Last call for Terlingua, Texas

Tuesday, December 18th, 2007

As I sit here, waiting for a bit of daylight before putting away the last items that might not travel well if not secured, I have been wondering who decides what works and what does not work! Who decides what person will take up room next to your space and will try to draw you downwards just so they are not alone in their own darkness? Things are so much clearer today… a certain conclusion even is being formed. Anywhere, anyplace, all is the same… It could be the Oasis with the lush greens and crystal clear waters running, there will be this offset group of people making their own pseudo path in their own pseudo space with the belief that they are flying above it all when indeed their corridors are only underground, dark and narrow. I try to never be judgmental… certainly not political… I respect it all as I should… but I just cannot help suddenly being filled with feelings of consternation when the path of the day takes a turn managed by events out of my control or and common sense… Yesterday my printer decided to print my labels offset… Spirit’s picture was cut in almost half… after wasting much ink and label sheets… trying to reprogram the software for that particular number, as you know everything has a number, I gave up… The printer was not talking to me and I decided to cut the relationship right then and there before more damage would be done! But when I came back from the Art Show on Saturday, (I am getting to the point!) realizing that I had to throw away all the envelopes trashed by the dirt deposited on them due to having been stationed outside, I realized that this was not the work of a machine, but, I would not go as far as saying due to a conspiracy… but a play by a "click" of organizers that managed to come up from their underworld’s dark steps and spread some of their "pseudo intellectual" empty baggage! Harsh? My thoughts?… not really… as on a catwalk modeling their unconscience, back and forth, early morning beer in hand, or cheap wine swirling in some even cheaper and chipped plastic cup, a smirk here and a smirk there… the writing was unmistakably screaming… we belong in here… you belong out there. Buyers where understanding, they actually where very understanding… jokes where flying "we are in Terlingua… don’t worry…" as I replied "I know… the dust is free". Few even asked me why was I not inside? One glance at the wings flying by in constant hide and seek behind oversized sunglasses and many understood… many confined in me that they themselves had better stories than mine…

But that was yesterday, the past has vanished and the water has ran quickly under the bridge. We have left behind this above scenery, maybe not for greener ones as they say, but for "different" ones. We have left behind so many good people, so many new friends, that it has been impossible to say our good byes to all. You have been kind with open arms, inviting in your town this traveler and his dog with no demands and much respect. We are so thankful to you all, please be assured that a somber moment will not spoil the joys and happiness felt these past months!

 

My camera finally captured the right colors on it’s last morning, directed toward the Chisos. It was a good bye in such an extraordinary way. I think throughout the minutes given during this final curtain my heart did miss a few beats. My eyes did not even want to look through the viewfinder for fear to miss a few seconds of this incredible spectacle. "This is" the way it was and I will carry these moments unspoiled with me forever, there is no doubt. A special place it is… what a treat it has been…

  

We are near Del Rio tonight, by the Amistad reservoir, as I remember passing by about a year ago without stopping. Never thought we would backtrack in this fashion, but, we need to be in Atlanta on January 22nd, and as we travel slow, maybe a bit of good food in Louisiana might be also on the horizon. Seeing some good old friends? That is for sure also!

You remember "Shirley’s Burnt Biscuit" bakery in Marathon? It was closed the last time we visited the town… OPEN today and Spirit just had to stop to check it out! I had joked a bit writing that the name was a safe name… just in case. Well, they do not deserve such punishment from me as their baked good are outstanding. I still have some here, yes, had to buy some to go, and the pictures will be up next time! Nice flaky and fluffy biscuits, the best fried pies you will ever have (they where in the middle of shipping some to Sacramento, CA) and I even had a chocolate covered glazed donut! I paid the price, but the taste buds did appreciate the treat! Shirley has retired now, Dan baked with her for a year and a half and now runs the shop. Coincidence?… this was the same lady below that also works at the bookstore who bought a card of Spirit from us and chatted just about all afternoon. I am so sorry I forgot her name. Now you understand why we travel so slow! we are lucky to be here tonight.

If you are wondering why you are not seeing any chocolate covered donuts… I was not lying! I had the last one… Back on the road, full, happy and satisfied. Both of us… always a treat for Spirit… he cannot be left out. His look while I eat is enough for me to reach for one lately always stuck in my pockets… one benefit about baking and selling our Doggie Treats! So we went on, admiring the scenery. I was told once that the ride would be boring, but truly, nothing really bores me as there is a lot to see and notice. The layers and colors of the rocks when the roads where built cutting right through them, the vegetation changing to different colors and shapes, nothing is ever the same, as it was when living on a sailboat when others asked me if I ever got bored looking at the same water every day. It is never alike the minute before!

We reached the Pecos River, where we stopped at the vista point. I think everyone has taken this picture once! The mouth of the Pecos River meeting the Rio Grande and the Mexican hills…

We are about 8 miles from Del Rio, and the reservoir itself only a few feet from us. Obviously the dish is up, the generator is running, we are back after much luxury of power and water in a primitive campground, $4 a night, and here I thought that Texas did not have such camping! No water, no power here, but a great view of the water and Spirit has already spotted some giant rabbits!

There is a Blog reader near by. Mary Jo, she is also traveling with her Pit Bull "Molly" and they will meet formally tomorrow. We are planning to go into the town of Acuna, Mexico, to check it out, maybe have some lunch… I was told that it is a pretty colorful town. You will be the first ones to know.

Don’t forget or "Spirited Doggie Treats" and "Art Cards"…. Dogs cannot live of Love and food alone… they need treats, they like treats… we know!

The feedbacks are coming in… this is from real people… with real dogs!!!

* My dogs went crazy over the Spirited Pumpkin Treats!

* Ara, just wanted you to know someone ordered our dogs some of your treats and they loved them.

We are always under deep appreciation toward the readers that have send in a contribution helping this website’s expenditures. For those who have not, continue enjoying the site, pictures, recipes, and if you feel it’s worth $1 a month, the contribution button is above, snail mail is below…

Ara Gureghian   853 Vanderbilt Beach Rd #245   Naples, Fl 34108

Always, be well…    Ara & Spirit

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5 Responses to “Last call for Terlingua, Texas”

  1. Judy Says:

    As I read your post today I was reminded of something I just read yesterday by Joseph Campbell. It spoke to me because of some things that have happened in my life recently.
    Nietzsche was the one who did the job for me. At a certain moment in his life, the idea came to him of what he called “the love of your fate” (Amor fati). Whatever your fate is, whatever the hell happens, you say, “This is what I need.” It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment—not discouragement—you will find the strength is there. Any disaster that you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow. Then, when looking back at your life, you will see that the moments which seemed to be great failures followed by wreckage were the incidents that shaped the life you have now. You’ll see that this is really true. Nothing can happen to you that is not positive. Even though it looks and feels at the moment like a negative crisis, it is not. The crisis throws you back, and when you are required to exhibit strength, it comes.
    – Joseph Campbell
    Your photos are amazing, thanks for sharing them along with you thoughts. Judy

  2. conchscooter Says:

    Settling down is such a loaded term, and i never thought I would, but when the time came I was aware of it and in settling down I found I was happy. My wife and I both agree that if either of us feels the need to move on we will do so. I used to be happy spending hours watching waves slip under my boat. Now I like the challenge of a job and dealing with dispirited, hidebound colleagues. I am so much better armed than they for the bitter nonsense of day to day living. Oh and don’t expect to be a local anywhere when you live by your wits in a sidecar. To be local you must appear to live as the locals do. Their game their rules! Good luck with the frost. Check out the southernmost beach in Bell Isle Louisiana- probably blown away by Katrina.

  3. Cowtown Pattie Says:

    Ara and Spirit,

    Oh how I will miss your posts from Big Bend. You supplied me with many a joyful, but wistful evening viewing your fantastic photos and touching stories. I know there are more to come while you travel, but the Big Bend area has stolen my heart forever.

    I was so dismayed to read about the Art Show snub. I had pictured Terlingua folk as different from the rest of the mortal shuffle, but seems rudeness and meanness can still flourish even in places as special as the Bend. Very, very disappointing. I know we shouldn’t let a few bad apples spoil the barrel, but it is hard not to feel let down.

    Here’s wishing you and Spirit safe travels, and happy trails ahead.

  4. Callista Says:

    Merry Christmas Ara & Spirit.

  5. Joe Says:

    “where” or “were”? I’m confused…

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