Desert Photos - Bringing the Southwest to the World

May 9th 2012. Dust in the air, Long Horn Cattle, Horses, the smell of Bar-B-Que, boots, chaps, Hats, spurs, campfires, Cowboys with guitars. Wait I did say 2012 Right. Yes I did. What we have is a Cattle Drive. For the first night of many, some lucky folks get to experience sleeping out in this big ole world with 100 longhorn cattle roaming around them, horses and well bugs. For three nights these people will have the experience of a life time. The Centennial Cattle Drive.
Day 1 Camera 1 | Day 1 Camera 2 | Day 2 Camera 1 and 2

Its spring 1943 in the vast New Mexico desert. The desert plants are in bloom and the sky is clear. In a small location in northern New Mexico, buildings are being constructed and plans are being discussed. Some of the best minds in the world will converge here, engineers and scientist working together side by side in an isolated location know as Los Alamos.
Flash forward 70 years and it is Spring 2012. The desert plants are in bloom and the sky is clear. In a small location in southeast New Mexico once again some of the best minds in the engineering and scientific world come together. They come to discuss our past, our present and our future at the National Nuclear Fuel Cycle Summit in Carlsbad.
New Mexico has been in the forefront of the Nuclear age since the beginning of the Nuclear age. There have been great advancements since the spring 1943 and from the discussion during Spring 2012, we will continue to see changes. Changes for a cleaner, safer world for all of us and all of our children.

Floating on a raft and enjoying an ice cold glass of tea. Spring Break by the Pecos River, so relaxing. Gentle breeze and dancing mascots? Wait …What… Hold on this is a whole new thing. Music and laughter, face painting and balloons, cheerleaders and DJ’s. What’s this all about?
It’s a new Tradition in Carlsbad NM, the Annual Spring Fling. Only in its second year and already setting records. What kind of records. Well how about 9 area mascots in the same place dancing for a year in the winner’s circle. How about over 20 booths of fun, games and gifts. How about a totally free day of entertainment by the Pecos River. Sounds like a pretty good day to me.
Nikonlady

WoW, what can I say, this was a great turn out and a lot of fun. Perhaps a little windy, but Wendell did his best to give us all a very good weather day. Thank you Carlsbad Police Department and Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition and the many other locals like Lowe's Home Center, Wal-Mart, Eddy County Sheriff's dept, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad Fire Department. Also a Shout Out to Steve Sparks with KZ93 and the Country Boom Box and to Guy Lutman with Channel 23 for being there. This was a lot of fun, and we enjoyed it.
DPorter

Talent is defined as a special natural ability or aptitude.
Today that definition changed for a few people including myself. Today the definition of talent is Sara Thompson. 10 years old and already a published author with two more books on the horizon.
Sara wrote her first book, Cat vs Fox, at the tender age of 8 years old.
Today, Feb. 24, 2012, she had her first radio interview and with public appearances, a book signing on Sunday 2/26/12 at the local Hastings, and a Television spot on the horizon, she is one very busy young lady.

So when you see Sara just know that you are looking at a rising star right here in Carlsbad.

Way to go Sara Thompson.

Desert Photos is honored that you have allowed us to document this for you. Sara's Radio Interview | Sara's Book Signing

Some of our best, brightest and most vocal are on the trip of a lifetime.
At the Tuesday night City Council we got a taste of the performance that awarded the Carlsbad High School Choir students the opportunity of a lifetime. A trip to New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall
These kids have not only were picked for the group but also worked hard to raise the money that each student needed to make the trip. They will spend 2 days in rehearsal, have the concert on Sunday night and then be able to sight see on Monday before returning home.
From the performance that was given on Tuesday night all of Carlsbad should be proud of these kids. They have worked hard and are a wonderful representation of what the youth of Carlsbad has to offer. Photos

National Anthem Only

The sun rises above the vast expansion of desert. Today is a very special day for this stretch of land. Today is the day this becomes the 47th state of the United states. January 6, 1912.

How quickly a century rolls by.

Now it is 2012 and the sun rises over a vast expansion of desert once again. Although there are homes, businesses and Lots of people, this is still essentially the Land of Enchantment it was 100 years ago. Dreams of those that were on hand 100 years ago, have been realized and new dreams exist. Families continue grow and thrive. Children laugh and play under the warm New Mexico Sun.

100 years old and still a beautiful, thriving state.

We have a rich history that includes colorful characters and world changing events that remind us of the diversity of not only our state but the world. Our future is just as bright. Plans to continue making world news and I am sure more colorful characters, but that is part of who we are. New Mexicans one and all. Happy Birthday New Mexico

Camera 1 | Camera 2

  Okay, we were warned it could snow, at least a little. The question became, do we really need to make this trip, well duh! So the first day we drove around a little and got a few shots. During the times it snowed I left the photos alone so as to show the snowflakes, other time I made a few improvements. The second day, we looked outside and wondered how bad we wanted to dig out our the van.......again, duh! So off we went pushing snow in places no one had gone before (sounds like a star trek scene). We drove around town getting places at random, but others with intent, yes Roxanne and Claudia you were aimed at. We were going alone fine, then my lovely bride walked with a funny limp back to the van and said; "okay cold now, I'm done, go home".
May you all have a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year.
When you look at camera 1 12-24 there are a few blurry photos, I would normally delete these but my beautiful bride asked they remain. She said they show a snowplow that we rarely see in Carlsbad, and a few snow covered plants. hummm, Okay as I love her, I will. Camera 1 12-23 | Camera 2 12-23 | Camera 1 12-24 | Camera 2 12-24

“Its gonna be cold”
Is what we were told
On the third of December this year

Yet again they did gather
Cause the weather don’t matter
When your spreading Christmas Cheer

It started out slow
Just a trickle you know
Then the gathering started to grow

On bikes and in Trucks
Imagine the Luck
It was cold but there was no Snow

The thunder rolled out
With a almighty Shout
“Riders mount up and lets roll”

Then all through the town
The folks heard the sound
Of the elves as they started their steeds

The ride circled round
And drove through town
To the River is where this will end

312 had fun
Spreading joy in the sun
In the Brotherhoods Annual Toy Run
Camera 1 | Camera 2

Little girls in dresses with ribbons and bows.  All dolled up and ready to see Santa,  and share their kind hearts by being part of the Little Miss Merry Christmas pageant. 
Twinkling lights, laughter and joy.  These were all things that were found at the Electric Light Parade.  There were horses and Roller Derby girls, Hope and Joy and of course presents. 
All these things and more are a part of the opening of the Christmas Season in Carlsbad NM.  This is how we in the Desert celebrate Christmas, together as a community.
Join us in that celebration, come on in the hot cocoa is as warn and the lights are up. Santa Photos | Little Miss Merry Christmas Photos | Light Parade Christmas Photos 1 | Light Parade Christmas Photos 2

We walk through our lives, we carry on with daily things. Life happens, and the days go by. We elect people to run our country and make the important decisions for us. We as citizen try to make the best decision on whom those people are.
There are many says through out the year when we stop and remember. We remember those who fought for us to have the right to vote and choose those people who represent us.
Once and a while someone stand up and makes a plan, and takes it to the next level. From a dream, a simple thought, comes forth a place. A place for you to walk, reflect and remember. All of those who came before and who today are out there. Out there making sure that we have the right to plan and dream. To vote and makes those choices. A place that was fought for, dreamed of and remembered on nights under foreign skies. When the only thing that keeps them going is the dream of coming home and walking with their loved ones. Some come home. We are blessed that they are here to share with us our daily lives. Some gave everything for their loved ones and home. Those are who we remember as we reflect and we build and we dream. Dedication Photos 11-11-11

There was a trio of scare crows, the blustery fall wind, dried leaves, and moldy pumpkins it seemed like a normal late fall day in any small country town. But it was not a normal day and it was not a small country town. It was 2012 Relay for Life kick off festival at the beach band shell in Carlsbad NM.
This year we kick off the countdown to Relay for life with cake walks and three legged races, why even Mayor Janway joined in the race. We had face painting and apple bobbing, scarecrows dancing, laughter and fun all around. All in all this was good start to a great event. Hope to see Everyone at the 2012 Relay for life on May 4th and 5th. Camera 1 | Camera 2

In a little town on a quiet street there were home town businesses and a beautiful courthouse with a lovely green lawn and dozens of rose bushes filled with color.

The towns people would wander through the streets and shop the local stores. Talking with their neighbors, sharing memories and plans for the future.

All was well in this town. Peaceful and quiet. Until one fall night when the evening turned chilly and the lights flickered. Then as the shop owners watched from behind glass, the streets filled with ghost, goblins, witches and ladybugs? Hundreds and hundreds of little creatures with bags and tubs, hands stretched out all of them echoing the chant from their world “Trick or Treat, Trick or treat.” The shop owner, frightened and weary of what could happen answered the chant with the only thing that would subdue the little beasties…..SUGAR!!!!!!!!!!!

For hours the shop owners fill the bags and tubs of the invaders. Hoping beyond hope that by giving them what they want no harm would come to the town.

Awww Fall. Crisp mornings, changing of the leaves, pumpkins in the yard, and the Rocky mountains on Alameda st?
This is what you see when you go to the Third Annual Fall A Palooza. This was a day of fun and laughter, games and prizes, faith and sharing. A number of local churches got together to put on this event to help kick off the fall holidays.
There were bouncy houses, Rock climbing, acrobatic trampoline jumping, a fire house, pony rides, train rides, games and more games. The young people of the community got the opportunity to spend the day having fun in a safe and happy environment. All for free.
If you did not get the chance to go the Third Annual Fall A Palooza, no fear it looks like this is something with a long and bright future. For now join us with photos, picture yourself in the crowd and mark your calendars for the next one. Camera 1 | Camera 2