January 31, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Sometimes shared time and laughter make a kind of family. These clowns ARE the Pappadeauxs Bar at Bush Intercontinental Airport. Rob, Oli, Randy, Bryan, and Juan. It makes you feel like you are at Cheers...NORMMMMM.... Go in sometime soon. The E concourse upstairs, it's worth the walk.
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January 30, 2010 My life, one photo a day

There is something about laying on the very cold wet ground under a structure that looks to have been made by 8 year old leggo builder, sawing, gluing, and engineering that only a man could understand. The Villa Hilla needed some repair this fortnight. Below freezing temps did a number the pipes under the World HQ. A statement of Fact: Texas cold is colder than just about any other kind of cold. Period. True Dat.

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January 29, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Famous faces often congregate in one place. In this case the wildside stall of the most famous women's bathroom in the world. The public loo in the First Monday Flea Market in Canton, Texas. It's cold and damp but warm and cozy at the World HQ of By Miles. Keep a look out for "Stick it".... you may get lucky and find one yourself.
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January 28, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Heading South to Texas didn't seem to work to escape the wet and cold. In fact the damp cold in Texas seems to chill a person to the bone. It was a gray day by any standard but it was still possible to warm up a bit with thoughts of sailing away to a warmer place in our memories. Mark Twain was right, "there ain't nothing a river ain't seen". In this case a lake but you get my drift....
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January 27, 2010 My life, one photo a day

I rarely talk about domestic travel but today I am making an exception. It's cheaper and more cleansing than a visit to the shrink. My favorit airline continues in its downward spiral with the association with the worst airline I know, "United". This is a picture of one of the two "flight attendants" sitting down reading the paper, the other was knitting in the seat next to her. The fellow next to me asked for a pillow and this attendant said, "nope, we don't give those out anymore, no customer service any more", her exact words. Reading the paper while passengers were asking for assistance. "nope, no customer service any more".
The rest of the story would take up a volume, sufficient to say that Continetental said, "oh well, no customer care supervisor is around " (I am truly shocked) you could write them an email, but you have to call to get the address.....amazing.
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January 26, 2010 My life, one photo a day

From the villages in Guatemala to the Governor's race fundraiser in Colorado. Wow, what a ride. I'm not sure Scott McInnis will win the race but I will be following him on the campaign trail along with a candidate for the Mayor of Denver. Now working on Say Cheese for Mardi Gras and Fred's Lounge in Mamou. Stay tuned for the website update. www.bymiles.org

January 25, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Here I am leaving Guatemala with my back to the setting sun. Fond memories and great stories to be told. I will miss the Galettes and the cold Gallo beer, I will even miss the warm Gallo beer a little. It was lots of work but the goal of extraordinary images for Say Cheese, and amazing video was accomplished. The plan is to head back during the Festival of Santo Tomas in Decemeber when things really get wild. If you are interested we may have a place for you. Tomorrow it's back to the grind. At least for a day. See all the "Maya Diaries" in a few days on www.bymiles.org.
Miles

January 24, 2010, My life, one photo a day

Our last full day in Guatemala. We were certainly wrong about the Sunday Indian market. At 10 pm on Saturday there was no one there and during the night and early morning it transformed from nothing to mass chaos. The streets were filled with tourists and vendors. Some great faces and scenes unfolded in front of us. This was the Mayan celebration that was heading up to the sacred stone on the hill. After the market it was a 3 hour drive to Guatemala City. The "Maya Diaries" will be posted soon so please take a look at all of the trip photos and video.
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January 23, 2010, My life, one photo a day

It's hard to believe that Chichicastenago actually feels like home but it did on the return from Nebaj. A fabulous breakfast at Popi's down the hill and off to the Western Union office. Popi also has a hostel and laundry. He does great work with handicapped Guatemalans through a non-profit organization named Mayan Hope. Check it out on the web. We said good-bye to Erin at the El Descanso restaurant over a few beers and some fajitas. Back in Chichi, the scene in the Indian market tonight was completely different than on Thursday. A full story on that tomorrow. There was a ritual going on at the front of the cathedrel tonight that was both haunting and comforting at the same time. Some market in the morning and then off to Guatemala City. Vaya con Dios from Chichi.
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January 22, 2010 My life, one photo a day

The village of Nebaj lies a good two and half hours from Chichicastenago along a winding mountain road that makes a Dramamine sandwich look tasty. The houses and life by the road are filled with regional dress and colors. Nebaj was a real adventure. Ixil women in traditional dress fill the streets and plaza. A wonderful new friend was made today in Erin Murray. She is living in Nebaj and working for a service organization that teaches young girls about the nuances of life. I hope she finds Jared in the hacienda sauna someday. Not many gringos in the town of Nebaj but there is a cheese factory and Italian winery in the hills nearby. The region has suffered horribly in the Guatemalan civil war in the 1980's and is just now coming back to life. Say Cheese did good work there and will be back. Adios mi Amigos.
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January 21, 2010 My life, one photo a day

The Indian market in Chichicastenango was a fabulous look into the past and present. There were thousands of indigenous folks all crammed into a few tight city blocks. The sea of rich Guatemalan colors overloaded your senses while the wafting smells of street food, incense, and humanity fought for control of the rest of you. The few tourists came late and left early heading back to Antigua leaving Chichi to relax and disassemble from the day. Scenes of children and old men carrying loads three times their body weight on ropes suspended from their foreheads are forever etched into my memory. Tomorrow it looks like the village of Nebaj in the highlands. More of Guatemala is waiting. Good night from the rooftop of the Hotel Chalet in Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
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January 20, 2010 My life, one photo a day

The church exorcist in Chichicastenango is multi-talented. He is clearing the church of evil spirits with his incense and running off the occasional drunk. Chichi is the biggest and boldest of the indian markets in Guatemala. The second class bus ride over was like being stuck in a huge video game with a million other amigos. Lots of G FORCES at work on the mountain curves. Changing buses was like passing the Olympic torch from one person to another. You never stopped or even slowed down, you just ran from one to the other as they were moving. The "get off" in Chichi amounted to being spit out of the anus of the bus as it slowed down. The "humble Campesino" and his side kick "Mashenito" did provide a safe ride and some grand memories. Tomorrow the market and the absolute chaos that goes with it. Until then from Chichi.
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Janaury 19, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Watching a beautiful local grandmother wash clothes at the world´s largest laundromat. An outdoor affair in the hot fountains in front of the cathredral of the village of San Felipe. The water is heated from the volcano that rises above the village. We also needed some laundry done and wished we had wet our hands in their water. Sometimes you realize small things bring people together and large things push them apart. Say Cheese is in its seoond day and today Julia got her first "glamour shot". Tomorrow are the mountain villages and the public bus rodeo.

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January 18, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Things are not always tranquil in the quiet mountain town of Antiqua. The volcun Fuego is bleching it´s contents several times a day. Say Cheese has begun with the market near the bus station and Gloria´s Salsa dance studio. Tomorrow is Bernardo the unknown guide and a trip into the mountains. There was even an interview from the roof at breakfast. Busy bustling town this Antigua.
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January 17, 2010 My life, one photo a day

The outlines of Guatemala City, its people, and Pacaya Volcano in the distance. It was a wild ride with Hilberto in the mini van to Antigua. The Tres Volcanoes Hotel is clean and quaint with the real volcanoes just a short distance away. One "bolsa grande" of Ice from the super mercado down the street and we were set for the night. Immodium capsules "extra firm" at the ready by the bed. Good night to the rat race.
SAY CHEESE starts in the morning.

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January 16, 2010 My life, one photo a day

The Aldo Leopardi Band at the Three Kings in Denver. Great Rock and stiff drinks.

Say Cheese starts tomorrow in Guatemala.

Vaya con dios,

Miles

January 15, 2010 My life, one photo a day

I always love getting ready for a big trip. Going over all of the things you take but know you will never use.... Some cameras and stuff along with a little Mt. Gay Rum of course. Old friends all....

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January 14, 2010 My life, one photo a day

A little risotto with fresh basil and some baked salmon with noddles in Peanut sauce. A balmy day in the Mile High City. A short Vespa Ride to the market downtown gave me a break from the frenzied prep for big photo project "Say Cheese" in Guatemala next week.

Stay tuned for those photos very soon on www.saycheeseworld.com

www.bymiles.org

January 13, 2010, My life, one photo a day

In the arena of life...we all feel like clowns at times. Great Western Stock Show. Denver, Colorado.

www.bymiles.org

Miles

January 12, 2010 My life, one photo a day

They may have lost the football game but they sure make a "stink" when they come to Colorado. Go Horns. They also did a number on the CU basketball team.

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Miles

January 11, 2010 My life, one photo a day

On a barren stretch of Colorado 40 about 60 miles Southeast of Steamboat Springs I found the most visually appealing picnic table I have ever stumbled across. The strange thing about it was that this visual superstar was also the most inhospitable piece of real estate within a 100 miles. A solid breeze and an air temperature of -8 degrees. As we would say in the old country "butt ass cold".

It reminded me that we can all find the picnic if we are willing to stand in the cold for a little while...

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Miles

January 10, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Jean Claude, Bodie, and Franz. Outline of grace.

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Miles

January 9, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Good friends in sub zero temps. Steamboat for all.

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miles

January 8, 2010 My life, one photo a day

A NEST OF MAN CRAP.... my personal favorites are 2 old beauty shop chairs, an EMS backboard, and 2 unused double sleeping bags...

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Ciao, Miles

January 7, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Colorado white mud....lots of it.

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Miles

January 6, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Big Wheel keep on turnin, Proud Harry keep on Burning....rollin rollin.... When horsepower and determination come together expect mother nature to throw in the towel.

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Miles

January 5, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Lost in Space.....lots of space inside NOISE

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Miles

January 4, 2010 My life, one photo a day

Ever feel like you spend most of your time in the "drive thru" of life. You just sit there like a lemming behind the next poor soul waiting for your turn to see the double meat.... STOP I say, get out, go in and have extra Ketchup and take two napkins.

www.bymiles.org

Miles

January 3, 2010 My life, one photo a day

If you travel to Denver make sure you see the permanent fixture at the Market Grocery on Larimar Street. "The man in the window", is there every weekend morning at the same table looking at his laptop. If he is emailing you please let me know.... It was a chilly Vespa ride but worth it.

www.bymiles.org

Miles

January 2, 2010 My life, one photo a day

I will go anywhere for a glass of vino....I mean anywhere...


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Miles

January 1, 2010

At Lucilles the new year brings lots of resolutions....

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Miles