Desert Photos - Bringing the Southwest to the World

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
See some photos of the last 100 years 15,000 Photos of New Mexico (Near Lovings Bend.net)

  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

Not only fun but a chance to learn some valuable safety tips. That was the plan behind Nana’s Fire and Safety Festival. This is a goal that was accomplished this weekend at the Sheriff Posse grounds in Carlsbad NM.
Firemen, police officers, city officials, as well as many of the groups in town whose purpose is to enable the general public in living safer in our community, came out to teach and share with their neighbors.
But the day was not all lectures and lessons. The day was filled with games and laughter, mud volleyball, dunk tanks and Elvis?
Camera 1 Folder 1 | Camera 1 Folder 2 | Camera 1 Folder 3

Quietly under the radar there is a group in our community that has been helping those who need it the most. To assist those in the community that might be overlooked and the tireless groups that try to make a difference.
But who is this group of caring individuals? Well here are a few hints the rumble of motorcycles, huge hearts, a quiet respect and the courage to be themselves and do what is right. That is what you get when you talk about the Brotherhood of the 74 Annual food drive. The goal is to benefit the Community Kitchen.
For the third year in a row the plan has been to take care of those who need it the most. To help those who help the community and to let them all know that someone is there for them. So with a truck and a trailer full of food, monetary donations, big hearts, good attitudes and a sense of community, these guys came rolling in to make sure that the Kitchen cupboards were full and no one was turned away. Photos

Zoom in to SouthEast New Mexico, closer still to Carlsbad make the shot just a little tighter to St. Peter's Lutheran Church on Pierce St.
Date October 8, 2011
Time: Bright and early Mountain Standard Time
A Tractor trailer arrives with precious cargo. As the truck backs into a space… even more precious cargo climbs out of the vehicles parked around the area. They arrive in sweat pants and shorts, Tee shirts and tank tops. But most importantly they arrive with a purpose. To GET THOSE PUMPKINS OFF THAT TRUCK.
A group of eager pumpkin handlers climb up through the now open doors of the trailer, prepared to start the transfer. Those remaining on the ground quickly form lines to carry those pumpkins to their temporary home on the lawn of the Church, before the final transport to homes all across the Carlsbad region.

From the destruction of fire to the rebirth after a gentle rain. All around us we see the steep slopes, the breathtaking vistas, natural beauty of nature's own, right down to a ranch family moving their herd. The trip to Dog canyon gives one a small sense of the grandeur of southeast New Mexico, what we jokingly call New Mexico's Dixie. Even the hummingbirds delight at the Store and dinner in Queen. The world around us changes every day. From the heat of the summer to the cool of the fall it changes and We had the opportunity this weekend to see a small part of it as we took in the sights on a drive out to Dog Canyon.

If you have the chance take a ride and see the changes mother nature provides for us to enjoy. Take a minute, out of your busy day and enjoy the wonder all around you.

Camera 1 | Camera 2

Just like every year the Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition, all their volunteers, all the Hosts, the Permian Basin Regional Training Center, Devon Energy Corporation, Cavern City Runners and so many others helped to put on two great evenings of fun, education, and fellowship. We at Desert Photos were very proud to play a small part in this event and hope to share with you the event with our photos.
Fun Run 1 | Fun Run 2
Parties 1 | Parties 2

From Cavern City Runners

National Night Out Fun Run sponsored by the Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition in partnership with the Cavern City Running Club