Touring the extremities (Columbus, NM)

My friend, Julie, who lives in New York state, wanted to see some examples of border towns. Having limited time, she settled for one example: Columbus, NM.

Columbus abuts Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico and provides an easy pedestrian crossing into Mexico. She hadn't brought her passport, so we peered at the fence from the duty-free shop parking lot.

Columbus is a favorite of mine, mainly because of the library and its spirit. I once drifted into town and asked about a library card. The librarian said, "We LOVE transients!" I think she did want to see a card from where I lived, and so I provided my previous transient card from Arizona. Like we enjoy introducing one dear friend to another, I wanted Julie to meet my library.

The Patio ... patio.

Columbus hosts a couple of museums; we chose the old railroad depot.

No personal injuries for me. Also, no work.

Especially when you flush in the station.

Flush all you want, for the good it will do you.

Antelope Wells was another of Julie's goals, but daylight was burning. We settled for Hachita, NM. 

Have you had a chance encounter change your mind about everything? I have had a dismal opinion of Deming for a while. After declaring that I NEEDED coffee, Julie directed us to this coffee shop immediately in our path: Copper Kettle Coffee, corner of Gold and Spruce. [Facebook page.]

Coffee will generally buoy my spirits under most conditions, but this had a special feel. Let me try to pick the magic to bits:

1) Mandi offered "Bulletproof" coffee, a special mixture favored by people on a particular diet plan.

2) She served a "flat white," favored by Julie.

3) She and her son told stories of Deming that I had never heard, including tunnels, and gunfights over women.

She left me with the feeling that I could, perhaps, live quite happily in Deming. With coffee. You'll find art on the walls, and an area for children to play and feel comfortable while you fuel up.

We stayed overnight at Harold's horse motel, LazyKo Ranch. I had been there about 45 seconds when I started wondering if I could stay a month. Not for the horses, but for the vast plains all around it, the sunsets, and the darling cabin we were housed in. And Tika and Remy, two squishable little dogs who help Harold tend to the human and equine guests.

Suppertime found us in Hatch at a local landmark, Sparky's. 

I'm noticing talking about living some different place a lot. No real plans, but a willingness to shift and shake things up a little. Maybe what I want is to see where I am a bit differently.

Do you know Malia Lane? In the off chance you don't, please do yourself a cosmic favor and change that now.

Malia writes about her life choices with a distinctive voice, from a truly unique perspective.