Sure, there’s chaos, commotion, confusion, and pandemonium. But despite what most people think, there’s just a butt load of hard work for the self-employed. Here, Garrett Hacking puts in his time photographing one of the many rooms (Fetish Bear here) at the delightful Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast.

After several hours crouching in uncomfortable positions including hiding behind towels to grab photos of bathrooms, Garrett earned a well-deserved break. Still, he simply swapped out the big camera for the small camera and kept snapping photos on the way to the Anaconda Bar.

The bartender, Stephen, made some fabulous cocktails and, as you can see here, stands behind his work. The espresso martini was just the right combo of major food groups — caffeine and alcohol — to boot Garrett’s flagging energy level. I was impressed with my whiskey sour, made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and very tart, just the way I like them.

Next stop, feet up in the courtyard at the Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast. Before you start grousing “Yeah, buttload of work, my a**”, note that the camera is still out and there are two laptop computers powered on out of view.

Here is your capricious but dependable narrator, Bonnie Biafore, on day 3 “doing the Hemingway”, which translates to working while sitting in a bar drinking. The reflection in my sunglasses tells all. Notebook on the table in front of me with notes for these posts and camera still attached to Garrett’s hand. The previous post was edited and published from the Gorge Bar. Do not try this at home. we are trained professionals.

Why is Garret smiling? Besides not shooting a photo and being on a break from photography in Denver, he has a tasty gold margarita from the Gorge Bar and knows that in a few short moments he gets to critique my photography technique — or lack thereof. Having a photogenic subject helps a lot.

Er…the research continues.

Notebook still on the table. Pen still in hand. I work all the time. Sometimes it is a long grueling slog. Other times, it’s hilarious. You decide.

On the way out of the Alley Cantina, a table of pool-player characters caught Garrett’s eye. he asked if he could take their picture and the rest is history.

Ron Chavez, the Route 66 Storyteller, is one cool dude. He had copies of his books, Time of Triumph and Winds of Wildfire with him. Need more time to dig a little deeper into this fine wordsmith’s work.

Bob remembered very clearly that he joined the Intergalactic Trading Circle three months before Widespread Panic came on the scene 25 years ago. The hat has worn pretty well don’t you think? Still not sure if he’s trading galaxies or trading with other galaxies. He is actually the first local we met going to the concert. His first Panic show and he is excited.

You don’t have to feed the parking meters in Taos during the lunch hour. That’s just the kind of place Taos is.

Sunset as seen out the window of the car on the road out of town. A peaceful end of another day of chaos.
