"Technical Advances"

While hiking the highway to Taos Ski Resort, a dilapidated shed nestled in a stand of trees caught my eye.  The decaying wood was highlighted by a powder-blue door askew from neglect, but regardless of   the weathered condition, its contents were secure thanks to a new, brass combination padlock.  One can only wonder what prized possessions were being safeguarded by this modern security device.  Quite a step up from the rusted, door bolt still in tact.

"Unbridled Joy"

In a gallery (to go unnamed), at a location (not to be divulged), I happened upon a sculpture by an artist (who shall remain anonymous), and going against all protocol, I was able to raise my camera in homage, capturing forever a great piece of craftsmenship. Who would not be moved by the exuberance of this child who may be celebrating the first day of summer vacation, or the feel of new-mown grass on her bare feet, or just a glorious springtime shower? It's your interpretation, but as you contemplate, don't lose sight of the immense talent on display. When one talks about capturing lightening in a bottle, this magnificent piece does just that. Bravo!

Taos Sunset

Looking down a deserted highway from the Rio Grande Gorge winding back to Taos, a New Mexico sunset is taking shape.  This picture merely confirms why this state is known as "The Land of Enchantment".  Whether dawn, high noon or end of day, New Mexico is indeed visually spectacular.

The Market

It really doesn't make any difference where you go to uncover the fun and characters in a market.  Whether it's a flea market or farmer's market, it's pretty much the same.  And they're in Sante Fe, New Mexico and Estes Park, Colorado...even as far away as the Smokie Mountains of Eastern Tennessee.  Each area is represented in this post, and since it's been awhile since I've made an entry, I decided to run a series of some of the most delightful people I've run across.  None were posed. Most didn't even realize they were being photographed.  And that just adds to the rich tapestry of a rural market.  Real folks.  Real towns.  Real portraits of Americans.  God Bless America!

"Unexpected"

It's really hard to anticipate a "photo-op" and that's why one should probably always have a camera in hand or at least accessible.  But never knowing what equipment might be needed for a particular opportunity, often times it's easier to dump your paraphernalia in the trunk of the car.  Thankfully on a rainy afternoon trip to Houston, I had camera in hand as I double-checked photo settings for an upcoming shoot.  And as fate would have it, we passed a dedicated Harley rider, unencumbered by the elements and totally engrossed in reaching his destination.  It was a study in concentration that first prompted me to swing my camera around to capture a shot of a man and his machine "roarin' in the rain".  But it was later while proofing the photo that the realization dawned on me:  I'd just ridden the interstate with Ichabod Crane.  If I've lost you on this analogy, merely Google  Disney's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and it will hopefully show the resemblance of my subject to one of America's most colorful, literary characters.  

"Better Times"

With catchy names like "QuickTrip", "RaceTrack" and "Fuel City", new multi-pump stations seem to flourish on the interstate,  offering not only fuel, but franchise food ranging from Colonel Sanders Chicken to Wendy's Hamburgers.   While only a few miles away,  a trip down outdated  Farm-to-Market roads reflects a past that's been lost to progress.  It was an era where small general stores displayed signs promoting Ice Cold Cokes to enjoy while you got gas. These little stores provided a welcome break to many a weary traveler. Those were simpler times. Slower times.  And now, times gone forever.

"A Man & His Sculpture"

Initially I referred to him as "Mountain Man" as I catalogued a group of photographs from a recent trip to Tennessee, because that's where I discovered him:  sitting in his rocker on the porch of his studio, perched above a two-lane road on the side of a mountain.  Actually his name's  Jess Betschart and he's much more than a mountain man. He's an artist.  And  he's a genuine American character,  whether he's sittin' and whittlin' or just talking with visitors who've come to see his work.   But when he gets around to doing some serious whittling, he creates inspired carvings, whether it's a majestic eagle, a whimsical bear or a primitive crucifix. So if you're ever in Monteagle TN and decide to drive "off the mountain" down Hiway 41, look for the rustic carved sign "Sculpture in Wood", and be prepared to make a quick turn up a winding dirt drive to Jess's magical world of art.  You'll be glad you did.

"A Road Less Traveled"

Forgotten Barn

Bathtub Greenery

Tractor Tracks

Rolled & Ready

It's been about two months since I've posted anything -- with the majority of that time squandered on dealing with an internet provider in an attempt to access the internet in a reliable fashion. After untold hours of frustration, it appears that I'm back on line.  And with a vengeance, as is evidenced by the posting of not my usual single photo, but with four compositions captured while exploring Eastern Tennessee.  You never realize what you miss as you travel the interstate until you hit the roads of rural America.  And what visual treasures await.  It's America at 20 Miles Per Hour  (or less).  What a delight!  Virtually everything you find around the next bend is unexpected:  a ramshackle barn adjacent to a deteriorating silo;  a bathtub inexplicably filled with foliage; a freshly mowed field with an alien message or more than likely just the footprint of a errant tractor; and, finally, a field of rolled hay to be loaded.  All of these indelible memories of Americana captured in a mere hour of wandering a road less traveled.

"Terlingua Memorial"

A weathered wooden cross ravaged by decades of blistering heat and a relentless West Texas sun still stands in Terlingua's barren cemetery. In the fading light of a fall afternoon, the draped, silver beads seem to be a further testament in honor to an anonymous loved one.

"Double Duty"

If you didn't see the red beacon on the old Grapevine TX Fire Engine as it roared down the street, you'd hear the distinctive wail as it made its way to another emergency. At least this was a step up from the old hand-cranked siren, and since it was electrically powered, a functional light was added. But like so many things, this antique warning mainstay has been replaced with concealed digital models that are more piercing and powerful, even giving emergency responders a choice of sounds to alert the public that there's trouble brewing, so clear the way.

"No Mass"

Located just outside the town of Lajitas, TX on the Rio Grande, this small church was never really designed for religious services. Rather, it served as a backdrop to some rather well-known films, including "The Streets of Laredo" and "Maverick" (the movie), starring James Garner, Mel Gibson and Jodi Foster. Although decaying in the unyielding sun and scorching temperatures of Southwest Texas, this abandoned movie set captured the "wild west" architecture, sparing no detail from its exterior stucco to the cross carved into the window shutter.

"OUCH!!!!"

One of the nature's most ominous creations, the prickly cactus, has been recognized for years as a source of water for those unfortunate enough to become stranded and suffering from dehydration. More recently, this same desert inhabitant has become popular for a lot more than its water content. Just remember the next time you enjoy that warm glow after imbibing in a margarita or an old-fashioned "shooter", it took some delicate harvesting to create the tequila that you so much enjoy.

"Nap Time"

There are certain things a girl, especially a little girl, just has to have. One of them: a nap. Even on the scenic hike up to Colorado's Alberta Falls, it's hard to miss the tell-tale sign that someone's just about to run out of gas. Although this young trouper made it all the way to the top-o-the-trail, chances are on the way back to Estes Park, she nodded off while daddy drove.

"A Step Back"

There are so many elements in this photo that initially caught my eye as I wandered a block off the town square of Grapevine TX. First of all, a blacksmith shop; now that's a true relic. And towering above this still thriving enterprise was a water tower and windmill. All of these images hearkened back to simpler times. But then I noticed one thing that made this composition completely unique: an eco-friendly florescent bulb in an antique fixture, providing modern-day illumination to this historic setting.

"Gettin' Down to Business"

The concentration on the closing holes of The Masters couldn't be much more intense than what's reflected on just about any hole when you're watching youngsters participate in The First Tee program. But the focus at this stage of the game is to learn, while having fun. And that's the way it should be as participants become familiar with the basics of golf, starting with rules and etiquette before they fine-tune their shot-making techniques.

"Last Tree Standing"

Normally, I'm excited to share my world with you by posting locations, people or events in living, vivid colors. But as my friend and fellow photographer Steve Immel (steveimmelphotography.com/) so effectively displays in his work, there are definitely certain advantages to black and white that effectively convey the character of a situation better than any combination of colors. In this shot of a forlorn tree atop a desolate ridge covered in scrub brush, there was no other way, perhaps, to get across the desolation of this southern New Mexico landscape. As noted B&W photographer Robert Frank put it so eloquently, "Black and white are the true colors of photography, because they symbolize the alternate aspects of despair and hope to which mankind is forever subjected".

"Late Afternoon at The Caprock"

There are times when people fail to realize the vast beauty available throughout the State of Texas. The Caprock Canyon is but one of many vistas, not to forget the beaches of South Padre Island, or the rolling terrain of The Hill Country, or the lush piney woods of East Texas, all located within the boundaries of a single state.. And if one canyon doesn't fulfill your artistic or photographic ambitions, a mere 80 miles to the north is the famed Palo Duro Canyon, second in size only to The Grand Canyon of Arizona.

"Indian Super Market"

With this, my first posting of the new year 2012, it was only natural to look back over the past year and reminisce on my annual trek through Santa Fe, NM. And certainly one of the most colorful and interesting sights of the trip was a stroll through the downtown square where Native Americans display their handcrafted items ranging from sterling silver Bolo Ties to Turquoise jewelry of every description. If you're ever stymied for a memento of your trip to The Land of Enchantment, make this a primary stop on your agenda. You'll neither be disappointed, nor will you leave empty handed.

Colors & Textures of the Season

While strolling and being awed by the hundreds of thousands of lights at a nearly deserted shopping center, a lone ornament hanging from a bough of greenery caught my attention. It's funny what catches one's eye on a cold Christmas night when the shoppers are spent, the activity at a standstill and the splendor of the season appears sans distractions. Now this is what I call a Christmas wrap.

"A Step Back"

Some time ago, it was promised that this site would feature recognizable logos occasionally, such as those posted earlier of Buick and Coca-Cola. The discovery of this logo for Mobil Oil was nothing more than a happy coincidence while traveling Highway 86 through the small town of Quitaque, Texas en route to The Caprock Canyons. The antique gas pump no longer holds gallons of petrol, but houses birds as is evidenced by the nest resting where high octane used to flow. Those were simpler times indeed. And I was lucky to capture history for a brief moment and now privileged to share my good fortune with you.

"Palo Duro Canyon"

Second only to Arizona's Grand Canyon, The Palo Duro Canyon offers one big advantage: you're able to drive down onto the floor of the canyon to explore over 16 miles of paved road at your leisure. Every turn is another photo opportunity and with every hour, the shadows and colors change dramatically throughout the day. Outcroppings arising from the rock formations as the one shown above are called "hoodoos" and are gradually changing landmarks as wind, rain and years take their toll.

"In Full Regalia"

Decked out in his traditional tribal garb, a model sits patiently as participating artists capture the essence of a true Native American warrior. Live models are just one part of this prestigious art festival held in Estes Park, CO attracting Plein Air artists world-wide who submit their works hoping their talents will be juried worthy of participation in this annual art competition.

"Piney Woods Fall"

Although not the vibrant autumn colors of New England, there is a certain warmth as fall comes to East Texas. The evergreens, along with the golden grasses along the shoreline of a small inlet, captures the late afternoon beauty of the season.

"Pigeon Frenzy"

A near perfect day under late summer skies in a pastoral setting in a secluded park in Sante Fe's historic downtown area.....could there be more idyllic luncheon setting? If only they wouldn't make us beg for crumbs.