January 2023
Train Wreck
There was a train derailment 20 miles west of Marathon. It was not bad and no one was hurt, but there were 9 cars turned on their sides, their wheels taken off and piled up. Several people called me to say go check it out and I did. I was fascinated with it and started making images. I made a few good images on several visits, but after looking at all of them, I felt I was trying too hard. Sometimes a series begins, with or without thought, and can last for years (The Camera Never Sleeps) or play out in three images. Southern Pacific started dismantling them and they were getting even better. They were can opener, opened up. Then I thought of the metaphor of people I know that are a train wreck, and started calling them. Unfortunately I only made one portrait before they were totally dismantled. And the one that got away might have been the best. I asked Ike Roberts if he would meet there on his way back from Alpine. I drove out and they were all gone. I can only imagine what that image would have been. Ike has always been a great model.
My friend and brother from a different mother Robert Draper and I started working on this story last January. Robert and I paired up on stories in the mid 90's, including the killing of Ezequiel Hernandez, a story on Boquillas, and a story on Terlingua.
Robert has recently released a book called "Weapons of Mass Delusion. He is a great writer who has travelled all over the world for National Geographic and the New York Times.
Here is a link to the Texas Monthly article.
"https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/the-untold-story-of-the-insular-texas-family-that-invaded-the-u-s-capitol/
**What A Month**
Hey You all,
Marci suffered with Covid for the last two months, and finally got home this Wednesday. I thought it was going to kill her, and though she is weak, it seems like every day is a little better.
Me and the cats are glad she is home.
It is a lonely virus.
I felt so hopeless.
Life without my mate would be unbearable.
I think our love for each other has taken a new direction.
Better.
I wish you all the best New Year.
Thank you for 34 years of love and support.
Happy Full Moon.
Get Outside.
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Thank you very much for supporting my life in the desert.