North Dakota 12 (Going Back)

It started as a slightly tongue-in-cheek Facebook exchange between myself and a couple of friends. Something about a road journal, the last visitation, and a pre-apocalyptic adventure. Having lately been drawn back to my fondness for photography of abandoned buildings and forgotten places, I thought I should do something about it. Which could only mean one thing - Road Trip!
But I had to make some adjustments. As in taking out the visitation and apocalypse connections (not even sure what those mean) and just hit the road, take some pictures and write about it. So here we are.
Some recurring very early childhood memories were the inspiration for my location selection. I lived in several very small remote towns in North Dakota as a very young child and have been wanting to go back for a visit. So, that's what I did. I thought it would be interesting to see what's left. As it turns out...not much. Conveniently, the locations I was most interested in are all in a row along Highway 12 in the southwest corner of the state. What follows is a photographic exhibition of what I saw. But before you take a look at the photos, I want to point out that there are some very nice, well kept, clean houses and businesses in these small towns. But that's not where my current interest lies. It's the broken down, weathered, abandoned places, and emptiness that are my subjects for this essay. That's what you see here. I do hope you will find some of them as intriguing or as interesting as I do. And, I hope you'll wonder, as I do, about the stories surrounding these places. Who lived or worked there? Why did they leave? Where did they go? Are they ever coming back?

(Click on the photo to see a larger version)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This last one reminds me how much I also like the retro signs of those old non-franchise motels still in business. Maybe that's next. That...or Wyoming Highway 16. That might have some good possibilities. We'll see. No reason to stop now.

Roger O'Dea     5/7/2020

Photography Time Machine

I've always liked black and white photography. I actually prefer it for many subjects and specific situations. A recent conversation and some comments made me start to think more about it. I know the reasons I prefer black and white in many instances. It has to do with light and shadows, details, and feelings or emotions that can be evoked. A friend used the word "timeless." That has a lot to do with it.
So, in the abundance of spare time I seem to have lately, I decided to take a closer look at my photo files and see how many photos I could come up with that have an element of timelessness to them. Specifically, pictures that have some measure of ambiguity or vagueness in regards to the time period. Some were originally taken in black and white and others have been converted because they just seem to work better that way for me. All were taken by me within the past five years but I have tagged each one with a year that, in my opinion, they could have been taken. It was a fun activity.  Feel free to agree or disagree. Or just go ahead and add your own year if you'd like. These are all definitely up for interpretation.

1967 - Summer of Love

1959 (Bisbee, AZ)

1964 (With a nod to Audrey)

1969 (Short hair on guys, long on chicks)

1975 (Lots of L and El motels then)

1970 (There was only one soda fountain left in my town by then)

1955 (We had an ashtray stand just like for many years)

1963 (The year Alcatraz closed)

I have a lot more. Maybe I will do this again later. But I will close this edition with a color photo.

It still has a classic retro look to it with the saturation, slight graininess and blur around the edges so I'll say 1968 on this one...the year after the Summer of Love and the hippies were starting to move on. This one has to be color because if you are old enough to remember that time and place, you remember the colors. And if you're too young to remember, you can still dream about it. If you do, your dreams will be in color. 

Roger O'Dea     3/26/2020

Hoarders and Hypocrites - A Sign of the Times

Some of you won't like this because it's about you. Others will nod their heads in agreement. And still others won't pay any mind at all. So whatever the case may be - here goes.
I've been trying to approach this COVID-19 situation with cautious optimism and in an intelligent, thoughtful manner. It's been hard. In addition to the overload of misinformation out there, social media has heaped an unbelievable amount of influence on people who seem to be poorly equipped to make rational decisions. You know, the ones who overreact to a threat whether it's real, perceived or obvious nonsense. I'm not talking about taking the current pandemic lightly. I'm talking about those who are so completely susceptible to every contrived internet scheme that pops up whenever the slightest disruption of their normal day to day life occurs.
The best example currently? You got it - hoarding toilet paper. It would be laughable if it wasn't so disturbing. There are families and individuals, including seniors, out there who are actually low on supplies or completely out with no way to acquire more. This in contrast to others who have plenty and still wait in line at the store while the truck is unloading to make sure they get more. How did this get started? And why is it continuing to such extremes? I really don't get it.
Now here comes the worst part...some of the same people who are posting and commenting publicly about how we should remain calm, act responsibly and be willing to help others less fortunate who may be negatively affected financially are also the ones carrying toilet paper and other personal hygiene products out of the stores by the cartful. I know this to be true in some cases. I've seen it. You are the ones contributing to the mass hysteria and causing problems for others you say need our help in times like these. That's evil. And if it's you - stop it! How about we all walk the walk? Act responsibly. Share. Do the right thing.
And heed the advice of Hoppy Quick (look him up on Facebook) : 

My advice for people as the world begins to shut down around us
Look for those things at home you wanted to do but didn't have the time
Start your seeds
Think ahead to your garden or creating one
If you don't have a yard get pots or anything you can hold dirt...grow food
It will make you feel better
Fishing season is coming
Avoid people but don't avoid water or the woods
Nature is good medicine
Optimism is your friend
Always be optimistic
Money will be tight but it doesn't mean you can't do things
A good time of year to clean your house and property
If the world is forcing you into isolation
Embrace it
Quarantine doesn't have to be scary

There will always be that pessimist
You know the one
When you say its a beautiful day
They say "but its gonna rain later"
we are all dealing with the same pandemic
Let your positive outlook help get you through
And others
Don't get caught in panic
Just breathe
By no means does my optimism mean I dont care
I just believe in the magic of good intention
Support each other with positive vibes
I wish you all good health
Hoppy

Makes sense to me. And for my part I'm keeping with my usual routine, such as it is. I was encouraged by my daily Oracle Card draw today - The Rainmaker

 

The Guidebook says "The Rainmaker is the master of manifestations, who can call on the elements of nature to serve the greater good. When the power to co-create is used with integrity, great beauty and benefit flow to all. When this power is used for personal gain only, everyone suffers. When the earth is parched, the Rainmaker calls the waters from the heavens, and all that is dormant in the fields and in people's hearts springs to life again."

I'm new to it and not sure how far into this Oracle thing I am willing to go, but you must admit this is not bad guidance. No matter what your beliefs are. 

Roger O'Dea     3/14/2020

Art or Vandalism?

Wikipedia: Banksy is an anonymous England-based street artist, vandal, political activist, and film director, active since the 1990s. His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humor with graffiti executed in a distinctive stenciling technique. His works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world.

I've known of and been interested in the work of Bansky for years, so during a recent trip to Las Vegas it was a nice surprise to find an exhibit of his work in town at the same time. I thought it would be one more nice break from the lights and action of the "strip." We had already gone on a wonderful hiking excursion the day before in Red Rock Canyon, about a thirty minute drive from the city. So this was another chance to experience something other than the quest for the legendary (and elusive) Royal Flush or three Jackpot symbols lined up in a row. I thought I had a pretty good idea about what examples of his work I would see, but I was not prepared for the entirety of it. 

There were the expected displays of murals on alley walls that were pretty cool, but didn't provoke any deep thoughts. 

 

The anti-capitalist themes were prevalent.

 

Of course plenty of anti-authority illustrations.

 

And a touch of irony. Like this comment on closed circuit television ... with a video camera positioned near it in the top right corner. It was not part of the actual work and I'm not sure if its presence was intended to be so prominent. I looked at the camera gave it a nod of approval just in case.

 

I was maintaining a mostly casual and lighthearted attitude while enjoying the subtle, or obvious, political messages and sarcasm scattered throughout the displays. But my mood changed drastically when I came upon the piece called "Holocaust Lipstick." 

I have seen close-up paintings by Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh. Photographs by Yousef Karsh, Gary Winogrand and Ansel Adams. A few of them have affected me personally and emotionally. But this one really got to me in a way like no other work of art I've seen. In the description was an extract from the diary of Lieutenant Colonel Mervin Gonindso, who was among the first British soldiers to liberate the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp during World War II -

 

I apologize for it being slightly out of focus but I was a little unsteady after reading it.

Here is the accompanying artwork -

 

I can't imagine anyone seeing this and not being moved by it in some way. This is art. Unexpected and somewhat out of place in the context of the rest of the exhibit. Maybe even what could be considered out of character for this particular artist. But that's what happens when you are inspired. You move out of your comfort zone and explore new concepts and ideas. That's when something like this can happen. I'm glad I was able to see it. 

Roger O'Dea    2/7/2020

 

 

 

Happy Birthday To Me. I Quit.

Today is my birthday. I am 65 years old. I've had a plan for several years to retire when I turn 65. Looks like it was a good plan, my last day at work is December 31st. I've been working steady part-time or full-time since I was 13. The past 29 years have been in my current position. But now it's time to turn in my name tag and pen. Well, my name tag anyway. I kind of like the pen so I think I'll keep that.

Kris will keep on working for now so I need to find things to do on my own. That has never been a problem for me before so I'm sure I can stay busy. I'd like to sail around the world, camp out in the forests of Oregon until I find Bigfoot, and ride my motorcycle to South America. I'd like to do those things, but I don't have a boat, the forests can be cold and damp for extended periods in Oregon, and I'm a little concerned about that stretch through El Salvador. What I am going to do is teach a community education class, start a podcast, and take a lot of pictures. I will also continue to do the advertising for the dealership. I'm happy about that. I enjoy doing it and I like the media reps I work with. I might become a temporary census worker and I've applied to be a part-time outdoor tour guide in the Black Hills and Badlands. I hope that happens. 

I will miss my co-workers. Some more than others. But it's time to move on. There is still so much I want to do while I am still able.  Maybe Jack Kerouac said it best....

“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”  

So that's what I intend to do ... go climb that goddamn mountain. Hopefully I will run into some of you up there.

Roger O'Dea     12/18/2019

My Essential Playlist - WWS

For several years I have been visiting the website What We Seee (spelling is correct). I particularly enjoy a feature with a link on the main page called WWS Weekly.
You can find it here:    https://www.whatweseee.com
A couple of weeks ago there was an article titled My Essential Playlist. I have been thinking about it since, and finally decided to complete the activity. This post is a copy of what I submitted. I am not posting it because I think anyone will find my choices particularly interesting or relevant, but because I think you should also write down your own essential playlist and this might inspire you to do it. I will add that it could also be quite therapeutic, as it was in my case. No need to submit it online if you would rather not, but you might discover some insights into your own personality just by completing the exercise for your own enjoyment and perhaps even some introspection. And, sometimes it's good to just get things out.
You don't have to post it on your Facebook page... "but it'd be a lot cooler if you did." (Wooderson- in Dazed and Confused. I can never resist an obscure movie quote).
It would help me, and others, get to know you a little better. Plus, who knows, you may actually inspire someone.
Here's mine -

whatweseee   
www.whatweseee.com

It is an opportunity for you to talk about the things that have moved you or had a massive influence on your life and outlook. And also a chance for others to be inspired by things they may have never experienced, or to experience it in a whole new way because of you.
Can you tell us:

My Essential Playlist

Your name: Roger

Where do you live? South Dakota

Where do you feel most yourself? Going off the trails in the Black Hills

A few films, or scenes of films that have had a significant impact on you. As well as a few notes about how.
Almost Famous - the entire movie but especially the bus scene where they all start singing Tiny Dancer after an all night party at a random teenage fan’s house in Topeka.  William, “I have to go home.”  Penny, “You are home.”  I had some similar experiences around that same time period in which the movie is set. Even recognized a few of my friends. Some I’m still in touch with and some I’m not, but I’ve not forgotten them.

The Big Lebowski - The scene where he’s driving an old clunker car and tries to throw his roach out of the window but it bounces back into his lap and he ends up crashing into a dumpster. I laugh out loud every time no matter how many times I’ve seen it. And I’ve seen it a lot.

A few songs, or parts of songs that have very personal meaning to you. And please tell us why.
Into the Mystic - Van Morrison. Reminds me of my friend. She’s gone now. But I still think of her sometimes, and always when I hear this song.
You Turn Me On I’m A Radio - Joni Mitchell. It’s fun. Reminds me of my days in radio - “Call me at the station, the lines are open.”
You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere - Bob Dylan and the Band, without overdubs, from The Basement Tapes Raw, 3-record set from the Bootleg Series.  Simple, basic, pure. Makes me sing along. And I can’t sing. It’s a gift from my son. He knows me well. That’s something not every father can say.
If I Could Only Remember My Name - David Crosby. The whole album. Every song. It’s one I can’t explain, but I listen to it over and over. And over.
Cowgirl in the Sand - Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Because the lyrics can mean anything you want them to mean, and because Crazy Horse rocked. And Neil’s guitar…well…just listen to it.
Poems, Prayers and Promises - John Denver. Entire album. Guess you could say there’s a lot of my life in those songs.

A piece of art or a photograph that has lodged itself in your consciousness and why.
Portrait of Audrey Hepburn by Yousef Karsh.  I saw this photograph in March of 2016 as part of the Icons of the 20th Century exhibit at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. I spent more time with that picture than probably any other piece of art I’ve ever seen, other than one particular Monet. It illustrates what photography can be at its highest level. It’s perfect. It inspired me to be more serious about my own photography.

A Monet painting from his Charing Cross Bridge series. An impressionist painting, but it strangely came clearly into focus as I viewed it in person. I saw details that weren’t actually there. Or that were there but were hidden by the brush strokes.

Saoirse Wall - Gesture 2. Digital HD video self portrait. Statement from the exhibit: “In this portrait, the artist used video to show that one person can be many things. During the video she moves and poses in different ways, and looks at the camera to communicate with us and lets us see her portrait unfold in real time.” I had never seen anything like it before, and have never seen anything like it since. A modern art medium I was totally unfamiliar with, and it struck me like a hammer.

A piece of writing – a book, poem, play or quote – that is a touchstone for you, and why.
Lost Horizon - James Hilton. I can imagine being Conway.
On The Road - Jack Kerouac. I can imagine being Jack Kerouac.
Trout Fishing In America - Richard Brautigan. It’s not actually about trout fishing, which is fine. I don’t do much trout fishing. But I think it would be cool to know someone named Trout Fishing.

Quote - “Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don’t be sorry.” Jack Kerouac.  It’s what I try to do as much as possible.

Is there a smell or food that takes you to a special place... and why?
Well, I like nachos. I’ve been searching a long time to find the perfect nachos. Haven’t found them
yet. I believe they’re out there somewhere.



                                                        Roger O'Dea     11/9/2019

High Weirdness - A Book Report

I don't remember how I heard about this book. I just knew immediately I had to get a copy. So I did. It was not an easy read. I'm an educated man, but there are words in this book that I did not understand. Hell, there were some I couldn't even pronounce. I looked up a few, came to understand others after further reading put them in a context that allowed me to draw some reasonable conclusions, and simply ignored some that I figured I still wouldn't understand even after consulting a dictionary. It was even more frustrating when I encountered entire sentences that might as well have been written in Swahili. For example - 

"Ontological anarchism posits an aboriginal source of spontaneous variation..." 

The sentence continued on but that's where I gave up. My point is - the book was not what I thought it would be. I was hoping for some first hand insight into the cultural shifts and various influences on society that shaped the decade which had a huge impact on me personally. Instead I got a deep dive into the life, work and psyche of Philip K. Dick, Dennis and Terence McKenna, and Robert Wilson. Those are the people the author gave credit to for the massive shifts in the culture of the time. I did have some interest initially in finding out more about Philip K. Dick since I was somewhat familiar with his work. I knew nothing of those others. 

That's my problem with the book...way too much time spent on Wilson and the McKenna brothers, and not enough on Mr. Dick and his 2-3-74 story. (You'll have to look up the 2-3-74 thing. No way I can explain it in a few sentences, or perhaps even explain it at all). 

My other problem is that I feel like the book was written for a very specific audience of academics and intellectuals. They were really the ones most affected and influenced by all that high weirdness.  People who were not the intellectual type and not a part of academia...like me...were left to our own devices and had to figure things out on our own without the benefit of guides, gurus or mentors. 

All we had way out here in the sticks were Pink Floyd, the Doors and Bowie. (You could add John Denver, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell to that list for some of us). We didn't have the luxury of traveling to some jungle in South America to meditate, experiment and explore the psychedelic mysteries of life like those aforementioned McKenna brothers. We were confined to our friends' basements and attics or an occasional road trip up the canyon. But we did alright. 

I should probably offer up an explanation for all those colorful page marks in the photo above, since you've probably gotten the impression by now that I wasn't thrilled with the book. Those tabs mark observations, quotes or specific points that piqued my interest and warrant further consideration. 

For example - 

"...the weird does announce the appearance of something like anomaly, or at least deviancy---inexplicable, aberrant, or unsettling events or encounters that pull or twist against the norm. Statistically, such deviations may be perfectly routine. But they never feel that way. So we don't know where to put them. Many of us forget such events, or sweep them under the carpet. And by using the label weird, we acknowledge them, but also trivialize them."

Another one -

"This is how many of us deal with weird shit: in the rear view mirror, an unnerving synchronicity or deja vu can be relaxed by writing it off as a meaningless hiccup of neurons."

Think about THAT for a minute. As they say...deep. Way deep.

So, to summarize, it was a difficult read. Over my head often, but sometimes making a lot of sense and it did provide some good food for thought. Plus - it's the first book in which I can recall seeing the word desultory used in a sentence. I've seen it in a song title, though. But that's something else you'll have to look up if you want to know more. I'll give you a hint - the song is kind of weird.

Roger O'Dea      10/15/2019