Car trips

   So this morning I hear that the Department of Public Safety closed down the interstates and major highways in the far northwest part of Texas due to a massive blizzard. Having just driven thru that part of the country brings back memories of big skies, waving grasslands that stretch to the horizon and some of the most beautiful colors in a sunset possible. I realize there are probably people stuck in snowdrifts along that part of highway now and it doesn't look anything like that. Never ceases to amaze me how quickly the weather can change.

  Also makes me appreciate car travel. Over the years of trips I've taken, and in every direction I have gone, it is awe inispiring the landscapes I have seen and would have completely missed had I been in an airplane. Untold sunrises, sunsets, scenic vistas and crazy weather passed outside the windows of the car I was riding in. I couldn't count the numbers of cookies, sodas and other junk food that were consumed in all those miles. Looking back on it though, I would not trade them for anything because they make the time spent at the destination that much more special and the memories of the trips so much more colorful. So at this point I hoist my  mug for a toast to the cars wind screen and may it continue to be my movie screen even if there is no script to go by.

Good from bad

I wake up Monday morning to a dark room, way too dark. All those little telltale lights of the TV and alarm clock are not there. The wind outside is still howling and then I realize, with all that wind a tree has fallen on the power lines running up to Taos Ski Valley. Im here trying to shoot pictures for upcoming ski stories and you just cant do that when the weather takes a dumper. This is going to be one tough day to shoot pretty ski pictures. The depression starts to set in even before the biting cold hits my face. I make the best of it but my heart is just not in it. I go to bed worn out and bummed because it just does not look as good as it could.

   Ahhh! Tuesday is a whole new day. Just amazing how a little sun can change my perspective. To top it all off, there is some fresh snow to boot. With those stunningly blue New Mexico skies to set it off and the pictures just come together. It is days like this that makes taking pictures so much fun.  I can not believe that this is still called work. Guess it makes up for all the bad days, huh? 

Learning experience

I think I re-learn every day that the simple things in life are the most important, and my teacher always seems to be my dog Kimo. Seeing a little snow, hanging his head out the car window,  letting his ears flap in the breeze, the sight of a squirrel or just running crazy fast circles. It doesnt matter if all he does is pee in a new spot, all of it brings joy to his world. Some day I hope to be able to see all the little things and be that easily amused.