Jimmy
Highway 25 in New Mexico carried us from Albuquerque to Las Cruces on our road trip to Tucson Arizona. The highway provided beautiful views of sky, clouds, and Rocky Mountains as it passed through a town with an unusual history to go along with its unusual name: Truth or Consequences. The town is named after a television game show that was popular in the U.S. in 1950. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_or_Consequences,_New_Mexico) I couldn't resist spending a half hour driving through town to admire its historic section which looks much like what one sees in cowboy films of the west.
Truth or Consequences is not a large town and near the highway one finds the usual modern gas stations and fast food outlets, but my interest was the historical downtown district. We pulled over for me to take a couple of photos and then realized we were in front of the Visitor's Information Center. I stepped inside to get a bit of information about the town's history and was greeted by a friendly woman at the desk who said she was originally from Minnesota. She was eager to supply me with a bit of information and I noted that she was struggling to walk to the display rack for a brochure. When I expressed concern, she said the space heater didn't reach her desk and the cold was aggravating what I assume was the arthritis that may have prompted her move to the desert climate.
As we were talking this man came through the door carrying a large box which turned out to be an additional space heater which I could tell was a welcome delivery. He was dressed in traditional western wear and my stranger antenna was sparking the moment he entered with his black, western hat and friendly face. I introduced myself and my project immediately and explained that while his western hat may be everyday attire in Truth or Consequences, it was not in Toronto where I come from. We shook hands. Meet Jimmy.
Needless to say, Jimmy was surprised by my request to photograph him for my project, but more than willing. The Information Center was an older building and had a bay window with blinds which I quickly noted would serve as a good location for the portrait. The information lady began opening the blinds but I suggested having them closed would be better for the photo but if she needed the warmth of the sunlight, I would open them for her as soon as the photo was taken.
Jimmy explained that he works for the city, hence his delivering the heater to the Information Center. "So, are you from Truth or Consequences?" I asked. He smiled. "Pretty much." He told me he is 53. He had a warm manner but I could tell he was a man of few words - especially with a complete stranger. I commented that 53 seemed young to me, especially since I just turned 70 a week ago. He smiled and was kind enough to say "Boy, you sure don't look it." After that comment, I consider Jimmy a friend indeed.
I'm sure Jimmy had places to be and we still had miles to go before reaching Tucson so we parted with a friendly handshake and I signed the guest register for the Information Center before leaving.
Thanks for the information about the area and thank you Jimmy for allowing me to photograph you for The Human Family Group.
This is my 135th submission to The Human Family Group on Flickr.
This is my 135th submission to The Human Family Group.
You can view more street portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family.
Jimmy
Highway 25 in New Mexico carried us from Albuquerque to Las Cruces on our road trip to Tucson Arizona. The highway provided beautiful views of sky, clouds, and Rocky Mountains as it passed through a town with an unusual history to go along with its unusual name: Truth or Consequences. The town is named after a television game show that was popular in the U.S. in 1950. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_or_Consequences,_New_Mexico) I couldn't resist spending a half hour driving through town to admire its historic section which looks much like what one sees in cowboy films of the west.
Truth or Consequences is not a large town and near the highway one finds the usual modern gas stations and fast food outlets, but my interest was the historical downtown district. We pulled over for me to take a couple of photos and then realized we were in front of the Visitor's Information Center. I stepped inside to get a bit of information about the town's history and was greeted by a friendly woman at the desk who said she was originally from Minnesota. She was eager to supply me with a bit of information and I noted that she was struggling to walk to the display rack for a brochure. When I expressed concern, she said the space heater didn't reach her desk and the cold was aggravating what I assume was the arthritis that may have prompted her move to the desert climate.
As we were talking this man came through the door carrying a large box which turned out to be an additional space heater which I could tell was a welcome delivery. He was dressed in traditional western wear and my stranger antenna was sparking the moment he entered with his black, western hat and friendly face. I introduced myself and my project immediately and explained that while his western hat may be everyday attire in Truth or Consequences, it was not in Toronto where I come from. We shook hands. Meet Jimmy.
Needless to say, Jimmy was surprised by my request to photograph him for my project, but more than willing. The Information Center was an older building and had a bay window with blinds which I quickly noted would serve as a good location for the portrait. The information lady began opening the blinds but I suggested having them closed would be better for the photo but if she needed the warmth of the sunlight, I would open them for her as soon as the photo was taken.
Jimmy explained that he works for the city, hence his delivering the heater to the Information Center. "So, are you from Truth or Consequences?" I asked. He smiled. "Pretty much." He told me he is 53. He had a warm manner but I could tell he was a man of few words - especially with a complete stranger. I commented that 53 seemed young to me, especially since I just turned 70 a week ago. He smiled and was kind enough to say "Boy, you sure don't look it." After that comment, I consider Jimmy a friend indeed.
I'm sure Jimmy had places to be and we still had miles to go before reaching Tucson so we parted with a friendly handshake and I signed the guest register for the Information Center before leaving.
Thanks for the information about the area and thank you Jimmy for allowing me to photograph you for The Human Family Group.
This is my 135th submission to The Human Family Group on Flickr.
This is my 135th submission to The Human Family Group.
You can view more street portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family.