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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
But only three triangles
It’s been noted that I have a very slight tendency to photograph rectangles, so I want to go on record right now to point out that while this shot does contain an estimated 158* rectangles, it also includes three triangles.
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
photographed 5.4.2013
*158 is a very rough estimate. If anyone wants to actually count the rectangles and provide a more accurate number that would be fine with me. I won’t even make you show your work.
But it doesn’t really matter, after all
Another commercial casualty in a town that’s got plenty of them. This was a place called Chinese Restaurant, so at least they had clarity of title working in their favor.
But it’s out of business, so that informative title doesn’t matter. And neither does the stern warning of NO FREE DELIVER.
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
photographed 5.5.2013
Here are some earlier posts from the same town:
Howdy to you, too
Deserts and color
Quarters only
Dilemma
Tall signs can’t save commerce. Or themselves.
Less than it was
“Business route” is optimistic
November 11
September 6
September 5
(I rather enjoy Santa Rosa.)
“Howdy!” to you, too.
The sign for this place. I think that fella’s cute, and wouldn’t mind having his happy face in my yard.
Except that his happy face is gigantic. And we’ve got a sign ordinance that I am pretty sure prohibits gigantic signs in residential areas. Although, I guess I could decide it’s a work of art, rather than a sign…..
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
photographed 5.4.2013
One Day | One Image 