Caprock Canyon

Martina and I took a short, but much needed trip to West Texas. A little time in Caprock Canyon State Park was good for the spirit. While we were there, I found myself fascinated by everything from the tallest red cliff to the tiniest pebble. I loved watching small birds flit through the brush, bison scratch their backs on mesquite trees, and mule deer pause for a drink. I even enjoyed the "buffalo jams" on the road. They reminded me of those golden days when I lived in Yellowstone Park.

Hiking the Upper Canyon Loop Trail

A tiny fern fossil on the trail

Panther City Review Launch

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure to attend the launch event for Panther City Review #4 at Leaves Book and Tea Shop. Several Fort Worth writers, including myself, have been featured in the publication since the inaugural issue, and it has been wonderful to look at the bios and see how much ground everyone has gained in their literary careers over the last four years. Hard work and tenacity are truly rewarded.

Milestone

Last week I turned fifty, though I have not yet decided what that milestone really means to me. I still seem to be processing my opinion. At some point, I must stop all of this running and appraise my life once again. Perhaps spending some time in the desert without access to a telephone would do me good. There is something to be said for days spent in quiet reflection, days spent with the wind and the clouds and the sky, with the raw earth beneath one's feet. I know that I am fortunate. That much is sure, but still I need time to reflect, to decrease the velocity of these quickly-passing days if only for a while.