at the Food Shark food truck. The Food Shark folks provide seating inside an old school bus, just in case you’re in town on one of the few days when it rains. It wasn’t raining when I was there, but I looked inside the bus. Because…well, you know.

The Food Shark
Marfa, Texas
photographed 11.3.2017