Wayward Critters
On my way from Tennessee to California, I noticed each gas station had these Beanie Babies for sale. Without realizing it, I had already bought two from different states. Therefore, I decided I would collect one from every other state on route. On my return trip back to Tennessee, I decided I would stop and photograph these “critters” at a location in each state I pass through. “Wayward Critters” is meant to represent me in this phase in my life. My destination in this life is unpredictable. I don’t know where I’m headed yet. And for the first time in my life, I don’t fear the unknown. I’m open to the possibilities now. I am ready to get on this road on my own.
Shot on 35mm film.
California
I left Los Angeles early morning on October 23, 2022 and made my way to Las Vegas, Nevada. As I was driving, I was enamoured by the sunrise. Therefore, I stopped at an isolated road in the desert to capture the first photo of this critter. I bought this “critter” earlier that month at a gas station in Barstow, California on my way to Los Angeles.
I am from California. It was my home for 30 years. It was filled with many memories I hold dear to my heart. But it was also filled with painful ones too. It was easy to get lost there. I grew restless often. It was hard to be happy most days. I needed a change. I needed to breathe. Most importantly, I needed to heal. I took the leap and moved to Tennessee. It was the most important decision I made in my entire life.
I still hold a special place in my heart for California.
Nevada/Arizona Border
After a long and exciting day at When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas, I stayed the night in Boulder City, Nevada just 10 minutes from the Hoover Dam. I stopped at the Hoover Dam for about 30 minutes and continued on Highway 93. I noticed a sign saying “Scenic View” and decided to pull over. From this view, you were able to spot Willow Beach from afar. Technically, I photographed this critter from the Arizona border. But I was not too far from the Nevada border. All that separated us was some mountains and the Colorado River.
Arizona
I have been to the Grand Canyon before. Just on the West Rim. However I have heard from many sources that the South Rim is the one to check out. Once I got there, it was incredibly difficult to leave. I drove in the park as far as I could. I spent some time at the Grandview Point. Then I headed back towards the entrance and stopped at almost every view point along the way. I captured this critter on one of those locations. This was the highlight of my trip back. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was truly a spiritual experience. What I experienced there was peace. I could almost cry. I was so grateful to have been able to experience this beauty.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, I decided my next stop would be Santa Fe. A binder, provided by the hotel I stayed at in Albuquerque, informed me that taking the Turquoise Trail Road, Highway 14, would be a more scenic route. And it truly was. The landscape I passed through was beautiful. I also took a couple of minutes and stopped at the small old mining town of Madrid. It was too early when I arrived but I noticed this town was incredibly colorful and filled with shops. I decided this would be a good stop for the next critter.
Santa Fe was everything that was described to me and more. Like Madrid, it was full of shops. This broke traveler unfortunately couldn’t indulge in the beautiful art, jewelry, clothes, blankets, and other items this town had to offer. But this won’t be the last time I visit.
Texas
I have visited Cadillac Ranch before and thought this would be a good spot to photograph the next critter. However, upon arriving there, the area was flooded and only one car fully accessible. I made it just in time for sunset. I quickly got this shot before I lost any more light.
The last time I was here, it was with a good friend of mine who was helping me move to Tennessee earlier this year. He bought a can of paint spray and painted our names on these cars. Being back here brought back that memory of that time spent with my friend. Mixed feelings of happiness and sadness. Having him there with me felt like I still had a piece of Los Angeles with me. When he left, it was gone. And my new reality all became real.
Oklahoma
Uptown 23rd District in Oklahoma City is home to the historic Tower Theatre from 1937. This is located along Route 66. I have previously visited this theatre on tour with a musician earlier this year. The building surrounding this theatre is also home to the music venue, Ponyboy. I thought this would be a good spot to photograph our next critter.
By coincidence, the color of the fox matches the color of the Tower sign. I’d dead serious, I did not plan that.
Arkansas
My final stop before arriving to Tennessee was the Ozarks in Arkansas. Having made these long trips from California to Tennessee before, I never got the chance to stop and visit what Arkansas has to offer. We just always passed through. From my research, it seems that Arkansas is known for it beautiful hiking trails. I had a friend who told me about the Ozarks and that she would love to visit someday. So I made the trip there for her. This friend was my traveling companion when I still lived in California. So this trip to the Ozarks meant a lot to me. It reminded me of our previous adventures to breathtaking locations like this one. The drive alone to get to this viewpoint took my breath away. The winding roads were hugged by trees still covered in yellow, red, brown and orange foliage. And through the trees you can see glimpses of sun flares shining through. There were moments where the sun lit up the trees so brightly that it could almost blind you. And then moments where the sun would hide and then everything around you looks cool and haunting. Once I arrived at the viewpoint, I was met by the bright foliage again, 100 times over.
I took the photo of this critter and then stood there for what seemed forever. Thoughts of my previous adventures with my friend racing through my head. Thinking of how much she would love this view. It was then I made a promise that I will bring her here someday.
