I just went on an amazing solitary hike around Terlingua, over a hill, past Clyde’s house that burnt down and back into the Ghost Town where I currently live at Sinta’s. The wind had whipped up my dry seriously unwashed hair into a vision I can only describe as a bunch of desert twigs scrunched with hairbands covered in old nests and leaves. I love how in Terlingua that passes for “looking pretty good”. I felt pretty good too.

I passed the coffee shop and decided to try out the fresh squeezed orange juice. Catfish took his time slicing the oranges while bantering with a local about how well Clyde is doing, not a single drink since his house burnt down! It took about 10 minutes to prepare this juice, my mouth seriously watering watching every bit squeeze, and finally he scooped all the pulp into my cup. $2.50 for a fresh squeezed OJ with the kind of care I haven’t enjoyed since my mom made them when I was a little girl.

I venture off towards the Terlingua porch outside the Starlight Theater, famous for the locals, mostly old men who sit all day drinking and recanting wild stories. I step up onto the porch and one of the old guys says loudly to his friend, “hey, is this girl local?” I laugh, “Just about!” thinking either they’ve seen me too much or my hair really needs a wash. I go into a store to look around for a bit, and on the way out I literally bump right into Dr. Doug! The one who lives in the broken down yellow school bus. I’ve been wanting to meet him for ages. Aaahhh and the day is still so young!

I’m off to wash this scary mop. Happy New Years to all you beautiful, gorgeous, kicking, screaming, loving people!!! Smile until your cheeks hurt!