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Not

021413

For someone like me, this building represented a Major Find: it was falling down, it was adobe, it was reasonably accessible, it was photogenic, and the sky was that shade of blue that looks particularly dramatic in black and white.

The sign above the doorway offers little in the way of coherent explanation of what might have gone on here, although it appears that Bishop & Jordan took over someone’s Coal Yard.  Wood and/or briquettes may have been available. Unless they weren’t.

And that last line – does it say “not” or does it say “No. 1”? I am sure I can’t tell.

Marfa, Texas

photographed 1.18.2013

Star-shaped holes

021313

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

021213

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:

021213 Front

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)

021113

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

021013 B&W

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!

021013 Color

Marfa, Texas

photographed 1.18.2013