"There are some things that cannot be learned quickly, and time, which is all we have, must be paid heavily for their acquiring." - Terry and Renny Russell, from their book, “On the Loose.”
What a balm your writing is, especially on a morning like this, when the government seems to be teetering on the edge of existence. The West endures, the world will endure, long after we're gone. I hope the raccoons take over.
Thank you for such a rich essay, full of vivid description and a true writer's love for its subject matter. We share a love for the American Southwest and the big spaces where a person can still feel free. May it be so for another 10,000 years!
I have a 100 year old adobe in Marathon texas. When driving the 7,5 hours to get to my beloved escape I feel all the stressors of living in the DFW metroplex fall away-- to the empty Chihuahuan desert and the amazing breadth of space and I say "breathe"
Me too--saw photo of you, Danny and Deece! So appreciate all my dear friends there! If you are there. At same time I am would love to show you my historical casa. Built by Blas Payne, written up by Houston Chronicle, as best cowboy in west Texas
I’ve stayed in the Blas Payne House a few times. Was booked under the name of a pal. Was on motorcycle trips and stayed there at least three times. Love that place. Congrats on owning it and keeping the legacy alive!
Thank you for sharing such moving stories. I takes my mind off of the political chaos we’re in, and reminds me that we’ve had really bad times in the past.
Beautiful story although the memories it evokes aren’t all so happy. I received No. 68 eventually leading me to ROTC And 4 1/2 year “tour” with the Air Force in Asía - Thailand, Okinawa and Taiwan. Certainly expanded my “horizon.” Thanks again for your writing.
Oh, for the western "seductive obscurities." Ain't that the truth.
I was expecting a deserved blistering denunciation but was granted a respite, equally deserved if not necessary. We must take sanctuary when and where we find it these days. Many thanks for that.
Always great to wake up to your writing, Jimbo. The fire alarm is going off in my condo building, but I am headed west with you, toward the Grand Canyon, in full escape.
Thanks, Kevin. I hitched three summers around the country and motorcycled two. Never had a bad moment, nothing but fine memories. Hope all is well with you and yours.
What a balm your writing is, especially on a morning like this, when the government seems to be teetering on the edge of existence. The West endures, the world will endure, long after we're gone. I hope the raccoons take over.
Thanks, Mick. I'm with ya; the Raccoon Republic would be far more appreciative of our gifts than most humans. Thanks, as always, for your kind words.
Thank you for such a rich essay, full of vivid description and a true writer's love for its subject matter. We share a love for the American Southwest and the big spaces where a person can still feel free. May it be so for another 10,000 years!
I have a 100 year old adobe in Marathon texas. When driving the 7,5 hours to get to my beloved escape I feel all the stressors of living in the DFW metroplex fall away-- to the empty Chihuahuan desert and the amazing breadth of space and I say "breathe"
I spend as much time out there as possible. Have many friends in Marathon. Never want to leave when I get there. Was out there just two weeks ago.
Me too--saw photo of you, Danny and Deece! So appreciate all my dear friends there! If you are there. At same time I am would love to show you my historical casa. Built by Blas Payne, written up by Houston Chronicle, as best cowboy in west Texas
I’ve stayed in the Blas Payne House a few times. Was booked under the name of a pal. Was on motorcycle trips and stayed there at least three times. Love that place. Congrats on owning it and keeping the legacy alive!
A better read than On the Road. Great juxtaposition of then and now.
That's a hell of a compliment, Ed. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing such moving stories. I takes my mind off of the political chaos we’re in, and reminds me that we’ve had really bad times in the past.
Yeah, problem is the bad times keep repeating themselves, no?
Beautiful story although the memories it evokes aren’t all so happy. I received No. 68 eventually leading me to ROTC And 4 1/2 year “tour” with the Air Force in Asía - Thailand, Okinawa and Taiwan. Certainly expanded my “horizon.” Thanks again for your writing.
I got lucky, Dave. The draft ended less than 60 days before my student deferment ran out.
Oh, for the western "seductive obscurities." Ain't that the truth.
I was expecting a deserved blistering denunciation but was granted a respite, equally deserved if not necessary. We must take sanctuary when and where we find it these days. Many thanks for that.
Always great to wake up to your writing, Jimbo. The fire alarm is going off in my condo building, but I am headed west with you, toward the Grand Canyon, in full escape.
Let's roll, ol' pal. There's something greater out there beyond the horizon.
Wonderful writing! I did my fair share of hitchhiking back in the Seventies and could very much relate to some of your experiences. Thanks!
Thanks, Kevin. I hitched three summers around the country and motorcycled two. Never had a bad moment, nothing but fine memories. Hope all is well with you and yours.