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I’m guessing the reclamation isn’t complete
The other side of this building, which has that nice banner announcing Reclaim Colorado City. Good that the city’s started the effort, but there’s still a ways to go.
But, to be slightly selfish for a minute, I don’t mind the disrepair one bit: it makes for much more interesting photographs.
Colorado City, Texas
photographed 3.13.2013
One detail spoiled everything
You knew this: that I almost never take photos of new buildings. I like old ones better.
But, when you are walking around downtown Dallas with your friend (we’ll call him “Carlos” but only because that’s his name), there’s a lot more new stuff to look at than anything else.
This place, then. I am very fond of the glass blocks, lined up like huge ice cubes. I like the way the light reflects off the column on the right into the window, making a lighter rectangle on top of everything. I like the long shadow, the way it angles down, goes straight across the wall, and then angles down again; that’s a very nice shadow line.
But what I saw when I took the picture and can’t bring myself to un-see is that duplex outlet, right there in plain sight. Why, architect of this building, did you let that happen? I want to believe that you knew how that reflected light would work, how the shadow’s angles would be so appealing, that you’d thought about all of it and made very sound design decisions. But a wall outlet? That was the very best place to put an outlet? You’re sure, architect of this building?
Dallas, Texas
photographed 3.19.2011
Sometimes I go to the city
I can understand why anyone who stops by here on a regular basis might think the largest town I’ve ever been to is Muleshoe, Texas (population 5,217), but I have actually gone to some larger towns. Like Brownfield – population 9,675. Or Levelland – population 13,517. Or Sweetwater – population 10,447.
And this one time? I went to Dallas.
downtown Dallas
photographed 3.19.2011
Full disclosure #1: If you think I chose the town examples because their names are funny and/or descriptive, you are correct.
Full disclosure #2: I’ve actually been to Dallas more than just the one time.
The night garage
Anyone who’s followed my blog for very long has probably seen shots of the desolation that is downtown Lubbock. Like here, or here, or here.
The other night, I was looking for something interesting to shoot, and after the Truckers Chapel at the truck stop didn’t work for a night shot (don’t fret: I’ll go back in the daytime and try again), I ended up downtown. I took some really marginal photos (don’t fret: I won’t make you look at them) and then, right before I was about to give up and come home, I saw this abandoned parking garage, which is adjacent to Lubbock’s ill-fated Omni Building. In the daytime, the place is uninteresting, but at night? It takes on a whole new look.
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 9.13.2013
PS: Yes, I was in an abandoned parking garage on Friday the 13th. I’m pretty brave like that.
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
One Day | One Image 