"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.

"Antique Water Fountain"

Few youngsters, and probably not too many adults 40 and under have had the privilege of using one of these "old-fashioned" water dispensers. With the exception of having to work for your water, these functional thirst quenchers delivered the same thing as modern refrigerated fountains, with one exception; the water was purer, colder and chemical-free. Plus it was fun to "pump a drink", normally in a rural setting. Quite a difference from today's litter-producing Evian, Ozarka or Poland Springs bottled water, to name a few.

"Too Inviting"

With a child, they never have time for a bath. Conversely, if they are within 100 yards of a pool, a puddle or a pond, they are drawn to it like flies to honey. And "Little Miss Redhead" was no exception to the rule as she tested the temperature of the water--big toe first--during an art show set up next to a meandering creek in Estes Park CO.

"Teamwork"

The trek up to Alberta Falls is not considered all that challenging by most standards. But starting the uphill hike at an altitude of approximately 7500 feet can be demanding for practically anyone. And when you're elderly, it can also be time consuming, even treacherous. The couple I encountered recently on a trip through Rocky Mountain National Park were methodical in their ascent, stopping periodically to converse with their fellow outdoor enthusiasts as they made their way up to the falls. Then, as they turned to make their way back down, a picture worth a thousand words presented itself. Narrowing those thousands words down to four might include commitment, caring, protective and--most importantly--love. I rest my case.

"Weathered Door"

Photographically, doors make some of the most interesting subjects. This particular entryway allows access to an abandoned grist mill. Granted, it's seen better days, but the aging process has only enhanced the richness of this composition.

'Big Sounds for a Little Band"

Although only four in number, this rock band brought along a technician and enough wattage to be heard up and down Dragon Street in the Dallas Arts District as indoor/outdoor exhibits fascinated patrons on into the night. Taking on a surrealistic aura in their opening set, if you forgot the name of the band, the ringing in your ears wouldn't let you forget their intensity. Rock on!!!

"Textures"

Weathered wood supports, deteriorating beams, a heavy chain and a rusted hook, wired Christmas lights from Target....what would possess me to photograph this potpourri of elements? I can't answer that question, other than the combination of it all prompted me to turn, focus and shoot. And the more I look at this unlikely mixture of elements, the more I like it. I can only hope you do, too.

"Lone Artist"

The world of the artist can be a lonely existence, as is evidenced by this plein air artist dwarfed by his subject as he hopes to capture on canvas the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.

Photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park, the entire area surrounding Estes Park is a haven for painters, photographers, hikers, naturalists and vacationers.

"World's Most Recognizable Logo"

When you look at this wooden ice chest emblazoned with Coca-Cola, you can appreciate why this beloved trademark has gained worldwide recognition over the years. In a search for antique wooden Coca-Cola coolers on the internet to determine age, no listings were found. However, wooden coolers did exist; I know, because I photographed this one behind an old clapboard house in a public park in Glen Rose TX. As promised in an earlier post, logos will be featured periodically on this site just to remind us of how important corporate "signatures" have become in our lives, both today and in bygone eras.