Finding One's Self In The Middle Of Nowhere

The sun is making a valiant effort to break through an unusually beautiful foggy morning here in Nowhere. If there's any place to be in Arizona right now, Nowhere is it. Give me a moment while I create a few images of this deliciously sweet scene........ Okay, I'm back. Just three frames of Miss Genevieve on her porch with her mutt Boracho before the fog began to burn off and the sun overpowered the tranquility in the air. It's moments like these that calm the mind and twitter the heart. And I remind myself that sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself. I am off for a winter morning walk in the desert. I can already smell the damp mesquite.

When Mother Nature gives birth to mornings like this one, Life Most Assuredly Is Good.

She Needed A Face Lift

We've been busy of late putting the final touches on our commercial photography business's new website: stevensonphotography.com. That means I've been over in Phoenix working with the webmaster for a couple of weeks and not picking up my camera enough. So, enough IS enough. I'm back to Nowhere and darned glad to be here. I came to Phoenix for the first time in 1971 and 38 years has aged this city. We're done with our website's new face lift. I believe it's time for Phoenix to get a new look, as well. With me sitting here in Nowhere again, the big city sure takes on a different appearance. It's when you get up close that its age begins to show.

I'm back home. Life Is Good.

It's Good To Be Me

I woke early this morning and I'm already running late. But, since I have no photo jobs scheduled this week, I'm taking my camera, one lens and getting out of Nowhere for walks with Mother Nature. This morning's sunrise framing a passing cowboy was a rather inspiring one. Now, I'm headed over to Dina's Coffee Shop & Hair Emporium for a short breakfast and a long look at Claudia behind the counter. Claudia has strawberry lips. And her hips turn many a head which have sent more than a few to the chiropractor. Claudia reminds me of what's good in this part of the country. Always has an ear for her customers, always lends a helping hand to the community and cares for sick dogs and stray people. Everyone who comes in to the shop with a scowl leaves with a smile. And some with a sore neck.

When Claudia drops a spoon on the coffee shop floor, Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead In The Rearview

I had breakfast last week with a friend of mine who lives in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora. Over coffee and huevos rancheros, she asked why most Americans make New Year Resolutions each year, especially when it comes to bad habits like... huevos rancheros. Hope, I said. Hope for better living, better health and better self worth. January is the busiest month of every year for gym memberships and exercising in general. My friend, who runs a cleaning service in Rocky Point, asked if the folks in Nowhere get out and exercise much. "People around here get enough exercise just pushing their luck," I said hoping for a laugh. She managed a smile and replied, "Mañana," as we parted ways outside La Curva Restaurant. The word mañana is bloated with meaning in the Spanish and Mexican culture, I reminded myself. As I headed north to Nowhere, I pulled into a deserted ranch for a good cigar, some contemplation and to create some images. I thought about Now and I thought about Mañana. Right then and there I tossed Hope out the truck window - 2009 already is looking better than 2008. My spirit grew. My smile widened. . . And just like that, I've got a new view in the rearview.

Life Is Good. Real Good.