The Face of the Southwest

The long line of school children stretched out on the steep and dusty trail for a half mile. They clumped into little groups giggling, resting in the shade and watching the teachers. The only thing different about this group of kids was that they were going to see their own native American history of prehistoric ruins in Canyon de Chelly. 

Once they all reached the ruins most were continuing on with their private discussions, ignoring their surroundings, and just glad to be out of the classroom. But this one little boy in the straw hat was different. He was thinking hard about something, perhaps his own people's history from long ago. 

 

Pueblo Boy

A native American boy gazes pensively at the ground while on a field trip to Canyon de Chelly, Arizona. The ruins in the background could well be his ancestors' home.

 

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Happy Fourth of July America!

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Small Town, USA

All across America there are thousands of small towns that look empty to our eyes. We are used to our generic "big box" stores where we can find anything our heart desires. We do not have to make several stops; to the grocery, hardware store, or clothing store. Instead we can do one stop shopping now. The "big box" stores have moved in and the result is that the small "mom and pop" businesses are out. We are losing flavor. We are losing variety. We are losing our Small Town, USA. So I found myself taking in the remnants of what was left in this particular Small Town and found so much to appreciate. Support the small businesses of your community. They are us and they are in danger of becoming extinct.

A couple of brightly colored signs advertising children's art classes and supplies pops out encouraging the arts.

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STP Wagon

A child's bright yellow antique wagon stands out in contrast to the drab surroundings along the small town sidewalk.

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Coca Cola Sign

Delicious and refreshing antique Coca Cola sign has developed a patina of age, but is still relevant in our time.

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Childhood Dreams

The young boy intently gazing into the fountain's pool sparks a question in my mind. What dreams does he have as he peers into the sparkling blue green water? I do not know his name, or his parents who were standing protectively nearby. He just happened to find his way into my viewfinder on a perfect Seattle day.

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Happy Fourth of July America!